In App Protection Market: Technology Trends and Vendor Benchmarking In 2025, application security remains one of the most important challenges for businesses and developers worldwide. The rapid growth of mobile, web, and desktop applications brings new opportunities-but it also increases exposure to cyber threats. To help companies evaluate and choose the right protection technologies, QKS Group published its SPARK Matrix™: In App Protection Q1 2025 report. This research examines the leading in-app protection solutions available in the market, ranking vendors based on their technology strength and real-world customer impact. What Is In-App Protection? In App Protection refers to security mechanisms embedded directly into applications. These protections help defend against attacks such as app tampering, code manipulation, data theft, reverse engineering, and runtime security threats. Modern in-app protection solutions use techniques like runtime application self-protection (RASP), code obfuscation, AI-driven threat detection, and secure key management to keep apps safe even after deployment. Why the SPARK Matrix™ Matters The SPARK Matrix™ is a structured framework used by QKS Group to assess technology markets. It combines quantitative analysis with qualitative insights to evaluate vendors in terms of: Technology Excellence – How advanced and effective the solution is. Customer Impact – How well the solution performs for real users. This matrix helps organizations compare different protection tools and align them with their security and business requirements. Top Vendors in the 2025 Report Several vendors were recognized as leaders in the SPARK Matrix™ for in-app protection in 2025. Each brings unique strengths to the table: 1. Zimperium Zimperium is acknowledged for its strong mobile application protection suite, focused especially on runtime defense and AI-driven threat intelligence. Its platform integrates threat detection with DevSecOps workflows, enabling organizations to secure apps throughout development and production. Zimperium’s approach balances high performance with robust security, making it a valuable choice for mobile-first businesses. 2. Verimatrix Verimatrix stands out for its comprehensive protection platform that covers multiple environments, including mobile, web, desktop, and embedded systems. It uses techniques like zero-code
protection, AI/ML-based anomaly detection, and integration with CI/CD and SIEM systems. This allows security teams to embed defenses without modifying application code and to detect threats in real time. Verimatrix was also designated an Ace Performer, a special recognition for growth potential and customer adoption. 3. Build38 Another rising vendor in the report is Build38, known for its next-generation protection framework that blends dynamic runtime defenses with cryptographic security. It supports flexible integration models-such as master code, low-code, and no-code-giving developers options to secure apps without disrupting existing workflows. Key Industry Trends The 2025 report highlights a few major trends in in app protection: AI and Machine Learning are becoming core parts of threat detection, enabling faster and more accurate identification of malicious behavior. Zero-code or low-code protection approaches are gaining importance because they reduce development effort and simplify deployment. Integration into DevSecOps pipelines ensures that security is built in early, improving both speed and reliability. Conclusion The 2025 SPARK Matrix™ for In App Protection gives security leaders and developers an up-to-date view of the in-app security landscape. By comparing vendors and understanding emerging trends, organizations can make smarter decisions to protect their applications and users. Whether you are securing customer-facing mobile apps or critical enterprise platforms, understanding these solutions and their capabilities is essential for robust cybersecurity in 2025 and beyond.
