[TVARC] Cell Phones

[wa1utq at embarqmail.com]

Restart your phone more often, US spy agency NSA warns users

3h . 2 min read



 

Restart your phone more often, US spy agency NSA warns usersC Provided by
TAG24 NEWS

Restarting a smartphone takes just a few moments, and yet it's something
that many of us rarely take the time to do.

However one major US spy agency is now calling on smartphone owners to
consciously turn off and on their phones at least once a week, as this helps
to protect the device from certain hacking attempts.

Malware launched via spearphishing and zero-click exploits can be prevented
by manually turning the device off and on again, according to a list of "
<https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21018353-nsa-mobile-device-best-pra
ctices&xcust=2-1-2330195-1-0-0> Mobile Device Best Practices" issued by the
cyberespionage analysts at the US National Security Agency (NSA).

Android smartphones can typically be restarted by long pressing the power
button or holding the power button and the volume up button at the same
time.

If you have an iPhone, you'll need to switch it off once, wait briefly and
then switch it on again. You can do by pressing the lock button and the
volume up button at the same time.

That's not all you can do to keep your phone safe. Here are some other tips
for improved smartphone and tablet security, courtesy of the NSA:

*	Install any updates as soon as possible - the good thing is these
also always involve a restart
*	Deactivate wi-fi and Bluetooth if you aren't using them
*	Avoid using public wi-fi networks
*	Don't lock your phone with a simple password: A six-digit PIN code
is sufficient so long as your device blocks further unlock attempts after 10
unsuccessful entries
*	Avoid clicking on unexpected pop-up windows that prompt you to
install apps. If that happens, close all your active programmes. You can do
that by swiping up from the bottom of your screen and closing all active
windows. On iPhones and Androids with a home button, you can do this by
double-tapping the button.

You know all that? Then here are some more advanced suggestions tailored to
people with confidential information on their phones:

*	Don't have confidential conversations near a mobile device that is
not configured for that purpose
*	Avoid charging your phone with equipment you don't know, such as
public charging stations or from cables that don't come from a well-known
manufacturer
*	Consider using a device cover to shield your microphone, to prevent
hot-miking attacks, which activate your microphone without you noticing
*	Cover up your camera when you are not using it

Related video: NSA advises Android and iPhone users to restart devices
weekly (WFXR Roanoke)

AD

73 Bruce WA1UTQ 

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