mObywatel with a new function. Be sure to update the application. It’s about safety

The mObywatel application created by the Ministry of Digital Affairs, which allows, among other things, to block our PESEL number or register a car online, has a new function. It is the ability to report incidents concerning network security directly to the CERT Polska team, which deals with the protection of Polish cyberspace.

The “Safe Online” function, which has been added to the new version of the application, allows us to report, among other things, suspicious text messages, emails, websites, fake online stores or attempts to impersonate state institutions.

We have launched this option because we are meeting the expectations and needs of citizens. After the success of the short number 8080, the application is another way to send us a report. And each one is valuable to us, because thanks to this we can better protect users

– explains Sebastian Kondraszuk, who heads the work of CERT Polska.

We want to better protect citizens from cyber threats, increase their awareness of threats and make it easier for them to report them. That is why we are providing a system that allows you to easily report illegal content. Reports will be handled by a special response team

– echoed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski.

mObywatel with a new function. What incidents can be reported?

If we come across suspicious content online or receive suspicious messages, we can report it by selecting one of the following incident categories in the app:

• Malicious website (attempt to extort personal information or money)
• Suspicious SMS message (suspicious content or sender)
• Suspicious email (suspicious attachments, blackmail or phishing)
• Fraud (fake online stores and other attempts to impersonate companies or institutions).

As the Ministry of Digital Affairs explains, each of the above points has a specific path of action, in accordance with the instructions displayed on the smartphone screen. These reports will then be analyzed by CERT Polska experts, and further actions will depend on the type of incident.

For example, a suspicious website and fraud can be reported directly in the mObywatel application by the user. In the event of receiving a suspicious text message, we will receive an SMS number to which we should forward it. And if we receive a disturbing email – the address of the website where we can report it. (in version 4.39 or newer). It can be downloaded and updated via the App Store and Google Play stores.