Almost 50% of all smartphone users use Bluetooth.
Bluetooth is the tech staple of our generation. But unprotected connections could result in all sorts of problems.
Problems like malware on your phone, private conversations becoming public, and more. It doesn't take much computing power anymore nowadays to wreak havoc.
So, what's the solution to Bluetooth threats? Educate yourself about the risks and take some basic precautions. We have a few Bluetooth security tips to get you started!
Read on to learn how to keep your Bluetooth connections secure.
Regularly Update All Bluetooth Software
Have you ever noticed that your phone and other electronics frequently request updates? The updates are in place for a few reasons, with security being one of the big ones. That's why you should update your devices regularly.
Bluetooth-enabled devices are prone to vulnerabilities that Bluetooth hackers exploit. Make sure you keep your devices up to date with the latest security patches and firmware updates.
Bluetooth Security Password Tips
Are your passwords hacker-proof?
Whatever words or phrases you pick, make them unique. The stronger your password, the harder it is for hackers to guess or crack. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, and don't use easily guessed words like "password" or "123456".
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
You should also use two-factor authentification or multifactor with 3 or more layers. Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires you to provide 2 forms of identification (e.g., a password and a code sent to your phone) to log in. This makes it much harder for Bluetooth hackers to access your account, even if they manage to guess your password.
Bluetooth Connection Tips and Tricks
Be careful what you connect to: Not all Bluetooth-enabled devices are equal. Some devices, such as wireless keyboards and mice, are relatively low-risk. Others, such as fitness trackers and smartwatches, may collect sensitive personal data that you wouldn't want to fall into the wrong hands.
Consider the potential risks before connecting any device to your computer or phone. You should also keep an eye on your connection.
Once you've connected a device to your computer or phone, pay attention to how it's used. If you notice any strange or unexpected behavior, disconnect the device immediately.
Finally, delete old devices. If you no longer use a Bluetooth-enabled device, be sure to delete it from your device list. This will help protect your privacy and prevent someone else from accessing your data.
Security Keys and Browsing Habits
Have you thought about using a Bluetooth security key? A security key is a physical device that connects to your computer or phone and provides an extra layer of security authentication. This means that even if someone has stolen your password, they would still need the physical key to access your account.
Remember to practice safe browsing habits too. Be cautious about the websites you visit and the information you share online.
Avoiding Bluetooth Hackers
When setting up a home wireless network, be sure to use WPA2 encryption with a strong password. Do not allow your devices to automatically connect to any open or public Wi-Fi networks they may come across.
For instance, if you're out and about and need to use Bluetooth, make sure you only connect to networks you know and trust. If a public Wi-Fi network is the only option available, make sure you're using a VPN service to encrypt your data before connecting.
Use a VPN
What is a VPN? It's a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts all the traffic between your device and the VPN server. The VPN makes it much more difficult for anyone to spy on your online activities.
If you're not using a VPN, your traffic is vulnerable to being government agencies, internet service providers, and hackers. A VPN can also help unblock websites and services that may be unavailable in your country.
For instance, many people use VPNs to access US-based Netflix content. Considering Netflix is in 190 countries, it makes sense that there'd be different streaming laws. Thankfully, VPNs make content that's restricted, suddenly available!
There are many different VPN services available, so it's essential to choose one that's right for you.
Some factors to consider include the following:
- The security features offered by the VPN
- The speed of the VPN connection
- The number of simultaneous connections allowed
- The price of the VPN service
Setting it up is usually straightforward once you've chosen a VPN service. Most VPN services have detailed instructions on their websites.
When you have a VPN service set up, be sure to use it whenever you're surfing the web or streaming content. You'll be glad you did!
Most Common Bluetooth Attacks
As Bluetooth has become more ubiquitous, so have the opportunities for attackers. Let's take a look at some of the most common Bluetooth attacks:
- Bluejacking
- Bluesnarfing
- Bluebugging
- Denial of Service (DoS) attacks
- Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks
- Eavesdropping attacks
- Malware infections
- Tracking and location spoof
As you can see, there are various ways that attackers can exploit Bluetooth vulnerabilities. Let's go through each threat and break down how they occur. We'll start with bluejacking.
What Is Bluejacking?
Bluejacking is the act of sending unsolicited messages or images to a Bluetooth-enabled device. The range for this attack is limited. In other words, the hackers will have to be close by for bluejacking to take place.
While bluejacking is not technically illegal, it can be a form of harassment. The recipient usually has no way of knowing who sent the message and may find it intrusive.
In some cases, bluejackers may also send malicious code that can infect the victim's phone with malware. If you receive an unsolicited message on your Bluetooth-enabled device, it is best to delete it without opening it. You may also want to consider disabling Bluetooth on your device if you don't use it frequently.
What Is Bluesnarfing?
