You may see viewer download links shared in local chat, DM, or even group chat. These links are usually unsafe and link to software that compromises your Second Life account or installs additional hidden software that gives a stranger control of your computer. Be wary of downloadable software links. Strangers may claim that their link is an early fix, a special version of the viewer, or an early release of an anticipated product. Don’t be fooled!
If you see a link advertising a Third-Party Viewer, don’t click it directly. Always check our Third Party Viewer Directory for a list of safe download locations. All approved third-party viewers are included here, and the official Second Life Viewer is available from the Second Life site. To help keep others safe, share this blog post and submit an Abuse Report if you see a suspicious link shared in world.
Check the website’s URL. Before logging into the website, ensure you’re on a legitimate site. A phishing website will often have a similar-looking URL, but with slight variations. Check for spelling errors or subtle changes in the website’s address.
Look for security indicators. Legitimate websites will often have security indicators, such as a padlock icon or “https” in the URL. This indicates that your information is being transmitted securely. If you are unsure if a URL is legitimate, you can always send in a support ticket and ask for clarification.
Use strong passwords. A strong password is at least 8 characters long and combines uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also use a different password for each online account to reduce the risk of multiple accounts being compromised if one password is stolen.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). This will add an extra layer of security to your account by requiring a second form of identification to access your account to make account changes.
