With the ability to connect with other devices wirelessly within a range of 9 meters, Bluetooth is a technology integrated into many types of devices, from mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and laptops to various cars like the Toyota Prius and many other specialized devices…
Bluetooth devices are also becoming increasingly vulnerable to security threats. Although the level of insecurity may be lower than that of Wi-Fi networks, the risk of security threats on Bluetooth has rapidly increased recently. Don’t assume that the short range of Bluetooth makes it safe. Nowadays, almost everyone uses mobile phones, and most of these devices utilize Bluetooth as a wireless connection standard, significantly raising security risks when using Bluetooth devices.
To connect with one another, Bluetooth devices must be paired. While some devices are set up to connect with each other, such as PDAs with printers, mobile phones and laptops are not always permitted to connect. Bluetooth can manage such connection types. If you leave your device in “discoverable” mode, anyone using other Bluetooth devices can connect to it.
The Bluetooth specification offers high security. When a pair of devices connects, the information transmitted between them is encrypted. However, in practice, this connection process may encounter errors, such as the Cabir virus, which infects devices through Bluetooth connections and mobile devices using the Symbian 6.0 operating system by exploiting vulnerabilities in faulty code within Symbian. However, not only Symbian-based Bluetooth devices are at risk of infection.
The popularity of Bluetooth has increased the risk of attacks, with some known types of Bluetooth attacks including: Bluejacking, Bluebugging, and Bluesnarfing. In Bluejacking, someone discovers a Bluetooth device and subsequently sends anonymous information (advertisements, promotional messages, etc.) to other Bluetooth devices. Bluebugging is significantly more dangerous; this type of attack allows other Bluetooth users to connect and execute remote commands on devices such as mobile phones or PDAs. Attackers using Bluebugging can make calls, send messages, or even eavesdrop on conversations. Bluesnarfing allows Bluetooth users to connect to other devices within range, enabling the attacker to steal access, retrieve information about contacts, work schedules, and more. If users store a lot of personal information on their Bluetooth devices, they need to pay close attention to security and privacy issues.
In fact, securing Bluetooth devices is not overly challenging. Here are some principles to enhance security for devices using Bluetooth connections:
– Your paired devices will be safer if you use a stronger PIN (Personal Identification Number) with 8 characters or more.
– Regularly check the website of your product provider for updates on software and patches for your device. Even when manufacturers release patches for their products, the updates are often slower than the vulnerabilities that have been reported. The waiting period for releasing patches can also pose negative consequences for users.
– Never accept Bluetooth messages or connection requests from people you do not know. The Cabir virus infects systems only when users accept messages and install the attached files. You should also be very cautious with attachments in emails.
As Bluetooth technology develops rapidly, the security threats from worms, viruses, hacking, and more become increasingly significant. Therefore, securing Bluetooth-enabled devices is crucial. Take steps to secure your Bluetooth devices now, before the wave of Bluetooth security threats intensifies.
Minh Phuc
