Plenty of devices use Bluetooth. But is it safe? To find out, read this Bluetooth security guide to learn more about its risks and how you can safely use it.
Let's be honest — wires can be frustrating.
Whether your headphones are getting in your way on your morningrun or you can't find that USB cable, sometimes it's just easier to gowireless.
Luckily, Bluetooth makes that possible.
From streaming music tofile sharing, Bluetoothtechnology allows you to quickly make connections between devices.
But is Bluetooth safe, and are there any Bluetooth securityrisks to be aware of? To learn more about Bluetooth, its security risks, andhow to safely use it, read through our Bluetooth security guide.
But first, whatis Bluetooth and how does it work?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that exchanges data betweendevices within a short distance. This technology is an open standard, meaningthat anybody can use it without a license. Because of this, Bluetooth is verypopular and used across many types of devices, fromsmartphonesto kitchenappliances.
Bluetooth devices connect using low-power radio waves with afrequency of around 2.4GHz. When pairing two devices, they connect using one ofthe 79 available Bluetooth frequencies. Depending on the device andenvironment, Bluetooth devices can connect anywhere fromless than a meterto over a kilometeraway.
Bluetooth can be used for a variety of things, including:
- Connecting devices: Bluetooth canhelp you connect to wireless devices such as speakers, headphones, fitnesstrackers, keyboards, and smart home devices.
- File sharing: Bluetooth allows you to wirelessly sharedifferent types of files, including photos, music, and videos.·
- Hotspot tethering: Using Bluetooth can help you turnyour mobile device into a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing you to share your internetconnection with other devices.·
- Security: Certain computers and home securitysystems may connect to your phone using Bluetooth, allowing you to use it as akey to unlock your house or other security devices.
Like any type of technology, Bluetooth isn’t perfect. To learnmore, let’s take a look at its pros and cons.
The pros and consof using Bluetooth
As with any technology, Bluetooth comes with advantages anddrawbacks. Let’s take a deeper look at the pros and cons of Bluetooth.
Pros of using Bluetooth:
- Wireless: Bluetooth technology allows you toconnect devices without the annoyance of wires.
- Easy to use: Connecting devices with Bluetooth isquick and easy. Plus, once two devices connect for the first time, they’llautomatically connect in the future.
- Highly compatible: Bluetooth technology allows youto connect devices regardless of their manufacturer or operating system.
- Supports multiple connections: Bluetoothtechnology allows for devices to maintain multiple connections at once. Forexample, several devices can connect to a tethered hotspot using Bluetooth.
- Must accept new connections: Wheneverconnecting to a Bluetooth device for the first time, you’ll have to manuallyaccept the connection. While it’s still possible for somebody to intercept yourconnection, this helps reduce the risk of unknown users connecting to yourdevice.
Let’s take a look a the cons of using Bluetooth:
- Decreases battery life: Using Bluetoothcan drain your battery faster than a wired connection.
- Easy to find: Bluetooth technology makes it easy forusers to find other Bluetooth devices in the area, even if you’ve neverconnected with them before.
- Short range: Most Bluetooth devices tend to losetheir connection once the devices are further than 10 meters apart.
- Slow data transfers: Transferringfiles over Bluetooth can be slower than other technologies such as USB orWi-Fi.
Now that you know more about Bluetooth, you may be wondering,“Is it secure?” Continue reading to find out.
Is Bluetoothsecure? 5 Bluetooth security risks
While Bluetooth is widely used due to its convenience, itdoesn’t come without its risks. In fact,cybercriminalsfound cleverways to take advantage of this technology for their own benefit. Here are someof the most common Bluetooth security vulnerabilities today.
Bluesnarfing
Bluesnarfing is a viciouscyberattackthat stealsinformation from your device using a Bluetooth connection. In a successfulbluesnarfing attack, ahackercan gain accessto your photos, text messages,emails, and more. Oncethe attacker gains this information, they can use it for criminal activitiessuch asidentity theft.
Bluejacking
Bluejacking is when a Bluetooth device sends unsolicitedspamandphishingmessages toanother Bluetooth device. In addition to being annoying, these messages mayalso contain malicious links and attachments that might includemalware.
Bluebugging
Bluebugging is a type of attack in which a cybercriminal gainsbackdoor access to your device using a secret Bluetooth connection. Once yourdevice is bluebugged, a hacker can spy on you and access your private data. Insome cases, a cybercriminal may use this information to impersonate you.
Bluesmacking
Bluesmacking is adenial of service(DoS) attackdesigned to overwhelm your device and force a shutdown.Cybercriminals attack your device by sending oversized packets of data. Hackerswill use bluesmacking as a gateway for more severe attacks once your device isshut down. In many cases, your device will return to normal oncerebooted.
