Android application forensics: A survey of obfuscation, obfuscation detection and deobfuscation techniques and their impact on investigations

Android obfuscation techniques include not only classic code that were adapted to Android, but also methods target the platform specifically. This work examines status-quo of obfuscation, detection and deobfuscation. Specifically, it first summarizes approaches are commonly used by app developers for optimization, protect their software against theft tampering frequently misused malware circumvent anti-malware products. Secondly, article focuses on presents various available tools current research. Thirdly, deobfuscation (which aims at reinstating original state before obfuscation) is discussed followed a brief discussion how this impacts forensic investigation. We conclude although widely in development (benign malicious), practices deal with standardized, so inherently lacking from standpoint.