Connect with us

News

NSA warns iPhone, Android users to turn it off and on again

Published

on

By Francesca Hangeior

Although some people might worry about the National Security Agency itself spying on their phones, the NSA has some sage advice for iPhone and android users concerned about zero-click exploits and the like: turn it off and on again once per week.

How often do you turn off your iPhone or android device? Completely turn it off and then reboot it, rather than just going into standby mode, that is.

I suspect that the answer for many people is only when a security or operating system update requires it. That, according to the NSA, could be a big mistake.

Advertisement

In a document detailing several mobile device best practices, the NSA recommends users turn their devices off and then back on once every week to protect against zero-click exploits, which attackers often use to eavesdrop on and collect data from phones.

Users can mitigate the threat of spear-phishing, which can lead to the installation of yet more malware and spyware, by the same simple action.

However, the NSA document does warn that the turn it off and on again advice will only sometimes prevent these attacks from being successful.

“Threats to mobile devices are more prevalent and increasing in scope and complexity,” the NSA said while warning that some smartphone features “provide convenience and capability but sacrifice security.”

Advertisement

As such, doing something is always better than doing nothing when it comes to being proactive about your device and data security.

The NSA also advises Phone users to disable Bluetooth when not using it, update the device as soon as possible when operating system and application updates become available and disable location services when not needed.

The small matter of security over convenience comes into play for much of the advice given, as you can tell already.

Throw in not using public Wi-Fi networks (these are usually perfectly safe) and not using public charging stations (ditto), and many users are likely to roll the dice.

Advertisement

All that said, I heartily agree with the on and off again advice as this only takes a minute or two of your week and is a good habit to get into. In fact, I’d say get into the habit of doing so every day, maybe as part of your bedtime routine.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Police ‘rescue’ landlord, daughter from k!dnappers clutches in Lagos

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Suspected gunmen abducted a landlord and his daughter in the Ijede area of Ikorodu in Lagos.

In a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday.

Hundeyin added that on Saturday, the command rescued the kidnapped victims unhurt and handed them over to their family members.

Advertisement

According to the police spokesperson, the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.

“The police received information that some kidnappers invaded Ijede community and kidnapped two persons,” the statement reads.

“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of a 40-year-old man, killed the security dog and kidnapped him.

“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s 25-year-old daughter.

Advertisement

“With the collaborative efforts of both the police joint task force and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.

“The area is relatively calm and being closely monitored, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the wanted suspects.”

Continue Reading

News

Just in: Tinubu extends immigration CG Nandap’s tenure till 2026

Published

on

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, until December 31, 2026.

Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025.

A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said Tinubu commended Nandap for her leadership, noting improvements in border management, immigration modernisation, and national security under her watch.

Advertisement

“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures.

“President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe and legal migration.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Sad! Popular actor, Richard Chamberlain is dead

Published

on

By

Tragedy strikes the entertainment world as American actor and singer, Richard Chamberlain, passes away, leaving an Irreparable void.

According to reports, the renowned actor passed away prior to his 91st birthday, following complications from a stroke.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and industry colleagues alike, as they mourn the loss of a beloved talent and celebrate his enduring legacy.

Moreover, tributes have flooded social media, with many remembering Chamberlain’s iconic roles in ‘Dr. Kildare,’ ‘Shōgun,’ and ‘The Thorn Birds.

Advertisement

His contributions to the entertainment industry and his lasting impact on audiences worldwide are being widely acknowledged.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News