Pet apps can be dangerous: A new study

Most pet owners have already seen multiple apps designed to entertain your pets.

The problem is, some of them can't be trusted - these apps collect and leak their users' data.

Let's find out more about the research proving it.

Not so safe

A new experiment from Newcastle University and also Royal Holloway, University of London has highlighted cybersecurity risks linked to various pet and animal-related apps.

The experiment examined 40 popular Android apps for pets, farm animals, and also other companion animals.

The results also revealed security and privacy concerns, with some apps exposing login or location details of users.

Three applications displayed user login details in plain text within non-secure HTTP traffic, potentially allowing unauthorized access.

Additionally, many apps featured tracking software, and 21 of them tracked users before obtaining their consent, violating data protection regulations.

We have to be careful

The specialists emphasize the need for users to use unique passwords, check app settings, and be mindful of data sharing when using pet tech apps to ensure their cybersecurity.
 

• Related news:
• research
• pets
• apps
• leak
• danger
• 17 November 2023

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