Information Security

Think Before You Download That App

To protect the United States Postal Service^® (USPS^®) from rising cyberthreats, the Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) reminds you to think before downloading any apps to your mobile device. USPS has applied security measures that only allow approved business-related apps on USPS-issued mobile devices.

CISO has reviewed and scanned each app in the Infrastructure Tool Kit to ensure they are safe. Mobile apps — which can enhance productivity by making your job quick and easy — must only be downloaded from the USPS App-Store on your device.

Unapproved apps could be harmful and contain malicious software like “malware” that can pose a cybersecurity risk to USPS. If you want to use an app on your USPS-issued mobile device that is not in the USPS App catalog, send an email to the USPS Authorized Apps team at AuthorizedApplications@usps.gov (and copy your manager) with answers to these specific questions:

n What is the app’s name?

n Is the app for Apple or Android?

n What is the business-related problem or opportunity that this app helps solve?

n How does the app enhance the business functionality of your department within USPS?

The USPS Authorized Apps team will determine if the requested app should be added to the USPS App catalog based on the answers submitted along with a technical scan of the app for privacy and security risks.

For general questions regarding mobile app security, send an email to the USPS Authorized Apps team at AuthorizedApplications@usps.gov. The Acceptable Use Policy is also a good reference to explain USPS-associated protocols for mobile device use.

For more information about cybersecurity, visit blue.usps.gov/cyber or liteblue.usps.gov/cyber, as well as the Monthly Awareness Campaigns page at blue.usps.gov/cyber/communications.htm.

— Corporate Information Security Office,
Chief Information Security Officer, 9-7-23