build38
build38, based in Munich, Germany, builds mobile application shielding and in-app protection technology (App Shielding) that defends mobile apps against reverse engineering, tampering, and…
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build38, based in Munich, Germany, builds mobile application shielding and in-app protection technology (App Shielding) that defends mobile apps against reverse engineering, tampering, and runtime attacks, widely used by banks, fintechs, and other mobile-first businesses with high-value transaction flows.
OneSpan, an identity and transaction security vendor, acquired build38; build38’s own domain now redirects directly to a dedicated ‘build38 by OneSpan’ product page describing next-generation app shielding as part of OneSpan’s portfolio. Specific deal terms and the transaction date were not disclosed.
Innovation Matrix Assessment
Built mobile app shielding technology credible enough to be acquired and retained as a named, branded product line within OneSpan's portfolio.
Gives mobile-first businesses concrete, runtime protection for their apps against reverse engineering and tampering, directly relevant to fraud and IP-theft prevention.
Full acquisition and direct product-line integration into OneSpan's portfolio, evidenced by domain redirection to a branded product page, is a strong ownership signal, though deal terms were undisclosed.
Mobile app shielding is an established security category with several competitors; build38's differentiation is execution depth and now integration into a broader identity/transaction security platform.
Adoption by banks and fintechs for high-value transaction flows suggests real operational trust, though no independent, published benchmarking is available.
Mobile app tampering and reverse-engineering attacks against banking and fintech apps remain a durable, high-stakes threat.
Why CISOs Should Care
Gives mobile-first businesses -- especially banks and fintechs -- runtime protection against reverse engineering and tampering on the mobile apps that carry their highest-value transactions, now backed by OneSpan's broader identity and transaction security platform.
What Makes It Different
Purpose-built mobile app shielding focused specifically on runtime protection against reverse engineering and tampering, rather than general mobile device management or MDM-based security.
The Matrix Verdict
55/100 — INCREMENTAL INNOVATOR
An established European mobile app shielding vendor fully absorbed into OneSpan's product portfolio (its own domain now redirects to a branded OneSpan product page); Meaningful Innovator given the direct product integration.
Editorial Note: Claims vs. Verified Findings
The acquisition is confirmed by build38.com redirecting directly to a 'build38 by OneSpan' branded product page on OneSpan's own site; specific deal terms and transaction date were not disclosed.
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