Bluebugging: Using Bluetooth has a price, here’s how hackers can sneak into your phone – Times of India

Imagine plugging in your headphones and knowing that anyone within ten metres of your device can hack it and even listen to conversations with your mom. Recently, app developers around the globe have expressed concern over the vulnerability of smartphones to cyberattacks, as they found that any app that uses Bluetooth can record your data from voice assistants like Siri, phone conversations, and text messages, and can even record phone conversations. Here is all you need to know about the process:
What is ‘Bluebugging’
Bluebugging is a form of hacking where hackers access the users’ data through a discoverable Bluetooth connection. Once the attacker bugs your device, it can then listen to your phone conversations, read and send text messages, and even modify your contacts. The term “Bluebugging” was coined by a German researcher, Martin Herfurt, in 2004 when he discovered how hackers targeted laptops equipped with Bluetooth capabilities. Later, the hackers turned their attention to personal computers, smartwatches, smartphones, and other Bluetooth devices.

B stands for brute force attack
Bluebugging works by exploiting Bluetooth-enabled smartphones, most of which are not in “discoverable mode” by definition. The hacker then uses “brute force” to pair with your Bluetooth device, permuting all possible passwords and passcodes until it guesses the correct one, bypassing the smartphone firewall defence mechanism. They can then use malware to gain unauthorised access to users’ data. sers.pen whenever a user comes within the hacker’s range. However, some professionals even use “booster antennas” to expand their range.
To avoid bluebugging, be on the lookout for ‘unusual’ activity
To prevent bluebugging, one must immediately switch to using VPN services. A virtual private network or VPN establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet, shielding your data and communications while you use public networks. First and foremost, users must remember to disconnect paired bluetooth devices when not in use.
They must also keep their smartphones’ software up to date. Moreover, they must also avoid using public wifi facilities on the move. Experts suggest that users must watch out for suspicious activities such as a sudden increase in data consumption, call drops, and unsolicited messages sent to their contacts. Reset your device to the factory settings and uninstall any app that you find suspicious. Today, users can install antivirus software on their smartphones just like their desktops, which helps prevent such attacks.
Which gadgets are prone to such attacks
Although any bluetooth enabled device can be bluebugged, wireless headphones and earbuds are susceptible to these attacks because of their frequent use. Apps that are used to connect your smartphones to a wireless device, can record a user’s phone conversations, read and send messages and can even steal the users’ data.
Even Apple hasn’t been spared; why would it spare your smartphone
Tech behemoth Apple has recently stated on its website that an app designed for Airpods can be used to record phone conversations and other audio data. While Apple has released some software fixes, iPhone users are now warned of its vulnerability to such attacks.
Predators are lurking, so beware users
Today, most smartphone users prefer to turn their visibility on bluetooth’s discoverable mode, making it easy for hackers within 10 metres of proximity to hack the device. Initially, Bluetooth models of early smartphones were prone to these attacks, but technology has evolved and corrected this loophole. Turn off your Bluetooth when not in use, uninstall useless apps and remember to use long and tricky passwords/pins to unlock your device.