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There are many security attacks that can put our equipment at risk. Hackers can attack computers, mobiles, and virtually any device connected to the network. Now what is the Bluejacking? How can they affect the Bluetooth connection? We will talk about it in this article. We will explain what it consists of and we will also give some advice to be protected and not have any type of problem.
What Bluejacking consists of
The term Bluejacking mentions an attack that will jeopardize the proper functioning of a connection Bluetooth. Basically it means that a person, an intruder, will be able to send a message to another person without their consent, using this wireless network technology.
If your device is compatible with Bluetooth, it is activated and also in the range of another person, who would be the attacker, you can be a victim of Bluejacking. The attacker is going to detect that equipment and could send a message to the victim. What it does is exploit a function that has this technology and that allows you to send a message to a device as long as it is in range.
Keep in mind that Bluetooth normally works a 10-15 meters. Beyond that it is difficult for them to work, so do not expect anyone to attack you while you are at home, since it would be very rare for them to have access to your device. But it is much more common for this to happen in a very busy place, such as a shopping center, for example.
Therefore, Bluejacking is how the fact of send unauthorized messages through Bluetooth. For example, an intruder could send it to our mobile. This also includes images or files. In addition, those messages will be anonymous since only the device model and the name that the attacker wanted to give will be shown. It will not show the phone number, nor any personal information.
Usually it's a harmless attack
Is it really a major security attack? The truth is that it is generally a harmless attack. Unlike other problems that we can suffer with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi networks and our devices in general, It is not a threat that by itself can pose a major problem for security and privacy.
After all, a possible intruder the only thing he is going to do is send a message. We are going to see the content that you send us to the phone, but nothing else. You are not entering our mobile, nor are you straining malware or stealing passwords as it could happen with a Phishing attack by email or SMS, for example.
Although more convoluted than other attacks, with this method a possible intruder could send us a message that will lead us to do something that puts our security and privacy at risk. For example, inviting us to access a web page that is actually a fraud. Also even through an image that you send us it could contain some text that, in the same way, invites us to enter a site that is actually a fraud.
It is at that moment, when we enter a malicious page, where they could steal our data and compromise the security of the system. For example, if we download a malicious file or if we put some personal data.
What to do to avoid it
How can we avoid being victims of Bluejacking? Although it is generally harmless and does not pose a real problem for security, it is important to keep in mind some tips to avoid receiving messages that we do not want. At least to avoid the possible inconvenience that will cause.
Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
The first tip is don't keep Bluetooth on beyond what is necessary. It is a technology that we can use to link headphones, exchange files with other devices, etc. But once we have stopped using it, it is not such a good idea to always leave it on, as it will be available to anyone.
Therefore, our recommendation is have it off and only turn it on when you really are going to use it. In addition, this will also help save battery. If you have it on, it will constantly be sending and receiving data, as it will search for possible devices to sync with.
Keep in mind that many current mobiles are already configured as standard to turn off the Bluetooth as soon as time passes without using it. This helps prevent a Bluejacking attack and also other even more serious problems that could affect the device without us knowing.
Be careful with the text we receive
Have you received a text message through Bluetooth and don't really know who sent it? Be careful and analyze it well. Perhaps you have simply received it by mistake, for example if someone has sent it thinking that it is someone else's device. But it may be one trap.
Beyond the inconvenience, that message could contain a text that invites you to enter a web page that would be a major security problem. Never enter those websites or download files that may invite you to download. That way they could put your safety at risk.
Always update the device
To have devices updated it is always important. It is not only in order to avoid security problems, but also to make the operation optimal. Therefore, another recommendation is that you always update the device you use by Bluetooth, as well as the drivers.
This is going to help correct some vulnerabilities that may explode, not only for a Bluejacking attack but also for many other techniques that could be used against you without you realizing it and that could be a very serious problem.
In short, as you have seen, Bluejacking is a technique in which they use Bluetooth to send messages anonymously to a device. It can be sent by anyone as long as it is in the range of the signal, which is usually not more than a few tens of meters. Although it is not a very serious security problem, as are other attacks, it is advisable to take precautions and thus avoid that our data may be compromised.
