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Bluetooth Technology Faces Security Threats
Today, all communication technologies are facing the issue of privacy and identity theft. Bluetooth technology is no exception. The information and data we share through these communication technologies is both private and in many cases, critically important to us.
Everyone knows that email services, company networks, and home networks all require security measures. What Bluetooth users need to realize, is: Bluetooth requires similar security measures.
Recently, Bluetooth technology has been popping up in the news. Unfortunately, most of the news involves confusion and misinformation regarding the security of Bluetooth. Recent reports have surfaced describing ways for hackers to crack Bluetooth devices security codes.
Are the Threats Serious?
The good news: most of the recent Bluetooth security scares, like most scares, are over-dramatized and blown out of proportion. The truth is, these issues are easily combatable, and various measures are already in place to provide for the secure use of Bluetooth technology.
Yes, it is true: there have been some Bluetooth cell phones that have been hacked into. However, it is most likely the case that those who have experienced these security breaches have not taken the appropriate precautions to protect their devices.
According to the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), in order to break into a Bluetooth device, a hacker must:
- Force two paired Bluetooth devices to break their connection
- Steal the packets used to resend the PIN, then
- Decode the PIN
The hacker must of course be within range of the Bluetooth device and, according to the Bluetooth SIG, be using very expensive developers’ equipment. The SIG suggests users create a longer PIN (8 digit is recommended).
Source: bluetomorrow.com |
