New York is Launching a Free Mobile Security App to Combat Cybersecurity Threat

NYC new york

In the wake of unrelenting cyberattacks, New York is taking the precaution of introducing a suite of cybersecurity tools to protect the city’s residents from malicious online activity.

Dubbed NYC Secure, the free smartphone app was launched by Mayor de Blasio is described as a City-sponsored smartphone protection app that “when installed, will issue warnings to users when suspicious activity is detected on their mobile device.”

Furthermore, the city has also announced protection for public Wi-Fi networks that it claims will make it become “the first city in the world to provide such services to residents and visitors free of charge.”

“Our streets are already the safest of any big city in the country – now we’re bringing that same commitment to protecting New Yorkers into cyberspace,” said Mayor de Blasio while launching the initative. “New Yorkers manage so much of their lives online, from paying bills to applying for jobs to engaging with government. NYC Secure will ensure that we’re applying the best and most effective protection efforts to help New Yorkers defend themselves online.”

NYC Secure’s development and implementation will be overseen by The NYC Cyber Command (NYC3), an entity that will leverage public-private partnerships by integrating with over 100 agencies and offices across the city.

The app will be made available to all New Yorkers come summer. Features will include warnings to users when attempts have been made to compromise their device. Users will also see recommendations such as disconnecting from malicious Wi-Fi networks, navigating away from a compromised website or uninstalling malicious apps.

“The app works without accessing any personally identifiable information, and will not collect or transmit any private data,” the announcement added.

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