The Bluetooth Blues

Apr 1, 2007 12:00 PM

BLUESNARFING

Hackers gain access to mobile phone data without alerting the phone's user of the connection made to the device. With the victim nearby, hackers use specialized software to hack into his or her phonebook, images, calendar and the IMEI, or International Mobile Equipment Identity, the device identifier.

BLUEBUGGING

Hackers use the same software to initiate phone calls, send and receive text messages, read and write phonebook contacts, eavesdrop on phone conversations, and connect to the Internet.

BLUEJACKING

Hackers send wireless “business cards” anonymously. Though not involving the removal or alteration of any data from the device, the business cards often include a “clever” or “flirtatious” — or otherwise inappropriate — message rather than a typical name and phone number. Hackers look for the receiving phone to “ping,” or the user to react. Then they send another, more personal, message to the device.

WHAT TO DO

Bluetooth officials say hackers must be within 10 meters of a device in order to make a connection. To protect from these hackers, the company recommends setting the Bluetooth device to “non-discoverable” mode. Users can also visit their service provider and request a software patch to fix the vulnerability. Not every Bluetooth-enabled phone is susceptible to hacking. Cell phone manufacturers are now beginning to release phones and devices that already include the software patch to protect against these hacking methods. Nokia and Sony Ericsson are two examples.

For More Information. Visit Bluetooth.com/learn/security.

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© 2012 Penton Media Inc.

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