We rely on our smartphones for nearly everything—from banking to sensitive work communications—but did you know that keeping your phone powered on for long periods can leave it vulnerable to cyber threats? According to the NSA, regularly restarting your phone can disrupt potential malware and attacks that take advantage of persistent connections.
How a Simple Restart Can Block Cyber Attacks
Mobile devices can fall prey to various attacks, such as exploits targeting your phone’s background processes or weaknesses in mobile apps. These vulnerabilities often thrive when a device remains active and connected for long durations. While it may seem trivial, restarting your phone forces it to close all running apps and re-establish secure connections, which could interrupt malware running in the background or prevent attackers from accessing sensitive data.
A reboot can also help stop some common cyber threats, including:
- Zero-click exploits: These attacks don’t require user interaction, taking advantage of weaknesses in apps or messaging systems. A reboot can sever malicious processes initiated by such exploits.
- Memory-based attacks: Some malware exists solely in a phone’s memory, rather than on the file system. Restarting your phone clears memory, eliminating these threats.
The Bigger Picture: Mobile Device Security
Restarting your phone is just one piece of the puzzle. Mobile devices are increasingly targeted as the use of mobile banking, workplace apps, and cloud services grows. Malware can be introduced through seemingly harmless apps or software updates, remaining hidden in plain sight. By regularly powering off and rebooting, you disrupt any continuous connection that malware or spyware may be leveraging.
But while rebooting is a quick fix, businesses should implement additional security measures to protect sensitive data and employees’ mobile devices.
What Else Can You Do?
At 4walls, we understand that cyber risks don’t stop at desktops. Our Cyber Security Dashboard helps organisations monitor and protect mobile devices as part of a broader security strategy. Here’s how we enhance mobile security:
- Mobile Device Management: Implement policies that control which apps can be downloaded and set security protocols for device usage.
- Cyber Assessments: Our regular assessments pinpoint vulnerabilities in your network, including mobile device security gaps.
- Employee Training: A simple tip, like rebooting a phone weekly, can be part of your team’s broader security awareness training. We provide ongoing education on how to protect against mobile-based threats.
Combining simple habits like powering off devices with advanced cybersecurity practices can go a long way in protecting your business from emerging threats.
Stay ahead of mobile threats with 4walls Cyber Security Dashboard.