Defend Your Work Team from Bluetooth Attacks

The use of mobile devices has now permeated the work system as employers and employees alike use these gadgets for work conversations and exchange of information. Of the many features available, Bluetooth ranks among those considered as most indispensable. But beneficial as it is, it comes with a risk: hackers.

 

The Power of Bluetooth

 

Who does not recognize Bluetooth nowadays? Technically, it functions as one of the most significant features in wireless technology responsible for providing power to hands-free parts. Its use is indicated in the following situations: 1.) As a shining/blinking electric blue light from a headset or earphones, 2.) When people talk to themselves or seemingly invisible companions while walking down the street or on the bus/train, and 3.) When they want to talk on the phone while driving without getting caught by police/traffic personnel.

 

Regardless of these uses, security of users remains at risk due to perfidious issues underlying Bluetooth attacks and mobile gadgets. Although majority of these dilemmas identified several years ago have already been resolved, some persists up to this day. Furthermore, hackers evolve in time with advancements. Thus, you have to remain vigilant of new problems that have yet to be discovered.

 

Zoning in on the Threats

 

To clue you in on how you and your employees’ security could be in danger whenever you use Bluetooth, below are three situations and tips on how to address them:

 

1. There are no such things (and no software) that can be considered perfect—and the software in Bluetooth gadgets is one of them. This is especially true for those who use the newer Bluetooth 4.0 variant. Based on the demonstration conducted by Finnish security researchers; Tommi Mäkilä, Jukka Taimisto and Miia Vuontisjärvi, hackers/attackers will not have difficulty learning about new weaknesses in Bluetooth.

 

Potential Dangers: Overcharging of premium rates or international calls, having your important information stolen by, or getting malware

 

Your Best Defense: If you and your people are not using Bluetooth, keep it turned off.

 

2. We have Harald Bluetooth Gromsson—hence the feature’s moniker Bluetooth, to thank for this wonderful invention. Working in the same fashion as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth employs an encryption that should prevent criminals from getting your data during calls via eavesdropping. With this, people are to assume that it will no longer be a problem. Unfortunately, this cannot be said of older Bluetooth devices. In fact, the low-energy variant 4.0 (LE), which is the latest specification, is plagued with a similar issue.

 

Potential Dangers: Having your data stolen

Your Best Defense: You and your employees should avoid suing the following Bluetooth specifications: 1.x, 2.0 or 4.0-LE

 

 

3. Hackers/attackers have leveled up and stayed abreast with the advancements of modern technology. Besides stealing your data, they are capable of crashing your gadgets. Either this or they can do things to block your incoming calls or sap your battery.

 

Potential Dangers: Failed communication due to blocked calls and service denials and battery-related malfunction

 

Your Best Defense: Just like with the first situation, you and your employees can easily keep this from happening by simply switching off your Bluetooth whenever it is not in use.