The NSA (National Security Agency) has reiterated the advice to restart your smartphone regularly — specifically, once a week for security purposes. I have always adhered to this practice, understanding that a smartphone is essentially another type of computer. And what is the common advice from tech experts when a computer encounters problems? That is right, they recommend, “reboot your computer,” which also applies to our phones. Restarting can help fix issues arising from memory leaks or troublesome apps running in the background, which tend to consume system resources and slow down the device. I view it as giving your phone a short rest, allowing it to reset and potentially enhance its performance.
Although it might appear to be a straightforward and somewhat insignificant recommendation, the NSA provides legitimate justifications for this advice.
The main reason for regularly restarting your phone is to eliminate any possible malware, spyware, or zero-day exploits (ghtech.site/zeroclick) that may have infiltrated your device. These threats can remain active even when the phone is locked or in standby mode. By shutting down and rebooting the device, you effectively terminate any harmful code or processes, giving your phone a clean slate.
Although the NSA’s recommendation might appear to be quite laborious, keep in mind that they are a cybersecurity-focused intelligence agency. Their guidance stems from the awareness that even the most advanced devices can be susceptible to breaches, and it is always more advantageous to act proactively rather than respond after an incident occurs.
However, the success of this method can differ based on the particular threats and how advanced the malware or exploit is. According to the NSA’s own documentation, restarting your phone might only “occasionally” thwart certain attacks. While it is not a foolproof remedy, it is a straightforward and generally safe action that may help eliminate some vulnerabilities.
I completely agree with this and several other recommendations from the NSA. Please read on and consider implementing the following suggested precautions for your smartphones. First, use biometric authentication to unlock your phone, such as fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, or at the very least, a password. Ensure your device is always updated with the latest software and security patches. Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks and charging stations, as they can be potential entry points for attacks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, such as in an airport or coffee shop, make sure to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Lastly, the NSA advises disabling features like Bluetooth and location services when they are not needed. Personally, I find this challenging as I frequently use these features and often forget to turn them off. Although this might not be the best practice, I am just being honest. For any “how to” questions, consult your phone provider.
Adhering to these recommendations and frequently rebooting your device can greatly improve the security and privacy of your smartphone.
Certain recommendations, like steering clear of public Wi-Fi networks and charging stations, might appear inconvenient or impractical, particularly for frequent travelers. However, there is always a balance to be struck between convenience and security. It is up to each person to assess their own level of risk tolerance and make the most appropriate choices for themselves.
Rebooting your phone on a weekly basis is an easy task that can enhance security without greatly compromising convenience. Additionally, many contemporary smartphones come with features that allow you to set up automatic restarts, streamlining the process even further.
Restarting your phone on a weekly basis, as advised by the NSA, might seem like a straightforward tip, but incorporating this habit into your routine can be beneficial. Given the security risks we face today, combining this with other best practices is crucial. I highly recommend trying to follow these suggestions.