As we become more reliant on technology, it’s more important than ever to protect ourselves against online attacks. If hackers can get into your computer or your phone, they can steal a lot of sensitive information and open you up to fraud. People are very aware of these dangers when it comes to things like smart tech and they take measures to protect their devices. However, a lot of people don’t realize that Bluetooth can be just as vulnerable.
Bluetooth is a common technology that we all use to connect devices like headphones to computers and smartphones. But did you know that people can use Bluetooth to gain access to your devices? A lot of people don’t realize it but it’s vital that you are aware of the dangers if you want to stay safe. These are the top Bluetooth security issues you should be aware of.
Bluesnarfing
Bluesnarfing is when hackers will connect to your Bluetooth without you realizing it and then gain access to your devices. It’s hard to tell whether somebody is connected, but you may notice problems with your Bluetooth tech if somebody else is using it at the same time. For example, if you notice your Bluetooth headphones disconnecting from your computer for no reason, for example it could be because somebody else is trying to connect to your Bluetooth. It might just be that your device is not working properly but it’s best to play it safe. As a general rule, you should always keep your Bluetooth switched off when you are not using it so your devices are not vulnerable.
Eavesdropping
Eavesdropping is a technique that hackers use to get you to willingly connect to their device so they can access all of your data. They do this by creating a device and naming it something very similar to a device you would normally connect to. So, when you search devices and connect to something you think you can trust, you inadvertently give up all of your data. You need to be careful when connecting via Bluetooth and always double-check the names. If there are any misspellings, don’t ignore this because it’s likely that it’s a fake device. You should also make sure that you have the latest security features installed on any Bluetooth devices.
Viruses
Sometimes, hackers will use viruses to disable the security on your Bluetooth, allowing them to connect without you knowing. Usually, these viruses come from malicious links on phishing emails or fake apps that you download from the app store. Make sure that you are always vigilant when downloading anything and always look at the reviews. Learn how to spot the signs of phishing emails too by checking the email address and looking out for spelling mistakes. If you are unsure, always be cautious and don’t click the link.
People don’t tend to think about security when they are using Bluetooth and that makes life easier for criminals. So, make sure that you are aware of these common Bluetooth security issues.