What do you need to know about bluesnarfing prevention? Bluesnarfing is the act of illegally accessing data from a Bluetooth-enabled device. This can include contact information, photos, text messages, and even passwords.
Attackers can gain access to this information by using a Bluetooth exploit to gain control of the device. They may also be able to remotely access data that has been previously stored on the phone.
If you are concerned about bluesnarfing, you can protect yourself with ease. Simply disable Bluetooth when it's not in use and avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
What Is Bluebugging?
Bluebugging is another type of attack that allows an attacker to take control of a Bluetooth-enabled device. This can happen by exploiting a vulnerability in the Bluetooth protocol or by using malware to take over the device.
Once an attacker has control of the device, they can access any data that is on it, including contact information, text messages, and photos. They may also be able to use the phone to make calls or send text messages.
Are you worried about blue bugging? You can protect yourself by keeping your Bluetooth-enabled devices up to date with the latest security patches. Again, avoiding the public wi-fi will also help keep things secure.
Denial of Service Attack
DoS attacks are a type of attack that attempts to overload a server or network with traffic. The DoS attack makes the server or network unavailable to legitimate users. This can happen by sending a large number of requests to the server or by using malware to overload the system.
You really only have to worry about a Bluetooth-related DoS, if you're a business owner. DoS attacks are often used to disrupt online services and can have a significant impact on businesses.
To protect yourself from DoS attacks, you should install the latest antivirus software. You'll also need regular cybersecurity audits.
Man-In-The-Middle Attack
There's also the Man-In-The-Middle-Attack or MitM. MitM attacks are a type of attack in which an attacker inserts themselves into communication between two parties, allowing them to intercept and access the data that is being transmitted. This can happen by compromising one of the communication parties or using a malicious Wi-Fi network.
MitM attacks can steal sensitive data, such as passwords and credit card numbers. They can also inject malware onto a victim's device. To protect yourself from MitM attacks, you should always use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.
Avoiding an Eavesdropping Attack
An eavesdropping attack is a type of attack in which an attacker listens in on the communication. It's similar to a MitM attack, but with a different approach. It involves the intercepting of sensitive data and then exploiting it for financial gain.
To protect yourself from eavesdropping attacks, you should use strong passwords, avoid public wi-fi, and use a VPN. But that's not all! Another way to protect yourself is to use a secure messaging app instead of SMS or email.
If you think you may have been the victim of an eavesdropping attack, you'll need to act fast. You should immediately change your passwords and scan your device for malware.
You should also contact your credit card company and dispute any fraudulent charges. Thankfully, eavesdropping attacks are not very common, but it's always best to be safe than sorry. The more you can do to tighten up your cybersecurity, the safer your finances will be.
How to Handle Malware Infections
Malware infections can be extremely dangerous, and Bluetooth devices are no exception. How can you avoid malware infections in the first place?
Remember to be sure to update your anti-malware software regularly. This will ensure that you have the latest protection against new threats.
If you do suspect that your device has malware, perform a full scan with your anti-malware software immediately. Don't wait.
Malware infections can be extremely dangerous and can result in the loss of important data or even identity theft. Resolving an attack takes time, and might cost you a bit of money too.
You should also take precautions to help protect yourself against malware infections and Bluetooth security threats. For instance, when setting up a new Bluetooth connection, be sure to select "No" when asked if you want to allow other devices to see your device. This will help protect your device from being visible to unauthorized users. Your phone might refer to this privacy feature as hidden mode.
If you don't like hidden mode, no worries. You can also determine how long your device is visible to others. How?
Go to "Settings" and then select "Bluetooth." From there, select the "timeout" option and choose a time period that is suitable for you.
Adjust Your Bluetooth Settings for the Location
Sometimes hackers will use fake Bluetooth devices to hack your information. One of these methods is known as "location spoofing."
Location spoofing is when a criminal uses a device to impersonate another Bluetooth-enabled device in order to gain access to it. For example, a criminal could use a fake Bluetooth keyboard to gain access to a computer or smartphone. Or, they could use a fake Bluetooth speaker to eavesdrop on conversations near the device.
There are a few ways to prevent tracking and location spoofing via Bluetooth. The first is to simply keep your Bluetooth turned off when you're not using it. If you must keep it on, then make sure to only connect to trusted devices and never accept connections from unknown ones.
You also avoid sharing too much personal information over Bluetooth. For example, you shouldn't share your home address or full name with someone you don't know.
Keep your Bluetooth pin private too, it's just another layer of security. You can also look into downloading a Bluetooth security app. Find one that targets location spoofing, so you don't become a victim.
Practice the Best Device Security Tips
Now you know some of the best Bluetooth security tips! It's clear to see that a VPN is one of the best security measures. Also, by keeping your Bluetooth off when not in use, you should be able to avoid most tracking and location spoofing threats.
Being vigilant about the information you share over Bluetooth can help you have peace of mind too. For more device security tips, check out the rest of our blog!