Did you know:
- More people own cell phones than own flushing toilets?
- Phones today have more processing power than NASA’s computers had when they launched Apollo 11?
Both of those facts are true. That device you’re carrying around in your pocket is truly amazing. For most of us, our phones are the most important device we own and we’re never far from them. That’s why phone safety is so important.
Want to keep your phone safe?
Well, there’s a major step you can take that’s incredibly simple: restart your phone at least once a week. This advice, which comes from The National Security Agency (NSA), may seem odd, but it’s true and more helpful than you may realize. Something as simple as powering your phone off and turning it on could again really does improve phone security. There’s actually a great reason behind it, and it all has to do with protecting your phone from cyber threats.
Why Restarting Is Important for Security
Imagine your phone is like your favorite mug. You use it daily and keep it on your desk, but hey, since you’re only drinking coffee and occasionally water out of it, you don’t think much about the dishwasher. So, every day you use it with just a quick rinse. Over time, coffee leaves residue that builds up. Then there’s the donut you ate, and a few crumbs fell into it. When you went on vacation you left it sitting there and some dust that you didn’t think about when you returned built up in it. Now, there’s a problem. The stuff in the mug not only affects the taste of your next cup of coffee, it’s also creating a health hazard for you. Restarting your phone is like giving that mug a good scrubbing.
When your phone stays on all the time, it’s like never really washing your mug. Hidden digital “dirt” builds up. That dirt can include things like temporary files, stalled processes, and even uninvited programs (malicious ones!) that you didn’t notice coming in. By turning your phone off and on again, you’re helping clear out these lurking problems, just like giving your favorite mug a soapy scrubbing from time to time.
The Impact of Zero-Click Attacks
One of the biggest reasons the NSA is suggesting this is because of something called “zero-click attacks.” These are attacks that can happen without you even clicking a link, opening an email, or downloading anything suspicious. Normally, we think about clicking on something weird or visiting a sketchy website as the main ways we’d accidentally invite in a cyber threat. But with zero-click attacks, the hacker can sneak in without you ever doing a thing.
Once they get in, these hackers might be able to do things like spy on you, track what you’re typing, or even use your camera without your permission. By restarting your phone, you shut down anything running in the background, including any sneaky programs that might have found their way in. This is especially important for attacks that only “live” in your phone’s memory and don’t leave any traces after a restart.
The Science Behind a Simple Restart
When you turn off your phone, any program that is only running in your phone’s temporary memory (RAM) is completely erased. Most zero-click attacks only affect the RAM, which means if you reboot, they’re gone for good. It’s like a magic reset button for your phone’s memory.
Plus, rebooting helps all your apps, connections, and settings refresh properly. Think of it like hitting the “refresh” button on a webpage when it’s loading weirdly. It can clear out random glitches that may be slowing things down or affecting how apps work. Regularly rebooting your phone means it gets a fresh start each week and stays free of minor issues that could be exploited by cyber criminals.
What Else Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Restarting is a great start, but here are some other quick things to keep your phone extra secure:
- Update Your Software Regularly
Updates aren’t just for new features; they include security patches that fix problems hackers might use to break in. Keeping everything up to date makes sure you’re protected from the latest cyber tricks.
- Use Strong Passwords or Passcodes
This may sound basic, but having a strong password makes it harder for someone to guess their way into your phone. Avoid using obvious things like “1234” or your birthdate.
- Be Cautious with Bluetooth and Location
When you’re not using Bluetooth or location services, turn them off. Hackers can sometimes use these features to access your device, so it’s better to keep them off when you don’t need them.
- Download Apps Only from Trusted Sources
Always stick to official app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play. Downloading apps from unofficial places increases the risk of accidentally downloading malware.
- What to Expect After Rebooting
If you’re restarting your phone weekly, you probably won’t notice any big changes on the surface, but the benefits are in the background. After a reboot, your phone will likely be a little faster, have fewer app crashes, and be at a lower risk of cyber-attacks, especially the zero-click variety.
BOTTOM LINE?
Your phone’s performance improves, and the restart reduces the odds that any hidden threats can remain active. It’s like putting a lock on your door and double-checking the windows before leaving the house. It’s just a good security habit that doesn’t take much effort.
In a world where threats are always evolving, keeping your digital life safe sometimes requires easy but powerful habits like restarting your phone. By following the NSA’s advice and restarting weekly, you’re doing a lot to make your phone a tougher target for cyber criminals. Along with simple steps like keeping your software updated and using a strong passcode, you’re building a solid defense against unwanted intrusions.
So, remember to give your phone that weekly reboot. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in protecting your privacy and keeping your data safe. Oh, and maybe give that favorite coffee cup a good wash as well.
