Bluetooth Technology: An Overview

What exactly is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology enables devices to communicate with one another without the use of cords or wires. Bluetooth uses short-range radio frequency to communicate, and any device that integrates the technology can communicate as long as it is within the required distance. The technology is frequently used to allow two types of devices to communicate with one another. It is an electronics "standard," which means that manufacturers that want to integrate this function must meet certain specifications in their electronic equipment. These criteria ensure that the devices can detect and interact with other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

Bluetooth technology is used in many Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs). For example, you may be able to use a wireless keyboard to run your computer or a wireless headset to chat on your mobile phone.

What are some of the security issues?

Bluetooth technology, depending on how it is designed, can be fairly secure. You can benefit from its usage of key authentication and encryption (for additional details, see Understanding Digital Signatures). Unfortunately, many Bluetooth devices use short numeric personal identification numbers (PINs) rather than more secure passwords or passcodes (see Choosing and Protecting Passwords for more information).

If someone is able to "find" your Bluetooth device, he or she may be able to send you unsolicited messages or abuse your Bluetooth service, resulting in additional expenditures. Worse, an attacker might be able to get access to or corrupt your data. One example of this type of behaviour is "bluesnarfing," in which attackers use a Bluetooth connection to steal data from your Bluetooth device. Viruses and other malicious malware can also exploit Bluetooth technologies to infect other devices. Your data may be altered, compromised, stolen, or lost if you become infected. You should also be wary of attempts to persuade you to send information to someone you don't trust over Bluetooth (see Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks for more information).

How can you safeguard yourself?

• When you're not using Bluetooth, turn it off. Disable the technology unless you are actively sending data from one device to another to prevent unauthorised parties from accessing it.
• Bluetooth should be used in "hidden" mode. When Bluetooth is enabled, make sure it is set to "hidden" rather than "discoverable." Other Bluetooth devices will not recognise your device if it is in hidden mode. This does not preclude you from utilising your Bluetooth devices simultaneously. Devices can be "paired" so that they can discover each other even while they are in hidden mode. Although the devices (for example, a phone and a headset) must be in a discoverable mode to find each other at first, once "paired," they will always recognise each other without the need to relearn the connection.
• Use Bluetooth with caution in public places. When pairing devices or operating in discoverable mode, be mindful of your surroundings. For example, if you are at a public wireless "hotspot," there is a greater danger that someone else will be able to intercept the connection (for more information, see Securing Wireless Networks).
• Check your security settings. Most gadgets have a number of features that you can customise to match your own needs and expectations. Enabling certain functions, on the other hand, may make you more open to assault, therefore eliminating any superfluous features or Bluetooth connections. Examine your settings, especially your security settings, and choose alternatives that match your needs without placing you at risk. Check to see if all of your Bluetooth connections are set to need a secure connection.
• Make use of security options. Learn about the security choices available on your Bluetooth device and how to use features like authentication and encryption.