“Safely online” is a service available in the new version of the mObywatel application (version 4.39). The Ministry of Digitalization emphasized that the new function aims to allow users to “report online fraud more quickly.”
The ministry said that if disturbing or dangerous content is noticed, it can be reported under several categories. These include a malicious website (phishing for data or money), a suspicious SMS message (content or sender), a suspicious email message (attachments, blackmail or phishing, i.e. an attempt to obtain information) and fraud (e.g. attempts to impersonate companies or institutions).
As explained, each category has a designated procedure along with instructions provided to the sender. Each notification will be analyzed by a team of experts from CERT (Computer Emergency Response Team) Polska, and further actions will depend on the type of incident. It was explained that in the event of a suspicious message, the user will be given the SMS number to which they should forward it, a malicious website can be reported via the app, and an attempted email fraud can be reported via the website referred to by mObywatel.
Additionally, there is an “Other” block in the app where you can report incidents in case you are not sure which category your report falls into, as it is added, it will also be reviewed by the CERT team. The “Safe Online” service also allows you to receive notifications about online abuse and fraud.
The ministry said there are plans to develop the service, for example to add more event categories and create a knowledge base for users to help them navigate the internet safely. (PAP)
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