Anyone with an iPhone or Android should turn their device on and off once a week, officials say, to protect themselves from hackers.
The idea is to protect against zero-click exploits, which allow hackers to download malicious apps, spyware, and impersonation scams onto devices without users clicking on the links.
The National Security Agency (NSA) has urged users to restart their phones at least once a week and turn off WiFi and Bluetooth to prevent personal data theft.
The NSA also warned that users should be careful when connecting to public WiFi networks and are advised to regularly update their phone’s software and apps.
The NSA cautioned that these tips are not 100% effective, but will provide at least partial protection against some malicious activity.
Android and iPhone users have been asked to restart their phones once a week and turn off WiFi and Bluetooth to avoid cybersecurity attacks. Criminals can use zero-click exploits to infect a device and collect data without the user having to click a link or download a file.
An NSA document lists numerous steps iPhone and Android users should take to mitigate the risk of a cyberattack.
Restarting your phone is one of the lesser-known methods of combating cyberattacks, but it’s also important to frequently update software and apps to keep your device safe.
By turning the phone off and on again, users reduce the risk of spear phishing, when an attacker sends targeted fraudulent emails to steal sensitive information such as login credentials.
Over time, hackers find new ways to break into a system, but updating old software will remove any potential loopholes or vulnerabilities they could have used to access your data.
The NSA also recommended that users turn off their Bluetooth when not using it, as this reduces the risk of unauthorized access to their devices.
These tips are not 100% effective, the NSA warned, but they should provide partial protection against some malicious activity.
“Threats to mobile devices are more widespread and increasing in scope and complexity,” the NSA warned, adding that some smartphone features “provide convenience and functionality but sacrifice security.”
Users should also turn off their WiFi and remove unused networks that cybercriminals can use to target their phones.
When connecting to a WiFi network, it is important to watch out for SSID confusion attacks that trick users into connecting to their hotspot instead of the establishment’s official WiFi using a similar network name.
The NSA has recommended that users turn off their Bluetooth when not using it, as this reduces the risk of unauthorized access to their devices.
A strong lock screen with a minimum six-digit PIN will add much-needed protection when combined with the feature that prompts the smartphone to erase after 10 incorrect attempts.
It further warns that people should avoid opening attachments or links from an unknown source that could install malware without their knowledge.
“Following social engineering tactics, such as responding to unsolicited emails requesting sensitive information, can lead to account compromise and identity theft,” Oliver Page, CEO of cybersecurity firm Cybernut, told Forbes .
“These phishing attempts often imitate legitimate entities, tricking individuals into disclosing confidential details.
“Trusting phone calls or messages without verification can lead to serious consequences as fraudsters manipulate victims into disclosing sensitive information or taking actions that compromise their safety.”
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also strongly warned users against dismantling any security settings that could give cybercriminals the opportunity to break into the phone.
“Tamping with your phone’s factory settings, jailbreaking, or rooting your phone compromises the built-in security features offered by your wireless service and your smartphone while making it more vulnerable to attack,” the FCC warned.
According to Statista, the data of 353 million people was compromised in the United States last year, including breaches, leaks and exposures.