The National Security Agency (Nsa) of the USA. turn off and turn on the mobile at least once a week. There are those who recommend it daily, as did Anthony AlbanesePrime Minister of Australia, two years ago. ‘We all have a responsibility. Simple things, Turn off your phone every night for five minutes. For people who look at this, do it every 24 hours, do it while brushing their teeth or whatever they are doing, ‘he said.
But, to what extent is it useful to turn off and turn on the mobile every so often? According to the NSA, which in addition to this one performs more than a dozen recommendations in your guide, can Prevent or mitigate Spearphishing attacks to install malware and click exploits. Spearphishing consists of sending fraudulent messages, with links to malicious pages or with attached malware, but,, Unlike phishing (Supplantation of identity), Custom with victim informationwhile a zero click exploit (zero-click exploit) is a vulnerability that allows an attacker to compromise a device without the victim having to do any action, such as clicking on a link or opening a file.
It is obvious that any malicious action on the device will stop with the mobile off, but What happens when it is on again?
Experts speak
Dr. Priyadarsi Nandaprofessor specialized in cybersecurity of the University of Technology Of Sydney, the Guardian explained to this issue to periodically turn off the mobile for five minutes minimizes the risk because force the closure of applications and background processes that can be being monitored by a threat to collect data. Some of the benefits of a reset can be achieved by closing applications from the phone settings, but there are processes caused by malicious software that They only stop by turning off the phone.
‘If there is a process that runs from the attacker’s side, Turn off the phone breaks the chain, even if it is only for the time that the phone is off, no doubt frustrating the potential hacker. It is possible that it does not protect it completely, but restarting can make things difficult, ‘said Nanda.
Another expert consulted by the middle, Dr. ARASH ShaghaghiProfessor of the University of Nueva Gales del Surhe said that restart the smartphone “It can be a challenge for attackers, since they may need to find alternative means to exploit the device once it is turned on. ‘.
According to Davey Winderhacker and cybersecurity expert who collaborates with Forbes, this advice was more valid in 2020 than now, although Do not discard it. ‘Updated smartphones They have malware protections that is retained in memory, so it is likely not to survive a restart‘, although he acknowledges that after resetting the phone ‘I could simply start the entire process again’.
Jake MooreGlobal Cybersecurity Evangelist of ESET, assures Forbes that ‘while people regularly update their devices when new versions of the operating system are launched, the devices will remain healthy and protected. However, it is a good idea to restart the phone regularly, but more for battery reasons than for security‘.
Thus, restarting the mobile is a security practice that helps protect from malware and certain types of vulnerabilities, but it is not the panacea. It is also recommended because it serves To eliminate certain malfunctions They have nothing to do with an attack, like a cache that gives problems in an application.
The tips of the NSA
- Update software and app as soon as possible.
- Install only official store applications and the lowest number.
- Use safe pins.
- Restart the device weekly.
- Do not click on links or open unknown attachments.
- Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when they are not used.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
- Maintain physical control of the device.
- Do not do jailbreak or root to the device.
- Use reliable accessories and avoid USB public loaders.
- Do not have the device close when sensitive conversations are held.
- Cover camera and use covers that block the microphone.
- Disable location services when not used.