In a report on best practices for mobile devices, the NSA (United States National Security Agency) offered a series of tips designed to prevent hackers and attackers from appropriating information stored on your cell phone.
The basic recommendation is to turn the smartphone off and on again at least once a week. This simple act can be key to protecting the device from many vulnerabilities.
The document lists about a dozen tips, including “consider the use of biometrics” and “only use original charging cables.”
Although many may sound elementary, the recommendation to reboot your computer weekly caught a lot of attention. It even points out that the maximum time it should remain on should not exceed the 168 hours.
“Threats to mobile devices are more frequent and increasing in scope and complexity,” the NSA said while warning that some features “provide convenience and capability, but sacrifice security.”
This practice, while not foolproof, can help reduce the risks of zero-click exploits and malware delivered via spear-phishing attacks.
The term “zero-day” means that developers have no no day’s notice to create a security update, leaving users exposed to potential attacks.
Thus, restarting the device regularly may interrupt a possible Information flow towards criminals, in case they have managed to exploit a flaw not yet discovered and installed in the device.
For those who forget to carry out these practices, some manufacturers have integrated functions into their terminals that allow scheduled reboots. Samsung Galaxy devices and the latest OnePlus models support this possibility.
Although Google’s Pixel phones don’t have this option, they automatically reboot after receiving an over-the-air (OTA) software update. iPhone users can set up an automation to restart their device periodically.
Cell phone use: more important recommendations
The NSA also advises phone users to turn off Bluetooth when not in use, update the device as soon as possible when operating system and app updates are available, and turn off location services when they are not needed.
Another recommendation is the use of PIN and “strong” screen lock passwords, with a minimum of six digits, as long as the smartphone is set to automatically wipe after 10 incorrect attempts and to automatically lock after 5 minutes of inactivity.
The NSA further warns that opening email attachments and links is a no-no, even when the sender appears legitimate, as they can easily pass on malicious content without realizing it or because their accounts are compromised.
At the same time, remember that opening email attachments and links is a no-no, even when the sender appears legitimate, since they can easily pass malicious content without realizing it or because their accounts are compromised.