Softonic has been a trusted destination for software and app downloads since 1997. Our security and trust practices are designed to protect users and maintain a reliable software catalogue, with multiple layers of checks applied to files before and after publication.
This is the developer-facing view of our security process. For the version end users see, visit the Softonic Security and Trust Center.
Submitted files go through several layers of security checks before they are made available on Softonic:
- Antivirus scanning: Real-time scanning by multiple antivirus engines via VirusTotal, plus leading partners including Avira, Bitdefender, ESET, Kaspersky, McAfee, Microsoft Defender, and Symantec, along with Google Safe Browsing for URL scanning.
- Malware & spyware detection: Behavioral analysis to catch malware, spyware, and adware.
- Integrity verification: Hash checks and digital signature validation to confirm the file matches what was submitted and hasn’t been tampered with.
- Privacy policy review: For mobile apps, a review of permissions and policies to help protect user data.
If a security issue is identified, the file may be rejected or held for investigation. See Softonic publishing requirements: quality, compliance, and troubleshooting for how rejections work and how to resubmit.
Is my app rescanned when I publish a new version?
Softonic re-scans files when they’re updated, or when there’s a change to the publisher.
What happens if my app is flagged?
If a security issue is identified, the file may be rejected or held for investigation. See Softonic publishing requirements: quality, compliance, and troubleshooting for the difference between a correctable content-quality issue and a final catalog-eligibility rejection.
What happens if a security issue is discovered after publication?
If new threat intelligence flags an issue in a file that’s already live, Softonic can quarantine and take down the affected file while the issue is investigated.
How can I report a security concern?
Email devsupport@softonic.com