How To Prevent Bluejacking
How to Prevent Bluetooth Hacks: Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing …
Home » Privacy & Security » How to Prevent Bluetooth Hacks: Bluejacking, Bluesnarfing & BluebuggingBluetooth Hacks: The way devices communicate with each other is changing every day. Earlier, they used to communicate by using a range of electrical wires and optical cables. This type of communication is not so preferred due to limitations. Limitations can be like lack of sensors and weather conditions impact etc. Nowadays, devices are communicating with Bluetooth Technology.
Bluetooth: It is one of the features found in millions of devices we use in our day to day life. Some of them are like mobile phones, headphones, laptops and portable speakers. In this article, we will take a look at Bluetooth and Bluetooth Hacks.
What is Bluetooth technology?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard. It is used for the exchange of data between two or more devices. The devices connected through Bluetooth will exchange the data by using radio waves instead of cables.
How does Bluetooth work?
Bluetooth connections are automatic, wireless and overcome the problems of wired connections. They work by creating a network of devices that transmit data through low-power radio waves. These radio waves are transmitted at a frequency range between 2. 402 GHz and 2. 480 GHz. Here, the frequency range has been set by the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio bands.
What are the Benefits of Bluetooth Technology?
Wireless and automatic
Cheaper than cables.
Runs on low power.
Can share both voice and data
Upgradeable to latest versions
Can create a personal area network
Worldwide universal wireless standard
What is the maximum range of Bluetooth?
The most misunderstanding thing about Bluetooth is, it’s a short-range technology. But, it’s not. Bluetooth offers three ranges of connectivity depending upon the classes.
Class 1: Bluetooth devices transmit data at a standard range of approximately 100 meters or 328 feet.
Class 2: Standard range is approximately 10 meters or 32 feet. The class 2 devices differ with Class 1 in terms of power requirements. In detail, class 2 works with less power. Hence, this class level is used in most mobile phones and wireless headsets.
Class 3: In this class, devices transmit data at a standard range of approximately less than 10 meters.
How to pair devices with Bluetooth?
Turn on the Bluetooth and make sure it’s discoverable. (Tip: To know how to make the device discoverable read the device user manual)
View the List of Discoverable Devices Nearby
Enter a PIN from one device to the other to Pair.
How secure is Bluetooth connection from Bluetooth Hacks?
The other common misperception about Bluetooth technology is, it’s private and secure if non-discoverable. To dismiss this belief, consider the Bluetooth Hacks known as the Bluejacking, BlueSnarfing, and Bluebugging.
What is a Bluejacking attack?
Bluejacking or Bluetooth hijacking is a hacking technique that allows the hijacker to send anonymous messages to Bluetooth-enabled devices within a range.
How does Bluejacking work?
In the first place, the hacker scans his surroundings with a Bluetooth-enabled device for other devices. After, he sends unsolicited messages to the detected devices. In general, a Bluejacker will only send a text message. But, with the availability of modern phones, it’s possible to send images and audio as well.
How to protect devices from getting Bluejacked?
One of the best ways to protect devices from getting bluejacked is by turning off the Bluetooth and making the devices non-discoverable. The other is to just ignore the messages.
What is a BlueSnarfing attack?
In BlueSnarfing the attacker gets unauthorized access to the information on a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection. The wireless devices can be mobile phones, desktops, laptops, and Personal Digital Assistant (PDAs).
Once the attacker gains access, he can have access to victim calendars, contact lists, emails and text messages. Not only that but also they can copy user pictures and private videos.
What is the difference between Bluejacking and BlueSnarfing?
In both Bluejacking and BlueSnarfing, the exploit is done without user knowledge. But, the major difference between them is BlueSnarfing is harmful whereas Bluejacking is not.
How to prevent BlueSnarfing attack?
Update: Update the Bluetooth version to the latest. Not to mention, a device without security updates is vulnerable to any kind of attacks.
Make it non-discoverable: Make a habit of turning off the Bluetooth connection. This not only avoids bluesnarfing attacks but also save the battery power of Bluetooth devices.
Do not accept pairing request from an unknown device: Always double check before you pair your device with an unknown device. The most common technique used in this attack is sending you unsolicited business card. If you accept the request, bluesnarfer becomes a reliable device and can access your data.
Keep away sensitive information: In the first place, never store the sensitive information on a Bluetooth-enabled device. Remember, even though the best security measures can and will be breached.
What is a Bluebugging attack?
It is a technique that allows the attackers to gain access and control your Bluetooth-enabled devices that are within discoverable range. If a hacker Bluebugs a device, they can access all info including messages, photos, contacts, etc. The main reason behind the Bluebugging attack is lack of awareness.
What is the difference between Bluejacking, BlueSnarfing, and Bluebugging?
Bluebugging is similar to Bluejacking and Bluesnarfing. In all the three Bluetooth Hacks, the attacker can access and use all phone features. But, Bluebugging is limited by the transmitting power of class 2. Also, it is a much harder form of hacking technique than other two.
How to Prevent Bluebugging attack?
Follow the same suggestions that are listed above to prevent BlueSnarfing attack.
Conclusion: After all, Bluetooth Hacks are being carried out due to lack of awareness and enabling of Bluetooth connection. Hence, don’t forget to hide your devices. Not only that but also turn off Bluetooth connection if you are not using it.