Car whispering
Car whispering is a Bluetooth security vulnerability thattargets car radios with Bluetooth capabilities. Hackers use this attack toeavesdrop on conversations and phone calls that take place inside the car. Inother cases, the hackers may use the connection to inject audio into the car,oftentimes with malicious intent.
How to safely useBluetooth: 7 Bluetooth security tips
With an understanding of the potential Bluetooth securitythreats one can face, you may be wondering how you can use it safely. To findout how to use Bluetooth as safely as possible, follow these Bluetooth securitybest practices.
1. Keep youroperating system up to date
A lot of the time, a device with an outdated operating system isan easy target for a Bluetooth hacker. Whether it’s a laptop or a smartphone, keeping yourdevice’s operating system up to date is a great way to ensure you have the bestdefense against Bluetooth security threats.
2. Make sureyour device is not discoverable
One simple way to reduce your risk of being targeted in aBluetooth attack is to make your device not discoverable. By doing so, it willbe much harder for a hacker to ever find your device.
Depending on your device, the steps to do this may vary. Followalong to learn how you can reduce the risk of your device being found byhackers.
How to turn off Bluetooth discoverability on Apple devices:
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Bluetooth”
- Toggle the switch to turn it off
How to turn off Bluetooth discoverability on Mac devices:
- Go to “System Preferences”
- Click on “Sharing”
- Uncheck the “Bluetooth Sharing” box located on the left-handmenu
How to turn off Bluetooth discoverability on Android devices:
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Bluetooth”
- Tap “My device”
- Toggle the visibility setting to “Not visible”
How to turn off Bluetooth discoverability on Windows 10 devices:
- Click “Start”
- Go to “Settings”
- Select “Devices”
- Click on “Bluetooth & Other Devices”
- Turn “Bluetooth” on
- Choose “More Bluetooth Options”
- Uncheck the “Allow Bluetooth devices to find this PC” box
3. Avoid sharingsensitive information over Bluetooth
Because Bluetooth communications can be vulnerable to attacks,avoid sharing anypersonalinformationover Bluetooth. That way, if you encounter a Bluetooth hacker,your chances of them intercepting your private information are lessened.
4. Be carefulwho you connect with
Another helpful Bluetooth security tip is to refuse any and allunknown connection requests. In some instances, these requests could be ahackerposing as someoneelsein hopes to access your Bluetooth device. To play it safe, only acceptBluetooth connections if you are sure you know the device.
5. TurnBluetooth off when not in use
To help minimize your chances of encountering a Bluetoothattack, always shut your Bluetooth off whenever you aren’t using it. Think of itlike locking your door once you leave the house. By having Bluetooth shut off,you aren’t giving hackers the chance to target your device. Not only that, butdisabling Bluetooth may also increase your device’s battery life.
6. Don’t set uppairing in public
If you’re pairing two devices for the first time, be sure to doso from a secure location. Pairing devices in public can allow hackers tohijack the pairing process and connect to your device. Instead, pair yourdevices in a private location so you can minimize the risk of a strangerconnecting to your device.
7. Delete unusedBluetooth connections
As a Bluetooth security best practice, get in the habit ofdeleting any old Bluetooth pairings from your device. While the chances of anold connection being dangerous are slim, it still doesn’t hurt to remove itfrom your device. That way, if any old Bluetooth devices become compromised,your device won’t automatically connect to it.
By following these Bluetooth security tips, you can use your Bluetoothdevices knowing that you’ve done everything you can to help protect yourselffrommobile threats. Not only willthese tips help secure your device, but they will also enhance yourpersonalcybersecurity.
FAQs aboutBluetooth security
Interested in learning more about Bluetooth security? Readthrough these commonly asked questions for more information.
Will a VPN makeBluetooth secure?
No, using aVPNwill not protectyou against Bluetooth dangers. But using a VPN is a great way toprotect yourselfonline, especially when usingpublic Wi-Finetworks.
Should I keepBluetooth on or off?
As a Bluetooth security best practice, it’s best to always turnoff your Bluetooth whenever it’s not in use. This can help reduce the chancesof a hacker finding your device.
Is Bluetoothsafe from hackers?
Like any technology, using Bluetooth has its security risks,making it vulnerable tocybercrime.
How do you knowif someone is connected to your Bluetooth?
You can see if anyone is connected to your Bluetooth by going toyour Bluetooth settings. From there, you’ll be able to see your current andpast Bluetooth connections.
Does Bluetoothuse your data?
No, Bluetooth does not use your cellular data. Because of this,it won’t affect your device’s data usage.
How to tell ifyour Bluetooth is hacked?
Bluetooth attacks are designed to be discrete, so they can bedifficult to identify. Some common warning signs that yourphone has beenhackedinclude:
- Bluetooth connections to an unknown device
- Unauthorized login attempts to your online accounts
- Increased data usage
- Apps you don’t recognize
- Slow performance
