US Intelligence Agency Advises People To Restart Their Phones Regularly
It's a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your phone.
By Syazwan Bahri — 23 Oct 2024, 02:40 PM
The US National Security Agency (NSA) is advising users to restart their phones on a weekly basis
You might be surprised to learn that the NSA, the agency responsible for protecting America's secrets, is offering advice on something as simple as restarting your smartphone. But there's a good reason for their recommendation.
While it's not exactly breaking news, the NSA's recommendation to regularly restart your phone is making headlines again
This time, it's appearing in a Forbes report, and its timing couldn't be more relevant. In an age where "zero-click attacks" and "smishing" scams are on the rise, taking simple steps to boost your phone's security is crucial.
As Neal Ziring from the NSA pointed out to the AP a couple of years back, many attacks rely on exploiting a chain of vulnerabilities. Rebooting your device can disrupt this chain, forcing attackers to start from scratch.
In essence, it's a simple yet effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your phone, making it a bit harder for malicious actors to succeed. Combined with other precautions like being wary of suspicious links and messages, regularly restarting your phone can contribute to a stronger defence against cyber threats.
The NSA's advice on rebooting your phone is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to mobile device security
The agency also recommends a range of other practices to keep your smartphone safe from prying eyes.
Firstly, minimise unnecessary wireless connections. Turning off Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when not in use limits the avenues attackers can use to access your device. Similarly, disabling location services when they're not needed prevents unwanted tracking and protects your privacy.
Keeping your phone's operating system and apps updated is crucial. These updates often include vital security patches that address known vulnerabilities, making it harder for hackers to exploit weaknesses in your software.
Using a strong lock screen password or biometric authentication is another essential step. This prevents unauthorised access to your device and protects your personal information if your phone is lost or stolen.
Be cautious about the accessories you use with your phone too. Those with malicious intentions can tamper with charging cables or other accessories to compromise your device.
Finally, exercise caution with emails and text messages. Be wary of attachments or links, even if they seem to come from trusted sources. Avoid clicking on pop-up ads, and never share sensitive information like passwords via text.
