The U.S. Secret Service recommends all cell phone users to take this safety measure
Got a minute? That’s all you need to protect your phone from cyberattacks with this US Secret Service trick.
Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, acting as an extension of ourselves. But as their role grows, so do security threats. These powerful devices remain connected to the internet at all times, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. To combat this, the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) has shared a simple yet highly effective habit that can drastically reduce your phone’s vulnerability to cyberattacks.
A small action with a big impact
According to an NSA report cited by Forbes, regularly restarting your phone is a surprisingly effective way to block hacking attempts. This is particularly useful against two common attack methods:
- Spear phishing – where hackers trick users into revealing sensitive information via fake emails.
- Zero-click exploits – sophisticated attacks that require no user interaction to infiltrate a device.
The NSA recommends shutting down and restarting your phone at least once a week. This simple habit can disrupt malware installation and prevent ongoing attacks from taking hold. Additionally, rebooting reduces exploitable system vulnerabilities, helping to keep hackers at bay without the user even realizing a threat exists.
Other essential tips to keep your phone secure
Beyond the weekly reboot, the NSA advises several additional security measures that can make the difference between a safe device and one that’s at risk:
- Keep your software updated: Installing updates as soon as they become available helps close security loopholes that hackers exploit.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use: These open connections can be easy entry points for attackers if left on unnecessarily.
- Avoid clicking on unexpected pop-ups: Be especially wary of prompts urging you to install apps or download files.
- Use a strong PIN: The NSA recommends a PIN of at least six digits for better protection.
- Extra precautions for advanced users: For those wanting additional security, the NSA suggests covering your phone’s camera and using cases that block microphone access to prevent potential eavesdropping.
Original article written by Kevin Barquin López, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Greg Heilman.
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