Many individuals overlook the necessary upkeep required to maintain their smartphones in optimal condition. These compact computers we carry in our pockets demand regular care and critical updates to safeguard against both physical deterioration and cyber threats.
Completely powering down your phone can shield it from certain hacking attempts
It may come as a surprise, but something as simple as turning off your smartphone completely is often neglected by users. Security professionals at the NSA suggest that this basic action can significantly bolster your device’s defenses against various hacking techniques. Nowadays, unauthorized access to smartphones can occur not just through deceptive links, but also through what are known as zero-click exploits.
This method enables hackers to circumvent a phone’s security measures incrementally. It can start with something as innocuous as a missed call, leading to downloaded files that gradually grant access to sensitive information within the system. Such intrusions can often go unnoticed, but they can be effectively thwarted by powering down the device fully.
How frequently should you turn off your phone?
The straightforward response from cybersecurity specialists is to power off your phone at least once a week. This practice not only serves as a protective measure but also aids in ensuring that your smartphone’s operating system runs efficiently and effectively.
Tip: If you’re curious about how long it has been since your device was last turned off, you can easily check in the system settings. For Android users, this information is typically located under “Device” and then “Status,” where the uptime is displayed in hours.
Editor’s note: This article was initially published on May 17, and it has since been revised with updated information.
