Why does the US National Security Agency recommend restarting your cell phone once a week?

In our daily lives, the cell phones They have become an extension of our activities, so it is essential to provide them with basic maintenance to guarantee good performance. Among the most common recommendations, restarting these devices at least once a week has become a habit suggested by technology experts.

Turning your device off and on allows the operating system refresh your operation and reduce the possibility of errors that may affect you. We explain why you should restart your cell phone once a week.

Why reset your phone?

According to WeLiveSecurity, the United States National Security Agency (NSA) has been suggesting a habit for some time that seems simple, but has a great impact on personal cybersecurity: restart your cell phone.

Since 2020, the NSA recommends doing it at least once a week to reduce risks in the face of an increasingly frequent threat, the no persistent malwarealso known as fileless malware. This type of malicious software operates exclusively in the device’s RAM, so it does not leave traces on the permanent storage.

This malware uses techniques such as living off the land (LOTL), since it uses tools already integrated into the operating system to execute its functions. Thus, you do not need to install additional files on the device. When rebooted, all information stored in RAM is erased, temporarily limiting the malware’s ability to operate.

How does the reset help digital security?

Although restart the cell phone does not remove persistent malware, this process serves as a momentary barrier against other attacks. According to the NSA, power cycling your device can help system security mechanisms identify and block suspicious activity.

In addition, Jake Moore, Global Cybersecurity Advisor at ESET, highlights the importance of maintaining the software of the telephone updated. This is because regular updates ensure that operating systems have the necessary patches to protect against recent vulnerabilities.

Additional recommendations

Like the weekly reset, the NSA suggests taking the following steps to strengthen your digital security and protect your personal data:

– Update your device: Keep your operating system up to date, whether Android or iOS.

– Use strong passwords: Create unique passwords for each account or service, and complement with biometric authentication when possible.

– Avoid bad digital habits: Do not click on links of unknown origin, or download attachments from suspicious senders. Also, avoid practices such as rooting or doing jailbreak to your phone, as this may expose it to other risks.