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A Closer Look at What is Bluejacking and How Can You …
Bluejacking refers to the scenario in which a sender sends junk messages over to the receiver’s device using the Bluetooth application. This Techspirited post explains the meaning of bluejacking and provides you with ways to prevent it.
Origin
Bluejacking was performed by an IT consultant hailing from Malaysia. He used his phone to advertise a well-known cell phone company by sending messages via Bluetooth. That is how the concept of bluejacking came into existence.
Technology surely helps us progress in a number of aspects, but it comes with its own shortcomings too, if not made proper use of. Bluejacking is one such example wherein the misuse of Bluetooth technology comes into picture. Here, the sender sends junk messages on the receiver’s phone by making use of Bluetooth on his phone.
Bluejacking often happens in places that are crowded, such as malls, supermarkets, movie theaters, or restaurants. It usually happens as a part of some prank that the sender plays. However, it can distress the receiver to some extent.
Meaning of Bluejacking
In case of bluejacking, a person receives unsolicited message, audio, or image files over his phone. This may be considered by the receiver as some malfunction on the part of the device. In most cases, the sender resorts to sending text messages or fake business/contact cards. The receiver gets deceived by these junk messages, unaware of who the transmitter is.
How to Prevent Bluejacking
Bluejacking is mostly used by people as a way to market their products and services. However, this is not an advisable and efficient way as it confuses the receiver, making him think that his device is malfunctioning. Although harmless, bluejacking can get annoying at times, as the recipient doesn’t know who the message sender is. There are certain ways by which it can be prevented on our devices, few of which have been mentioned below:
Setting the Bluetooth on the Right Mode
If you happen to use the Bluetooth connection more often, putting it off/on can be a chore. Adjust the setting of Bluetooth to non-discoverable mode. The non-discoverable mode hides the device from attackers or unknown people.
Factory Reset of the Phone
If your device was perpetrated at some point, it means that the attacker’s device has already been added as a trusted device on your phone. Reset the phone to take off all the devices from the trusted list.
Keep Away from Strangers
Make it a point to decline any messages or connection requests from unknown devices. Most attacks happen due to accepting connection requests from strangers who then get added as trusted devices.
Keep the Device Updated and Password Character Strong
Make sure you maintain strong passwords and change them at regular intervals. Keep your devices up-to-date with the latest technology.
Putting off the Bluetooth When Not in Use
If you don’t use the Bluetooth connection frequently, keep it off to avoid your device from being listed in the sender’s device search list. This method keeps the device safe from perpetrators who try to gain access to others’ phones using Bluetooth.
Set Password for Bluetooth
It is very simple to secure your device by setting a pin or a password for your Bluetooth connection. This will prompt a password from anyone trying to pair with your device. Remember to keep this password secure by sharing it only with trusted people.
One advantage of using latest technology gadgets like as iPhone or iPad is that bluejacking is restricted on them. Perpetrators, besides sending unsolicited messages, can also hack into confidential data from a victim’s device, thus, rendering him helpless. This is a much harmful form of hijacking, which is called bluesnarfing.
The ways listed above are efficient enough to prevent any such activities on your device. If you have been a victim of it at some point of time, go ahead and stop it!
How to Prevent a Bluesnarfing Attack – CPI Solutions
Bluesnarfing is a type of network attack in which an attacker gains unauthorized access to a wireless device via a Bluetooth connection. Once the hacker has access to the device, they can steal sensitive user information, including personal photos, contact lists, emails, and passwords. Below are several ways you can prevent a Bluesnarfing off your BluetoothThere’s no real reason to have your devices connected to Bluetooth all the time. If you only run Bluetooth when you actually need to use it for something, your exposure to a Bluesnarfing attack is greatly if you find it difficult remembering when to turn it off and on, it might be an idea to keep your device in non-discoverable mode not accept pairing requests from unknown contactsNever accept a pairing request from a source you do not trust. Many culprits will try to access your device by sending an unsolicited contact card or urgent seeming file. Once you accept a hacker’s connection, your data and device becomes ’t hold sensitive information on a Bluetooth deviceAlthough not technically a way to prevent a Bluesnarfing attack, just the act of not storing sensitive or important data on your device mitigates any potential damage you might suffer if a breach does in fact a strong password/PINIt’s always good housekeeping to have robust passwords and PIN numbers. This holds true for all aspects of cybersecurity and is no less important for your Bluetooth-enabled devices. Simply changing up your passwords on a regular basis is often enough to provide sufficient protection, but adhering to basic password protocols is even quire approval for all connectsYour device should not passively accept pairing requests from either known or unknown contacts. By implementing something like Two-factor Authentication (2FA), you immediately make your active assent a necessity in whether your device connects with another device or not. This puts the initiative into your hands, and takes back control from the your distanceBluetooth attacks are fundamentally limited by physical space. If your would-be attackers out of range of your device, you’re ever, maintaining this cordon sanitaire isn’t always practicable in the real world, but some precautions are easy to implement. One such safeguard is making sure that you never initiate a pairing of your device in public for the first time. Instead, always do this at home, or if you know it to be safe, at a place of your devicesBluesnarfing is the kind of threat that comes to you. This means that you’ll need to always know where your Bluetooth devices are at any given time. Malicious hackers are opportunists, and if your phone or laptop is in the wrong place at the wrong time, it’s not going to be a good more advanced IT inquiries, please contact CPI Solutions.