We spend a lot of time on our smartphones sending text messages, scrolling through social media, checking emails, catching up on the latest news, etc. Typically, we only turn off our devices when we encounter a problem or a bug, or when the battery runs out (although unintentionally).
But the National Security Agency recommends powering your smartphone on and off weekly to protect against cyberattacks, and the intelligence agency also lists some general best practices for mobile devices that I share with you from time to time.
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People who own Google Pixel smartphones (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Why you should reboot your phone every week, according to the NSA
The NSA recommends rebooting your smartphone weekly to protect against zero-click attacks that attackers use to eavesdrop on phones and collect data. While rebooting doesn’t completely thwart advanced attacks, many modern cyber attacks require exploiting multiple vulnerabilities in succession. Restarting your phone forces an attacker to start over, potentially thwarting their progress.
How rebooting your phone keeps you safe
Restarting your phone not only helps you avoid cyber attacks, but it also makes your phone run smoother. Manufacturers recommend rebooting your phone regularly to prevent slowdowns and freezing.
Even if only for a short time, a quick reboot can clear background apps, fix overheating, resolve memory issues, improve call signal, and most importantly, make your device feel new, perform better, and make your battery last longer. This applies to both Android phones and iPhones.
Restrict phone restart
But the NSA warns that turning your phone off and back on only rarely prevents these attacks.
“Threats to mobile devices are more pervasive and increasing in scope and complexity,” the NSA said, warning that some smartphone features “provide convenience and functionality but at the expense of security.”


People with iPhones (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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NSA shares more mobile security tips
The NSA also recommends disabling Bluetooth when not in use, updating your phone to the latest versions of operating systems and apps as soon as updates are available, and disabling location services when not needed. The NSA further warns against opening email attachments or links.
Among other things, intelligence agencies urge you to “never connect to public Wi-Fi networks,” disable Wi-Fi you’re not using, and delete Wi-Fi networks you’re not using. That’s sound advice, considering how cybercriminals are exploiting Wi-Fi to exploit users. At the beginning of June, we reported on a vulnerability in Windows devices that could allow bad actors to hack your PC simply by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network as you.
The NSA also recommends using a strong lock screen PIN and password, and recommends using a PIN of at least six digits, as long as your phone is set to automatically wipe after 10 incorrect attempts and automatically lock after five minutes of inactivity.
Setting strong passwords for all the apps and software you use and remembering them can be difficult. I personally use a password manager to generate and manage my passwords, and you can consider using one too.


Smartphone on the desk (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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4 Extra Ways to Keep Your Phone Safe
While the tips above are extremely helpful, below are some additional security measures you can consider following:
1) Use a strong antivirus software: The best way to protect yourself from clicking on malicious links that install malware that could access your personal information is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. This will also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams. Check out my picks for the winners of the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
2) Use a VPN: To protect yourself from tracking and to identify your potential location on websites you visit, consider using a VPN. Many sites can read your IP address and, depending on your privacy settings, may show you the city you’re communicating from. A VPN disguise your IP address to show a different location. For the best VPN software, check out my expert reviews of the best VPNs for privately browsing the web on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
3) Enable two-factor authentication: Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile phone, in addition to your password.
4) Change your passwords: Simply changing a stolen password can make it useless to a thief. Choose a strong password that you don’t use anywhere else.
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Important points about the cart
While the NSA’s advice is not a panacea for security issues, I completely agree with the suggestion to power your devices on and off regularly. It only takes a minute or two per week and is a great habit to develop. It can even become a daily routine, like a bedtime routine. It’s also important to keep your phone’s software and apps up to date and avoid clicking on unknown links and attachments.
How often do you reboot your devices and have you ever noticed any benefits from doing so? Let us know at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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