As a responsible employee, it's important to ensure that the applications you download are safe and do not put company data at risk. Cyber threats like malware, spyware, and data breaches often come from unsafe downloads. 

Follow these simple guidelines to protect yourself and the company:

General Safe Downloading Practices

• Download Only from Official Sources – Always get applications from official app stores or vendor websites (e.g., Microsoft, Google Play, Apple App Store).
• Avoid Cracked or Pirated Software – These often come with malware that can steal company data.
• Check Website URLs Carefully – Fake sites mimic real ones. If unsure, type the URL manually instead of clicking links.
• Read Reviews and Ratings – Check user feedback before downloading apps, especially lesser-known ones.
• Update Regularly – Always install updates to patch security vulnerabilities.
• Use Company-Approved Software – If unsure, ask IT or follow company guidelines on allowed applications
• Think Before You Click – Be cautious of pop-ups or prompts asking you to install unknown software.

Trusted Sources for Common App Categories:

1. Messaging & Communication
   • Microsoft Teams (https://www.microsoft.com/en/microsoft-teams)
   • Zoom (https://zoom.us)
   • Slack (https://slack.com)
   • Google Meet (https://meet.google.com) 
2.  Productivity & Office Tools
   • Microsoft Office 365 (https://www.office.com)
   • Google Workspace (https://workspace.google.com)
   • Notion (https://www.notion.so) 
3. Cloud Storage & File Sharing
   • Google Drive (https://drive.google.com)
   • Dropbox (https://www.dropbox.com)
   • OneDrive (https://www.microsoft.com/onedrive) 
4. Project Management & Collaboration
   • Asana (https://asana.com)
   • Trello (https://trello.com)
   • Jira (https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira) 

Avoid downloading from:

• Torrents or file-sharing sites (e.g., The Pirate Bay, 1337x)
• Free software sites that are not well-known (e.g., Softonic, CNET Downloads)
• Suspicious pop-up ads claiming “Your system is outdated! Download now!”
• Unofficial APK or EXE download sites
• Free third-party messaging apps that are not encrypted or require excessive permissions.

If you accidentally end up on a suspicious site — DO NOT DOWNLOAD ANYTHING. Instead, go directly to the official website or consult Data Security Team for guidance.

Your actions matter! By following these safe downloading practices, you help protect company data and ensure a secure work environment.