Using pirated software or software from unverified sources can infect your device and steal personal data and funds.

State Private Communications reminds you of simple rules to help you protect yourself:

1. Download programs and applications only from official developer sites and official software stores.
2. Only use licensed versions or find free programs from other trusted developers with similar functionality.
3. Use an antivirus to scan executable files before running them. Files with extensions: .exe, .iso, .bin, .ini, .dll, .com, .sys, .bat, .js, .apk can be potentially dangerous.
4. Download smartphone apps only from official app stores (Play Market, App Gallery, App Store and Google Play).
5. Pay attention to what permissions the app requests during installation. Not all apps need access to your geolocation or personal information to work properly.
6. Read reviews from users who have already downloaded the app. Before downloading, be sure to check the information about the developer and owner of the application.
7. Avoid downloading from unknown sources.
8. Activate the ban on installing applications from unverified sources and the automatic ban on downloading files, and for the browser – “ask for file location every time before downloading”. That way, if you accidentally click on a malicious link, the download won’t start automatically and will require your confirmation.