How Hackers are Hacking Your Phone via Bluetooth
Today in tech-talk-1-o-1-sd. How hackers are targeting your phone via Bluetooth. Bluetooth is an amazingly useful wireless technology built into almost every smartphone, tablet, and laptop. We can use it to transfer files, play audio wirelessly, collect health data from wearable trackers, and more. But like WiFi, Bluetooth is being targeted by hackers as a way to break into your devices and steal personal data. Because it is so useful, most of us keep Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled on our devices all the time. However, this could be making us potential targets of ‘blue-bugging’, a technique to attack your device through Bluetooth. for modern-day user we can't live without our smart devices like smart-watch, ear-buds, and other smart devices. most of these devices need bluetooth connection to work.
How does Bluetooth hacking work?
Hackers use specialised software and hardware which automatically detects nearby devices equipped with Bluetooth. They can also see which networks your device has previously connected to; this is important because your phone treats these networks as trusted and will connect to them automatically in future. If the cybercriminals can replicate a trusted network, they can trick your device into connecting to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices that they control. The hackers can then bombard your device with malware, spy on you and even steal your data from your text messages and apps.
What else could happen?
Once a smartphone has been compromised, the hacker can intercept and redirect phone calls, access bank details, send or receive files or simply watch what you are doing in real-time, use your phone as they like.
What is blue-bugging?
Bluebugging is a form of Bluetooth attack often caused by a lack of awareness. It was developed after the onset of bluejacking and bluesnarfing. Similar to bluesnarfing, bluebugging accesses and uses all phone features[1] but is limited by the transmitting power of class 2 Bluetooth radios, normally capping its range at 10–15 meters. However, the operational range can be increased with the use of a directional antenna.
Where can this occur?
Bluebugging is often performed in busy public places, often where there are a lot of routine commuters. Choosing a busy place allows them to remain undetected and to monitor the same devices which pass by regularly. Hackers may also choose places where people linger for several hours like cafes, pubs and restaurants.
What can you do to keep safe?
First, disable Bluetooth on your devices whenever it is not in use. Second, disable file-sharing services that rely on Bluetooth like AirDrop or Fast Share unless you are sending or receiving files from a trusted friend. Limiting access to Bluetooth services makes it much harder (if not impossible) to be a victim of blue-bugging. Finally, ensure you have an antimalware app installed on your smartphone, tablet and Bluetooth-enabled computers. In the event that a hacker does try to break into your device, the antimalware app will detect and block suspicious activity, protecting your privacy and personal data. Fortunately, blue-bugging attacks are still not very common – but that could quickly change.