sarahintampa

There are several different ways your security can be comprised when you are using a Bluetooth mobile device, like a smartphone. But you can stay safe by following the tips listed below.

3 Types of Bluetooth Security Threats:

1. Bluejacking, also known as “bluespamming”, is a technique used to send anonymous text messages to mobile users via Bluetooth. Although the name sounds like “hijacking”, information is not retrieved from the phone nor is the phone itself hijacked. Bluejacking is the equivalent of spam.
2. Bluesnarfing is more dangerous. It is a technique where a malicious hacker gains access to information stored on your mobile device without your knowledge.
3. Bluebugging is the most serious threat. Attackers access mobile phone commands using Bluetooth technology in order to initiate phone calls, send and receive text message, read and write phonebook contacts, eavesdrop on phone conversations and connect to the
   Internet. Essentially, the hacker has taken control of the device without the knowledge of the phone’s owner.

In order for any of these attacks to work, the hacker must be within 10 meters of the phone. Symantec senior security consultant Ooi Szu-Khiam offers some easy tips to keep you safe (as previously posted on ZDNet).

4 Ways to Stay Safe:

1. Stay offline: If you have a Bluetooth-equipped device and aren’t using Bluetooth, then don’t turn it on.
2. Stay invisible: If you don’t need your device ID to be visible to others, make sure the device’s visibility setting is set to “hidden” so malicious hackers will not be able to scan and search for it.
3. Verify incoming transmissions: Do not accept and run attachments from unknown sources unless you are expecting them. For example, if you receive a message to install an application and you don’t know its origin, don’t run it.
4. Use passwords: Ideally, use passwords with a large number of digits. A four-digit PIN or password can be broken in less than a second, and a six-digit PIN in about 10 seconds, while a 10-digit PIN is likely to take weeks to crack.

Bluetooth Hacking Tools

If you’re getting serious about Bluetooth security, then you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following tools for Bluetooth hacking: for a complete list of tools, click here. You’ll learn about the vulnerabilities in Bluetooth-enabled devices and see how an attacker might exploit them.

Follow the conversation at YackTrack!