Bluetooth Danger

March 2, 2008 at 7:35 am (Announcement)

“Bluetooth is one of many modern technologies that are commonly being used. Bluetooth is basically a short distance (within 10m. range) data transferring technology. It is quite convenient. However, the data transferring speed is slower than WIFI, used for wireless internet technology. Bluetooth is commonly used for communicating via cell phones that are paired with Bluetooth headset. This enables Bluetooth users to make a phone call, without using actual cell phone, but just by using a Bluetooth headset.” By John Pyun http://john.pyun.11-12.collingwood.org/?p=26

Bluetooth is designed to make people’s lives more convenient. However in modern days, Using bluetooth may cause further inconvenence to you and put you in distress. Hackers are now able to hack into your phone without you noticing it.

In order to “pair” a bluetooth device with another bluetooth compatible device, you need to type the same password both devices. This method was added to bluetooth technology to protect privacy. Officials thought that this would initially block hackers from violating the privacy. However, it seems to me that  hackers won.

There are devices that are able to pair with or hack to other devices without typing passwords. Once devices are connected, they are able to cruise through each other’s systems freely. Your phone will not even show that it is connected to other device. This hack is called “Blue-Jacking” Now, you may not relize the importance and seriousness of this issue. However they will know your contact lists, and are able to make phone calls without you knowing.

These hackers usually call a certain number that utilizes certain charge per minute. Therefore, if the hackers call this number using your phone, they will earn money, while you will have to pay this number.

Now, don’t panic if your phone is bluetooth enabled, since there is a way to prevent this. 5/7 of the people who use bluetooth enabled phones don’t actually use bluetooth; however, they still leave the bluetooth service on. If you turn the bluetooth service off, then the Hacker won’t be able to pair with your phone.

Our world is constantly fighting against hackers. This war between the hackers seems unstoppable and endless. However if we try our best to prevent our selves from being hacked or try our best to catch these hackers, we will slowly move a step closer of winning this battle.