Preventing Ad Fraud On Gaming Apps: In Conversation With Raghib Khan

1
Preventing Ad Fraud On Gaming Apps

• In Conversation With Raghib Khan

2
Table Of Contents

• Ad Fraud Attacking Games Statistics
• 3 Types Of Gaming App Frauds
• What Needs To Be Done To Eliminate Ad Scam From
  Gaming Apps?

3
Ad Fraud Attacking Games Statistics
4

• According to market research, the CAGR for mobile
  gaming apps is expected to be 12.3 between 2021
  and 2026. The growth is ascribed to improved WFH
  circumstances, the rise in smartphone usage, and
  technology uptake in recent years.
• The penetration of mobile games has also aided
  the gradual increase in the installation of
  gaming apps through social apps like Facebook.
  North America, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific
  region have the highest adoption rates for gaming
  apps.
• Raghib Khan, the co-founder of RNF Technologies
  highlights an analysis less than 36 of online
  traffic is made up of humans, while 64 is made
  up of malicious bots which is considered a scam.
• To make money, fraudsters use mobile ad fraud to
  target mobile advertising (bypassing mobile
  marketing funnels). As per a few researches, app
  fraud can range from 18 to 36 depending on the
  type. These include IP fraud, geo fraud, click
  spamming, SDK spoofing, and incentive fraud.

5
3 Types Of Gaming App Fraud
6
Attribution Hijacking

• To track certain occurrences, such as installs,
  purchases, link clicks, etc., publishers
  frequently use attribution models. The first/last
  click before the event, frequently installed in
  gaming apps, gives the fraudster credit.
• As a result, scammers receive money from
  advertising in exchange for fraudulent credits.
  The approach impacts both organic and inorganic
  users, says Raghib Khan.
• Install hijacking is frequently carried out by
  supplying fake click data or injecting fake
  referrals. Even if it originated from a media
  partner, any malware installed through another
  app is activated and creates a phony click report
  with install attribution to the partner.

7
SDK Hacking

• Hacking SDKs is yet another fraud that occurs
  through pre-existing malware on customer devices
  through app installation. As Raghib Khan states
  that this bot fraud spoof installs by deceiving
  servers and giving crooks a financial advantage.
• Brands utilizing open-source software or
  inadequate encryption should know that fraudsters
  can manipulate or reverse-engineer attribution
  codes using these security flaws.
• With installs, clicks and other engagement
  signals can be manipulated using SDK spoofing.
  Tracking unused SDKs, keeping an eye out for
  install frauds, and creating a report for fraud
  exposure are all necessary for spotting SDK
  spoofs.
• Avoiding open-source SDKs, maintaining a secure
  connection between SDKs and servers, spotting
  behavioral irregularities, and utilizing a bot
  detection tool are the best ways to prevent AKA
  spoofing.

8
CPA Fraud In App

• CPA models think that quality consumers will take
  action after downloading the app. The lifetime
  value of users is calculated by advertisers using
  criteria such as tutorials finished, levels
  attained, and in-app purchases (LTV).
• The adoption of the CPA model aimed to reduce
  install fraud rates. Unfortunately, scammers
  developed SIVTsophisticated invalid trafficto
  avoid detection and destroy in-app economies.
• Additionally talking of the spam, Raghib Khan
  suggests, advertisers profit from in-app
  marketplaces and purchases. In-app advertising is
  another revenue stream for freemium firms.
• Based on cost-per-sale models developed after
  researching premium consumers, advertisers
  generate income. Because fixed percentages or
  rates offer huge compensation, highlighted by
  Raghib Khan, fraudsters utilize ad fraud to gain
  the cost per action through in-app
  advertisements.

9
What Needs To Be Done To Eliminate Ad Scam From
Gaming Apps?
10

• Here are a few proven tips shared by the gaming
  app expert Raghib Khan, who also co-owns RNF
  Technologies with Faisal Abidi to fight ad fraud
  scams efficiently
• Ad fraud in the mobile advertising space is a
  significant source of resentment for advertisers
  and marketers.
• Brands should eliminate ad fraud to develop
  marketing strategies based on accurate
  information, reduce spending, and increase actual
  conversions.
• A 360-degree approach with professionals on call
  around the clock is necessary to combat ad fraud
  and ensure brand protection.
• Additionally, the ad fraud solution should be
  equipped with AI and ML tools to recognize SIVT,
  examine abnormalities, and search the web for
  brand infringement.
• By implementing such technology, brands can
  ensure a safer digital ecosystem, ad servers, and
  data management systems.

11
Special Thanks To

Raghib Khan,

Co-Founder, RNF Technologies