Increasingly, we live in a world where smartphones have become a fixed part of our lives, an extension of our daily routine and, therefore, digital security must assume a more crucial role than ever. These devices, smartphones, have the power of a computer and can be connected to the internet at all times; a target that is very attractive to cybercriminals. Faced with this threat, the US National Security Agency (NSA) has revealed a simple but effective trick to significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks on phones.
A simple gesture that can have a big impact
According to an NSA report picked up by the renowned Forbes magazine, an action as simple as restarting the device frequently can stop hackers in their tracks. The reason is that many attacks, particularly those carried out through so-called “spear phishing” (attempting to obtain confidential information through an email) and “zero-click exploits” (which do not require user interaction), can be neutralized by restarting the mobile phone.
The US National Security Agency recommends turning the phone off and on again at least once a week. A simple practice that can prevent malicious software from installing itself or an ongoing attack from perpetuating itself in the system. In turn, this action will help reduce the number of system vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to access the device without the user’s knowledge.
Other essential tips for protecting your mobile phone
In addition to rebooting on a regular basis, the NSA has shared other security measures that can make the difference between a secure and a vulnerable device:
- Keep the system updated: Quickly installing software updates reduces the possibility of hackers exploiting security flaws.
- Disable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use: These connections can be gateways for attackers if they remain active unnecessarily.
- Avoid clicking on unexpected pop-ups: Especially those that ask you to install apps or make downloads.
- Use a secure PIN code: The NSA recommends a PIN of at least six digits for greater protection.
- Additional measures for advanced users: Although less practical for the average user, the NSA also suggests covering the phone’s camera and using covers that protect the microphone to avoid possible eavesdropping.
