Turn off, turn on: Simple step can thwart top phone hackers

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — At a time of widespread digital insecurity it turns out that the oldest and simplest computer fix there is — turning a device off then back on again — can thwart hackers from stealing information from smartphones. The National Security Agency recommends rebooting a phone every week as a way to stop hacking. Almost always in arm’s reach, rarely turned off and holding huge stores of personal and sensitive data, cellphones have become top targets for hackers looking to steal text messages, contacts and photos, as well as track users’ locations and even secretly turn on their video and microphones.