Concerns that arise when you forget to turn off your Bluetooth device

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Bluetooth connectivity is built into virtually all contemporary electronic gadgets, including notebooks, speakers, and tablets. Bluetooth is a standard wireless communication technology that enables two devices, such as wireless earphones and an Android smartphone, to be connected across short distances. Because the most recent iteration of the technology is quick, it requires little in the way of training, and it can be relied upon quite well, an increasing number of gadgets are beginning to employ it as a means of communication. The vast majority of people who own Android phones leave their Bluetooth functionality turned on at all times.

Keeping Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone poses a possible security concern because it could leave your device vulnerable to malicious actors who could install malware that transforms the smartphone into a monitoring device. There have always been worries about the security of Bluetooth technology, but every once in a while, those worries are brought back into the public eye. One recent example of this was when it was reported that Vice President Kamala Harris allegedly uses wired earbuds rather than Bluetooth ones because of those worries (according to Politico ). Even though it would be impractical to do without your wireless devices, you should still disable Bluetooth whenever it is not in use. There are several reasons for this.

It's not crazy to turn off Bluetooth.

Almost everyone has a Bluetooth-enabled device, nearly everything has Bluetooth support. Included in this category is a speaker, computer accessories, and other comparable products. Since Bluetooth is still active, your Android phone will automatically connect to one of these devices once you pair with any of them henever you come within range. A pair of wireless headphones or the entertainment system in your car can be instantly connected using this method, which is particularly useful.

Even Nevertheless, Vice President Harris' warning concerning the technology in December 2021 rekindled interest in why it would be dangerous.

According to a tweet posted by an unnamed security researcher using the handle "SwiftOnSecurity" on Twitter

Bluetooth "exposes... your device for attack," lending support to the choice made by the VP to refrain from using wireless earbuds. What exactly is it about Bluetooth that makes it susceptible to hacking?

Why Bluetooth poses a threat to users' privacy and security.

The nature of it is a significant contributing component. The Bluetooth technology relies on the idea that two devices would discover each other when they are in close proximity to one another. The Bluetooth-enabled gadget will broadcast a signal that other Bluetooth-enabled devices within its range will be able to pick up on. This discoverability makes them susceptible to a malicious attack if a hacker is in the vicinity. The hacker could exploit this vulnerability in one of two ways, according to GovInfo : either they could connect to the device without the user's permission, or they could send a barrage of connection requests that would render the phone temporarily unusable.

When utilizing Bluetooth, users also need to consider the privacy implications of their actions. Large retailers such as Walmart and Target may employ Bluetooth technology to track customers while they are in the stores in order to improve the overall consumer experience, as reported by The New York Times. This information may be sold to third-party marketing businesses, which may make use of it without informing you first.

What steps can you take to safeguard yourself?

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If you are in a public place such as an airport, shopping center, restaurant, or using public transit, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States of America recommends that you turn off Bluetooth when you are not using it. You also have the option of turning off the Bluetooth connection on your device by default so that it cannot be discovered by other devices and then turning it back on when you are ready to pair it with another device. Only reliable devices that have been associated with it in the past will be allowed to connect to it when it is in this mode.

If Bluetooth connection requests appear on your devices out of the blue, you should ignore them and also disable Bluetooth at that time. You should do this because it's likely that someone is trying to connect to your smartphone. In the same vein, you should never accept files from unknown or questionable devices because you have no idea what you could be obtaining. In addition, you should check that the software on your Android smartphone has been updated to the most recent version in order to ensure that you have access to all of the most recent security fixes.

That brings us to the conclusion. I want to express my gratitude to you for taking the time to read this post, and I pray that God will richly reward you.

References

HEPBURN, NOR’ADILA. “Why You Need To Turn Your Android’s Bluetooth Off When You’re Not Using It.” SlashGear.Com, www.slashgear.com, 18 July 2022, https://www.slashgear.com/932106/why-you-need-to-turn-your-androids-bluetooth-off-when-youre-not-using-it/.

politico. “Kamala Harris Is Bluetooth-Phobic.” Kamala Harris Is Bluetooth-Phobic- POLITICO, www.politico.com, 6 Dec. 2021, https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook/2021/12/06/kamala-harris-is-bluetooth-phobic-495343.

Kwet, Michael. “Opinion | In Stores, Secret Bluetooth Surveillance Tracks Your Every Move (Published 2019).” Opinion | In Stores, Secret Bluetooth Surveillance Tracks Your Every Move (Published 2019), www.nytimes.com, 14 June 2019, https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/06/14/opinion/bluetooth-wireless-tracking-privacy.html?mtrref=www.theverge.com&assetType=PAYWALL&mtrref=www.nytimes.com&gwh=42C95AC9A98043B8F1D554DCA340EAD6&gwt=pay&assetType=PAYWALL.

“Wireless Connections and Bluetooth Security Tips.” Federal Communications Commission, www.fcc.gov, 10 Feb. 2011, https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-protect-yourself-online.