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OS Updates
Rebooting your computer regularly is essential from a security perspective because it ensures that critical updates, particularly those related to the operating system, are properly installed and activated. Operating systems like Windows and macOS as well as Android and iOS frequently release security patches to fix vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals could exploit. However, these updates often require a reboot to fully integrate changes and close any backdoors that attackers might use. By rebooting regularly, you are making sure that your system stays up to date with the latest security defenses, helping to safeguard your data from potential threats.
Web Browser Updates
Additionally, rebooting facilitates automatic updates for other essential software, such as web browsers, which are a rising target for cyber-attacks. Modern browsers like Chrome, Edge and Firefox automatically download and install updates to patch security flaws and improve performance, but these updates may not take effect until the web browser has been restarted. A full reboot of the computer is not required to update the browser. Often, shared computers at Hancock College are left on for long stretches of time and web browsers are not restarted to apply updates. To ensure web browsers are kept up to date, reboot any shared computers on a daily basis.
Optimum Performance
Beyond security, rebooting your computer also helps improve its overall performance by clearing out temporary files, releasing memory, and resetting any programs that might be running inefficiently. Over time, systems accumulate clutter from processes and applications that can slow down performance or even cause software glitches. A reboot clears this digital buildup, allowing your computer to run more smoothly and efficiently.
Phones Benefit from Reboots Too
The NSA suggests rebooting your smart phone once a week. Rebooting phones is especially important because many phone exploits are temporary, and a simple reboot can remove any foothold that malware or a hacker might have gained on your device. By restarting your phone regularly, you effectively disrupt these types of attacks, closing off any backdoor or malicious process that may have been initiated without your knowledge.