The new security measure for Pokémon GO is being stopped by an Apple update. The future for the blacklist currently looks bleak.
In recent weeks, we reported that Niantic has come up with a new security measure. A blacklist is supposed to ensure that cheaters cannot start their Pokémon GO app. However, Apple does not allow the mechanism of the blacklist to be revealed. A setback for Niantic.
iOS Update Slows Down Pokémon GO Blacklist
Actually, the idea of Niantic’s “blacklist” sounds good. The list records banned apps like GPS spoofers that enable players to cheat. When starting Pokémon GO, the game checks which other apps are installed on the device. If a banned app is found that is also on the blacklist, Pokémon GO will not start.
In this way, cheaters are kept out and only get a black screen.
At the moment, it seems that the blacklist is facing difficult times. This particularly affects iOS devices on which a security vulnerability has been fixed.
A bug allowed apps to access other installed apps on the device. However, the bug has now been fixed.
As a result, Pokémon GO can no longer check which other apps are installed on the iOS device. This vulnerability apparently exists on devices that have not yet installed the 11.1.1 update.
In a tweet, Pepijn Bruienne (Mac Enterprise Administrator) explained that the 11.1.1 update fixes the bug.
The Fight Against Cheaters Continues
The idea of the blacklist is fundamentally good. If it works, many cheaters will be stopped – at least on Android devices.
However, the developers still need to significantly improve the blacklist, as there are already many ways circulating online to bypass the feature. In Discord channels of the corresponding software, they talk about renaming the app and other workarounds that circumvent the blacklist.
This anti-cheat measure will reduce the number of cheaters. However, Pokémon GO will not be “cheater-free” as a result.
The developers have already announced improvements for Pokémon GO. However, when we will receive them and what impact they will have on the game is still uncertain.
