Security Advisory About Periodic Device Restarts to Mitigate Spyware Threats
A recent report highlights a concerning claim from Australia’s Prime Minister about a simple safeguard for iPhone users. The suggestion centers on regularly shutting down devices for five minutes to reduce the risk of spyware that can be installed remotely. The discussion appeared in a major publication, noting the potential for this action to interrupt spyware activity in the background.
The guidance emphasizes personal responsibility for device security. A straightforward tip is to power off the smartphone for five minutes each night. The recommendation is framed for routine practice, suggesting people perform this action once every day, perhaps while engaging in other nightly routines such as brushing teeth.
Officials suggest that such a reboot can interrupt covert processes running on mobile hardware. The report mentions that the approach may help curb persistent threats by forcing the spyware to stop when the device is off, requiring reactivation after power is restored.
There is mention of support from U.S. national security authorities for considering this restart strategy, along with an additional recommendation to perform a force restart of smartphones on a weekly basis. The intention is to disrupt sophisticated intrusions that survive ordinary usage.
Experts note that high-end spyware, including notable strains associated with state-sponsored actors, could be affected by periodic reboots. After a reboot, any attacker would need to reinfect the device by exploiting weaknesses in the operating system.
Previously, cybersecurity researchers from major firms discussed a similar approach. Analysts point out that rebooting the device can interrupt an attacker’s foothold, though it is not a complete defense on its own and should be part of a broader security strategy. This includes keeping software up to date, using strong authentication, and remaining vigilant about unusual device behavior. Markers from independent researchers emphasize that rebooting creates a window for reassessing defenses and monitoring for anomalies. The discussion cites perspectives from prominent security organizations and research teams as part of a larger narrative on device hygiene. [Attribution: Guardian reporting; U.S. National Security Agency guidance; Kaspersky Lab research]