MILLIONS of iPhone and Android owners are being warned to turn their phones off once a week.
Experts say you might be in danger if you don’t – but following four other rules may be even more important.
The official advice from the USA’s National Security Agency is to “power the device off and on weekly”.
That might sound a bit odd, but it’s designed to stop dangerous spying attacks that rely on “temporary” files.
spoke to security expert Darren Guccione, who explained why it’s so important.
“Turning your phone off once a week essentially gives it a quick ‘reset’ to clear out any potential problems that may build up while it’s running,” said Darren, the CEO of Keeper Security.
“Phones, like computers, run a plethora of apps and processes in the background, which can lead to issues like sluggish performance, bugs or even security vulnerabilities.
“When you turn off your phone, it shuts down all these processes, closing potential gaps that cybercriminals might try to exploit and clearing temporary files that might contain sensitive information.
“While it will not solve every security problem, it’s a simple, low-effort step that can help improve your phone’s performance and make it harder for certain types of attacks to infiltrate the device and your sensitive data.”
There’s no guarantee that turning your iPhone or Android off will fix anything.
In fact, many hacks won’t be affected at all by it.
But it’s still a useful habit to get into, as it can stop some types of attacks.
“It’s not a complete fix, but when combined with other good habits – like regularly updating your phone’s software, deleting unused apps and files, and using strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts,” Darren explained.
“A simple restart helps keep your device more secure.”
SAFE SPACE
If you’re worried about cyber-crime, there are some other tactics you can try.
And they might be even more effective than the phone-restart method.
If you’re not using Bluetooth on your device, disable it.
Chris Hauk
“While powering off your iPhone or Android device once a week won’t hurt anything, it will likely only resolve minor ‘script kiddy’ attacks against your device,” said security expert Chris Hauk, speaking to .
“Meanwhile, malware or viruses will be quietly sitting in your device’s storage area, ready to go back to work as soon as the device comes back online. “
Chris, consumer privacy advocate at Pixel Privacy, told us that there are better ways to stay safe.
He shared four different habits you should get into.
“Keeping your device’s operating system and installed apps updated to the latest available version is better protection against attacks,” Chris said.
“Updates generally include security and privacy fixes, offering protection against known dangers.
“Also, never ‘sideload’ apps onto your device. Stick with the official app stores.
“While it may be inconvenient at times, if you’re not using Bluetooth on your device, disable it to guard against outside attacks.
SWITCHED OFF!
Here’s Brian Higgins, Security Specialist at Comparitech, on why switching off is more than just a security habit…
“A regular phone re-boot isn’t going to protect anyone from the majority of threats currently prevalent in the Android or iOS ecosystems,” Brian told .
“But, that said, there is no harm in it either.
“Depending on what your device has been exposed to since its last switch-off there may well be some benefit.
“But re-booting is a bit behind early patch installation on the list of Mobile Phone Cyber hygiene must-do’s.
“It’s definitely good practice though.
“And well worth incorporating into a regular ‘unplugged’ evening with your loved ones or just a good film.”
“Also, stay away from public WIFi hotspots. If you must use public WiFi, protect yourself with a VPN, which encrypts your Internet connection.”