(Un) Weather Applications for Data Security Comparison – it-daily.net

Who doesn’t know: the sun is shining and you leave the umbrella at home – and then it rains like buckets all day long. Such bad surprises can be avoided with a reliable weather forecast.

Fast and reliable weather forecasts can be viewed using weather apps, especially on smartphones. Just figuring out when it will rain is not helpful. The weather can become a major hazard during thunderstorms and floods. The most recent flood events in Germany make this clear, but in addition to reliable forecasting, user data: Internal data also plays an important role when choosing a weather application.

wetter.com

wetter.com is one of the most frequently used weather applications in Germany. This processor is available for free for Android (v 2.45.0) and iOS (v 1.36.0). In addition to current weather forecasts and multi-day forecasts, the application provides an interactive rain radar and severe weather warning function. The source code of the Android processor provides hints that the app allows insecure SSL connections. So the data transfer is not encrypted. In both iOS and Android versions, the application requires access to the exact location of the user: Inside. On iOS devices, the application requests users’ contacts and access to the microphone. At this point it is questionable why this information should be relevant to the weather forecast. It was also noted that the application uses trackers and analytics tools such as Adjust, Facebook Ads and Google Analytics. In the iOS version, the connection to the development environment has not been adequately tested to see if the certificate stored there is trustworthy. It may be with someone Attempt hacking Data can lead to unnoticed query.

Warning weather

The WarneWetter processor is available for Android (v 3.4.1) and iOS (v 3.4.2) from the German Weather Service. The application does not get its name. In the full version of the tariff it also provides an overview of the current weather conditions in Germany. Importantly, however, it provides free, comprehensive alerts to selected locations through official alerts. In both iOS and Android versions, the application requires access to the exact location of the user: Inside. It is questionable why the approximate location of the user (e.g. city) is not sufficient to determine the weather forecast. It was also noted that the application uses monitoring and analysis services such as Google CrashLitics and Google Firebase Analytics to evaluate application behavior. The code version of the Android version of WarnWetter also provides clues to unencrypted communications. Data transfer is not secure for analytics services. This exposes the processor to interpersonal attacks.

WetterOnline

The WetterOnline processor is available for free on Android and iOS in version 2021.14.1. In addition to the current and fortnightly weather trends, the application shows pollen counts and informs users about storms. The application requests access to the exact location of the user on Android and iOS devices. The weather app permanently demands this access, not just when using the app. This function may be due to the fact that users can immediately report current storm hazards at this location when they change location. Additionally, the app uses a variety of monitoring and analytics tools, such as Google CrashLytics and AppsFlyer, to evaluate app behavior and initiate appropriate marketing activities. The source code of the WetterOnline application also provides information that insecure HTTP connections may be possible and that data transfer to analytics services is not encrypted.

Acupressure

AccuWeather has high downloads in weather apps and can be used for free on Android (v 7.11.1) and iOS devices (v 14.11). This weather app provides weather radar and severe weather warnings in real time, among others. The application requests access to the user’s exact location: asks to see it inside and at any time. Furthermore, Opscon has shown that the application makes extensive use of monitoring and analytics tools such as Google Admob and Appsflyer to monitor application behavior. However, users must explicitly acknowledge this before use. However, in the background, device metadata and server details are still sent to analytics services.

Results in weather applications

Weather apps are the best way to find accurate weather forecasts anytime, anywhere. Tested weather apps all use trackers and put a lot of ads in the app accordingly. In most cases this can be removed for a fee. Also, all applications require access to the user’s exact location: inside. However, users are not required to grant this authorization to applications. It is a good idea to use a warning processor such as a warner to warn of severe storms at good times. Users can also use it with a clear conscience for reasons of data protection law.

www.appvisory.com