Restarting your phone daily is a simple yet effective way to protect your data and privacy from spyware and hacker threats.Credit : fizkes, Shutterstock
Spyware attacks are on the rise and this one-minute habit could make a huge difference
Let’s be honest: our phones are practically glued to our hands. From scrolling on social media to checking emails or even managing work tasks, we rely on them constantly. But the more we use them, the more exposed we become, and most of us have no idea how vulnerable our data really is.
That’s exactly what journalist Ronan Farrow has been warning about. Best known for his explosive investigative reporting in the US, Farrow recently spoke about the growing risk of spyware — malicious software that can secretly install itself on your device and start stealing personal data, without you ever noticing.
What’s most shocking? A simple daily action can help stop it.
Why restarting your phone daily could protect your privacy
Farrow’s advice is refreshingly straightforward: restart your phone every day.
‘It sounds basic,’ he said in an interview, “but restarting your device regularly can actually disrupt spyware and prevent a lot of attacks.”
It’s not just his opinion either. According to the US National Security Agency, restarting your phone can help stop malicious code, spyware, and even zero-click attacks — where hackers don’t even need you to click anything to break in. These types of attacks often come through malicious links or software exploits, making them nearly impossible for the average user to detect.
By rebooting your phone, you’re basically cutting off spyware’s lifeline. It forces temporary malware to shut down and can block it from re-establishing itself.
Simple tips to keep your mobile safe from cyber attacks
Restarting your phone is a good start — but it’s not enough on its own. Spain’s National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE) also recommends several key steps to keep your mobile device safe from digital threats:
- Keep your software and apps up to date. Updates often fix known security flaws.
- Install a trusted antivirus or security app to help detect malware.
- Delete apps you don’t use — and avoid downloading anything from shady sources.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially for logging into accounts or doing sensitive tasks.
- Turn on encryption and screen locks, and use strong, regularly updated passwords.
- Back up your data, and wipe all personal info before getting rid of an old device.
- Don’t jailbreak or root your phone — it weakens its built-in defences.
- Review your phone’s security settings regularly, and limit the data you store on it.
Most importantly, stay alert. Spotting suspicious messages, dodgy app requests or unfamiliar links is your first line of defence. As Farrow put it, “You won’t know if your phone’s been hacked — and you won’t know what they’re doing with your data. But it can happen to anyone.”
So next time you plug in your phone before bed, take five seconds to switch it off and back on again. It may seem like nothing — but in a world of invisible threats, it’s a small step that could save you a major headache.
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