The new app will alert residents of unsecured Wi-Fi networks, unsafe apps in Android, system tampering, and more.

In celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) at the City of Boston today announced the official release of the Secure Boston App.

“Cybersecurity is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Greg McCarthy, the City of Boston’s Chief Information Security Officer. “With the free Secure Boston App, we empower all City of Boston residents to take control of their mobile device security and protect what matters most in an increasingly connected world.”

Malicious cyber threats and scams tend to exploit individuals through their smartphones, underscoring the need for heightened digital vigilance and awareness. Users are 6-10 times more likely to fall for an SMS phishing attack than an email-based attack. Additionally, 80% of phishing attacks target mobile devices, or were designed to function on both mobile devices and desktops. Secure Boston is designed to safeguard users from digital threats without compromising their privacy. In collaboration with Zimperium, a mobile security company that has worked with U.S. states including California, New York, and Michigan, the Secure Boston app to redefine online safety in our City. 

“We’re in a time where technology is a necessity, and digital equity ensures everyone has access,” said Santiago Garces, the Chief Information Officer of the City of Boston. “We want to set up the right safeguards to protect our constituents from cyber threats that have the ability to do harm to our residents and their devices. We encourage residents to use technology, but do so safely. This is why we want our Boston residents, especially those who need more help to stay secure, to utilize the Secure Boston app.”

The Secure Boston app alerts users in real-time about potential security risks, ensuring that they can browse, work, and connect while staying informed about potentially hazardous situations and guarding against scams, phishing attacks, and password breaches.

Notable features of the Secure Boston app include: 

• Wi-Fi Network Alerts: Get instant notifications about unsecure Wi-Fi networks to ensure secure browsing.
• Android App Safety: Detects and warns against unsafe apps on Android devices, preventing potential threats.
• Detect System Tampering: Receive immediate notifications if your device’s integrity is compromised.
• Detect Phishing: Use the phishing link check within the app to determine if URLs or QR codes are safe, or enable the VPN for comprehensive protection. 

“Digital safety is now a public safety issue,” said Shridhar Mittal, CEO of Zimperium. “We all have so much personal and business-related information on our mobile devices, they have become rich targets for cybercriminals. Many people can’t or don’t know how to increase their cyber hygiene to protect themselves from evolving cyberthreats, making them an easy target for scammers.”

The Secure Boston app is entirely free and does not collect personal or private information.

The app is now available for both iOS and Android. For more details regarding the privacy policy, or how to use the Secure Boston app, visit boston.gov/secure-boston

CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is recognized each year in October. The month is dedicated to raising the awareness of cybersecurity, recommending that everyone keeps their information secure online. The City’s Cybersecurity Team encourages all residents in Boston to practice good cyber hygiene this month, and throughout the year. For tips and tricks to stay safe, visit boston.gov/cybersecurity

ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION DEPARTMENT

The Department of Innovation and Technology is dedicated to making sure that the networks, computers, and systems that support the City are secure and effective. We also manage the City’s websites and technologies focused on service delivery. Visit our website to learn more: boston.gov/doit

ABOUT ZIMPERIUM

Zimperium enables companies to realize the full potential of mobile-powered business by activating a Mobile-First Security Strategy. Built for the demands of mobile business, Zimperium’s Mobile-First Security Platform™ delivers unmatched security across both applications and devices. Only Zimperium delivers autonomous mobile security that dynamically adapts to changing environments so companies can capitalize on the new world of mobile-powered opportunities, securely. Zimperium is headquartered in Dallas, Texas and backed by Liberty Strategic Capital and SoftBank. For more information, follow Zimperium on Twitter (@Zimperium) and LinkedIn, or visit Zimperium.com