Have you restarted your mobile phone today? Action could prevent data theft, NSA says

Restart your mobile phone regularly at least once a week, can improve device securityAccording to the United States National Security Agency (NSA). The clue is contained in a guide published in 2020 that rose to prominence online again this October.

According to the agency, the simple act of turning your smartphone off and on reduces the risk of cyberattacks such as spear phishing on both Android and iOS. An improved version of the original phishing method, it includes: sending even more personalized fake messages to specific targets.

Weekly reboots can also help protect against zero-click attacks, which require no user action to exploit vulnerabilities. In this method, the attacker takes control of the device without you having to click on links, open malicious files, or perform any other interaction.

As the NSA emphasizes, pressing the mobile phone’s on/off button and tapping “Shut Down” or “Restart” on the screen will not always prevent attackers’ actions. Despite, Could make data theft more difficult by stopping potential ongoing exploits.

Other tips from the NSA to prevent cell phone intrusions

Updating apps and the operating system whenever an update is available and downloading the latest security patch is another way to protect yourself. This allows Fix flaws that could be exploited in different malicious campaigns.

NSA also recommends:

• Install apps only from official Android and iOS stores;
• Do not click on links or attachments in emails and text messages;
• Avoid connecting to public networks but use a VPN when connecting if necessary;
• Disable Bluetooth when not in use;
• Create a strong password of at least six digits to lock your mobile phone;
• Enable fingerprint and/or face scanning;
• Avoid public USB charging stations;
• Turn off location services if not needed.
• Learn more: Disable Bluetooth, cover the camera and more: See tips for protecting your mobile phone

Additional clues may be found in the NSA’s Mobile Best Practices report.