Nowadays, nearly all devices use Bluetooth. Whether it's yourlaptop, smartphone, or desktop computer, Bluetooth technology allows you toeasily pair headphones or share files — all without the need for wires.
Think of all the important information you store on theseBluetooth devices: family photos, financial documents, login information, andmore.
Now imagine ifhackerswere able toexploit this technology to steal these files right off your device without youknowing.
This is an example of a successful bluesnarfing attack.
Follow this guide to learn more about bluesnarfing, how itworks, and how you can prevent an attack.
How doesbluesnarfing work?
Hackers can initiate bluesnarfing attacks by exploitingvulnerabilities within the object exchange (OBEX) protocol. In other words,bluesnarfing targets security flaws within the technology used to share filesbetween Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth testing tools like Bluediving identifythese vulnerabilities and pinpoint OBEX flaws in Bluetooth-compatible devices.
Cybercriminals may then program their own bluesnarfing tools,hire a skilled bluesnarfer to do it for them, or even download bluesnarfsoftware off of thedark web. Once a hackercan exploit flaws in your Bluetooth device, they’ll pair their device to yoursand attempt to steal your information.
If successful, the hacker may end up with yourpersonalinformationincluding photos, emails, text messages, contacts, logincredentials, and more. In many instances, a cybercriminal can steal yourinformation without you ever even noticing.
The hacker will usually need to be within 30 feet of your deviceto carry out a bluesnarf attack. If the attacker is using specializedequipment, they may reach your device from further away. This is often referredto as a “bluesniping” attack.
Bluesnarfing vs.bluejacking vs. bluebugging: What’s the difference
Bluesnarfing is sometimes confused with other Bluetooth securitythreats, including bluejacking and bluebugging.
- Bluejackingis another attack in which a hacker usesanother Bluetooth device to spam your device with unsolicitedphishing messages.
- Bluebuggingis when an attacker gains backdooraccess to your Bluetooth device tospyon you.
So, the main difference between bluesnarfing and these attacksis that bluesnarfing involves the theft of your personal files.
How to preventbluesnarfing: 10 cybersecurity tips
While detecting a bluesnarfing attack is tricky, there are somesimple precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of bluesnarfing attackswhile also improving yourcybersecurityin the process.To help keep your device Cyber Safe and prevent a bluesnarfing attack fromhappening to you, follow these cybersecurity tips.
1. Turn off yourBluetooth when not in use
Above all, turning off your Bluetooth is the most effective wayto eliminate the risk of a bluesnarfing attack. Just like how you'd never leaveyour door open when leaving the house, you should never keep your Bluetooth onwhen it isn't in use. If you do, you’re technically leaving the door open forcybercriminalsto try andconnect to your device. To be safe, only turn your Bluetooth on when you’reusing it.
2. Use a strongpassword
No matter what aspect of your cybersecurity you’re dealing with,using a secure password is a must. Thatway, if a hacker does make it onto your device, they may be stopped by apassword before they can steal your information. Not only can this prevent asuccessful Bluetooth snarfing attack, but it can help minimize the damage ahacker can cause by connecting to your device.
3. Don’t acceptunknown pairing requests
Another way to prevent bluesnarfing attacks is to decline anypairing request you didn’t initiate. This can help you avoid accidentallyletting in a Bluetooth hacker. Even if the device name seems familiar, alwaysdouble-check before accepting. It’s possible that a hacker is attempting toimpersonate a device they think you’ll connect with without question.
4. Avoid storingsensitive information on Bluetooth devices
While this technically won’t prevent a bluesnarfing attack onits own, keeping sensitive information off of your Bluetooth device is a greatway to reduce the chances of it getting into the wrong hands, ultimatelyleading to other cybersecurity threats likeidentity theft.
5. Requireapproval for all Bluetooth connections
If possible, configure your Bluetooth device so it doesn’tautomatically connect with new Bluetooth devices without your permission. Thatway, you can screen each Bluetooth pairing request and only connect withdevices that you know are safe.
6. Avoid pairingdevices for the first time in public
When pairing two devices for the first time, be sure to do it ina secure location like your house. If you pair the two devices in a populatedarea such as a coffee shop, it's possible that a Bluetooth hacker can pop inand hijack the pairing process and connect to your device.
7. Make yourdevice non-discoverable
Similar to turning off your Bluetooth altogether, making sureyour device is set to non-discoverable is another way to help prevent a hackerfrom seeing your device. While it may still be possible for a hacker to findyour device if your Bluetooth is still on, turning off your discoverability cangreatly reduce the chances that a hacker will discover your device.
8. Keep track ofyour Bluetooth devices
Knowing the location of your Bluetooth devices is a helpful wayto make sure they are never in harm's way. For example, let's say you leave aBluetooth device in your car while it’s parked in a populated area. If yourdevice has its Bluetooth discoverability turned on, a nearby hacker may try toattack your device while you're away.
9. Keep youroperating system up to date
In many cases, a Bluetooth device with an outdated operatingsystem is a dream for a Bluetooth hacker because it will lack the mostup-to-date bug fixes and security patches. This can make it easier for a hackerto exploit a security vulnerability and access your information. To preventthis, alwaysupdate yourdevice’s operating system.
10. Usetwo-factor authentication
Whiletwo-factor authentication (2FA)won’t stop abluesnarfing attack from happening, it can help deter your attacker from easilyaccessing any of your online accounts. That way, even if the hacker finds oneof yourpasswords, they can’tsuccessfully log in to any account where you have 2FA enabled.
By keeping thesegood cyberhygienehabits in mind, you can use your Bluetooth device knowingyou've taken the best precautions to avoid a bluesnarfing attack. Not onlythat, but they can help protect you from other emergingmobile threats.
FAQs aboutbluesnarfing
Continue reading to learn the answers to these common questionsabout bluesnarfing.
Is bluesnarfingeasy?
Bluesnarfing is considered one of the easier Bluetooth attacksto implement. This is because hackers can easily find bluesnarf tools andinstructions online, especially on the dark web. Fortunately, developments inmobile device software made newer devices far less vulnerable to these types ofattacks than older devices.
What can ahacker access when bluesnarfing?
If successful, bluesnarfing hackers can access importantinformation on your device, including:
- Photos
- Emails
- Text messages
- Contacts
- Login credentials
In some cases, the hacker may be able to do this without yourknowledge.
Doesbluesnarfing still work?
Bluesnarfing attacks are now less common, mainly due to newerBluetooth devices having built-in authentication and improved securityfeatures. Keep in mind that older devices may still be more vulnerable to thesetypes of attacks.
How do you knowif you've been targeted by a bluesnarfing attack?
Unfortunately, bluesnarfing attacks can take place without youever even knowing. Because of this, it’s important to always turn yourBluetooth off whenever it is not in use, as that is the best way to prevent abluesnarfing attack.
