Debug Protection

Protection ID: debugProtection

Debug Protection is a specialized security feature that makes debugging of your JavaScript code extremely difficult by implementing countermeasures against browser developer tools. This significantly raises the barrier for reverse engineering attempts.

This protection is available in all editions of ByteHide Shield.

How It Works

Debug Protection adds special code to your application that detects when developer tools are open and implements countermeasures that make debugging nearly impossible. When someone tries to use debugger functionality, the protection actively interferes with the debugging process.

The protection works by detecting debug sessions and creating conditions that prevent normal step-through debugging, dramatically slowing down reverse engineering efforts.

Parameters

• Enabled boolean : Enables Debug Protection for your code. false by default

• Interval number : Sets an interval in milliseconds to periodically force debug mode on the Console tab, making it harder to use other Developer Tools features. 0 by default (disabled)

Configuration Examples

Basic Configuration (shield.config.json)

{
  "debugProtection": true
}

Advanced Configuration

{
  "debugProtection": true,
  "debugProtectionInterval": 3000
}

Build Tool Integration (Webpack)

// webpack.config.js
const ByteHideShieldPlugin = require('@bytehide/webpack-shield');

module.exports = {
  // ... other webpack config
  plugins: [
    new ByteHideShieldPlugin({
      projectToken: 'your-project-token',
      config: {
        debugProtection: true,
        debugProtectionInterval: 2500
      }
    })
  ]
}

Code Implementation

Debug Protection works by injecting protection code that interferes with debugging tools. The actual implementation is highly technical and automatically handled by ByteHide Shield. Below is a simplified conceptual example of how the protection works:

// Original code
function calculatePrice(product, quantity) {
  return product.price * quantity;
}

// Conceptual representation of code with Debug Protection
// (actual implementation is much more complex)
(function() {
  let debuggerTriggered = false;
  
  setInterval(function() {
    try {
      // Techniques to detect debugger presence
      debuggerTriggered = true;
      debugger; // Strategic debugger statements that interfere with debugging flow
      debuggerTriggered = false;
    } catch (e) {}
  }, 3000);
  
  // Original function wrapped with protection
  function calculatePrice(product, quantity) {
    if (debuggerTriggered) {
      // Code that runs when debugging is detected
      // This creates unpredictable behavior for anyone debugging
    }
    return product.price * quantity;
  }
  
  window.calculatePrice = calculatePrice;
})();

When to Use

Debug Protection is particularly valuable in these scenarios:

• Premium software: Protecting paid applications from unauthorized access
• License validation code: Securing code that implements licensing logic
• Critical business logic: Preventing competitors from analyzing your algorithms
• Financial applications: Adding an extra layer of security to financial logic

For optimal implementation:

1. Enable this protection in production builds only
2. Consider using it without the interval option for less aggressive protection
3. Use in combination with other Shield protections for maximum security

Compatibility Notes

Debug Protection has the following compatibility considerations:

• Browser compatibility: Works in all major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Target environment: Not suitable for Node.js applications (only works in browser environments)
• User experience: Does not affect normal users who don't open developer tools
• Development: Should be disabled during development and testing phases

Related Protections

For maximum security, combine Debug Protection with:

• Control Flow Flattening
• Self Defending
• Devtools Blocking