Even the NSA Says It’s a Good Idea to Turn Your Phone Off and On Again

Ask yourself: “When was the last time I turned my phone off and back on?”

While restarting your phone might sound super basic, tech experts say it's a go-to troubleshooting trick. In fact, even the National Security Agency (NSA) suggests doing it every now and then.

Let’s look at why the NSA recommends this and what benefits it can bring.

Why the NSA Cares About Your Phone's Security

Phones are everywhere now—they’re used for work, school, socializing, and everything in between. But because they’re so widely used, hackers and scammers have tons of chances to target them. And since many people prioritize convenience over security, it’s easy for security issues to slip by unnoticed.

So, in 2020, the NSA put together a guide for keeping mobile devices safe. One of their main tips? Turn your phone off and on weekly.

Why Restarting Helps

In their guide, the NSA suggests rebooting to protect against certain types of malware (harmful software). Some malware, known as “non-persistent malware,” doesn’t survive a restart, meaning a simple reboot can remove it. While restarting isn’t a cure-all for security issues, it does help reduce certain risks.

Restarting can also boost your phone’s performance, keeping the battery healthy and improving network connections.

So, Try Restarting Your Phone Weekly for Security and Performance

For more advice on tech best practices, call BNMC at (978) 482-2020.