NSA Says You Should Restart Your Phone Weekly
Smartphones face various security threats, such as phishing, malware, and spyware, which can compromise personal data or steal identities. To help protect users, the National Security Agency (NSA) released a Mobile Device Best Practices report. A simple yet effective tip is to turn off and restart your phone weekly, which can disrupt attacks, though it’s not foolproof.
Other key recommendations include:
– Regularly updating apps and the operating system.
– Downloading apps only from official stores (Apple App Store or Google Play Store).
– Avoiding public Wi-Fi or using a VPN when necessary.
– Disabling Bluetooth and location services when not in use.
– Using strong passcodes, biometrics, and trusted accessories.
Additionally, the NSA warns of threats like malicious apps, insecure Wi-Fi, and spyware. To further enhance security, tools like iVerify can scan your phone for vulnerabilities and ensure you’re using basic security features. The NSA stresses that while mobile features offer convenience, many also compromise security, and users should take proactive steps to protect their devices.