Bluesnarfing, bluejacking, and bluebugging - I suspect a number of readers have perhaps heard one or more of these terms but don’t truly know to just what these terms refer. This should help get your attention. Bluesnarfing is the unauthorized access of information from a wireless device through a Bluetooth connection. Bluejacking is the sending of unsolicited messages via Bluetooth to Bluetooth-enabled devices. And now it gets scary. In short, Bluebugging is when someone takes control of someone else’s phone to include the ability to listen in to a phone conversation. While perhaps not widespread yet, such threats are growing and should be of concern.
To address the initial concern raised, many Bluetooth products can be protected with mobile-security products that do all the things we’re used to thinking about with network security such as antivirus and anti-SMSspam protection, firewall capabilities and data-encryption. You might also consider using passwords that go beyond 4 or 6 digit PINS as they are much harder to crack. Personally, I simply turn off my cell’s Bluetooth capability when the function isn’t needed and this alone can go along way in preventing trouble.
While this Tech Tip may seem like so many others that warn of some tech hazard and suggest the deployment of various types of security to fix the problem, I have one additional concern that I’d like to raise. Bluetooth is too convenient and I see that as a problem.
Don’t get me wrong, I use Bluetooth devices and will continue to do so. I am simply suggesting that there is value in taking the time to consider how and when to use such devices. Just because someone can walk through an airport terminal and onto a plane all the while talking (usually far too loudly) through a Bluetooth earpiece doesn’t mean it’s a good idea, particularly if that someone happens to be an attorney talking about a client’s matter. Remember Rule 1.6 of our Rules of Professional Conduct which speaks to the duty to maintain client confidences? Convenience doesn’t negate any of our professional responsibilities. So let me say this again, and consider the advice in the context of how you use any tech gadget, be it a digital phone or a wireless laptop in public hotspot. Just because you can do something, doesn’t always mean that it’s a good idea. Be responsible in how you use any tech gadget. The failure to do so has already led to very bad outcomes.