Bots

Bots are automated scripts or programs designed to perform tasks over the internet, often at a scale that would be impractical for humans.

Why it matters

Can simulate user activity, affecting analytics.
Potentially harmful, leading to security vulnerabilities.

How to measure

Analyze traffic patterns for anomalies.
Regularly review security logs.

Details

In the context of mobile applications, bots can be used for both beneficial and malicious purposes. Beneficial bots might automate repetitive tasks, such as data collection or customer support. However, malicious bots can inflate app metrics, leading to skewed analytics and potentially fraudulent activities such as click fraud or fake installs.

To manage bots effectively, mobile engineers and growth teams should implement bot detection mechanisms, such as CAPTCHA or behavior analysis, to distinguish between human and bot interactions. Regular updates to security protocols are also essential to mitigate evolving bot threats.

Examples & formulas

A common scenario involves bots generating fake installs, which can be detected by monitoring install patterns that deviate significantly from typical user behavior.

Common mistakes

Ignoring bot traffic, leading to inaccurate analytics; implement bot filtering to avoid this.
Over-reliance on automated detection tools without manual review; ensure a balance between automation and human oversight.