Almost all modern gadgets, including tablets, laptops, and speakers, Bluetooth capability features. Bluetooth is a common wireless communication protocol used to connect two joint devices -the same time in short distances, such as wireless earbuds with Android smartphones. This technology is fast and comfortable, and the modern version is quite reliable, which is why so many devices use it to communicate with each other. The frequency used by Bluetooth means that most of the Android smartphone owners remain on all the time.
Leaving Bluetooth is activated on your smartphone you can bring security risks, but have the potential to open your device for evil actors who might install malware that turn them into supervision devices. Concerns about security weaknesses in Bluetooth are not new, but they returned to the spotlight, as when it was revealed that the Vice President Kamala Harris was suspected of using cable earbuds for concerns about Bluetooth security risks (through Politico). Although it will be extreme to remove your wireless device, there is a good reason you have to turn off Bluetooth when not in use.
Leaving Bluetooth on 24/7 is a security risk
Because the use of Bluetooth is very everywhere, almost every device that you encounter is compatible with it, including speakers, computer peripherals, and similar products. After you pair your Android smartphone with one of these gadgets, it will automatically be connected back there when you are nearby – assuming you have left Bluetooth turned on, of course. This is very comfortable in terms of quickly using a pair of wireless headphones or connecting to your car’s infotainment system.
However, Wahyu in December 2021 concerning the death of Vice President Harris regarding renewed technology about why it might be risky. An anonymous security researcher who uses “Swiftonsecurity” on Twitter said in a tweet that Bluetooth “exposed … your device for attacks,” supports VP decisions to avoid using wireless earbuds. So what’s up with Bluetooth that makes it very vulnerable?
The main factor lies in its nature. Bluetooth technology operates to have a device to find each other when in close range each other. Bluetooth -capable devices send signals that can be detected by other devices that are within reach. This inability makes them vulnerable to evil attacks if a hacker is in the area, either by managing to connect to the device without a user permission or by sending a series of connection requests that make the cellphone temporarily not used (through Govinfo).
Privacy is another problem that users must think about when using Bluetooth. According to the New York Times, big retailers such as Walmart and targets can use Bluetooth technology to track buyers when they are in a store to improve customer experience. This data can be sold to third -party marketing companies that can use your information without your knowledge.
How can you protect yourself?
The US Federal Communication Commission (FCC) advises users to turn off Bluetooth when not needed, assuming you are in public areas such as airports, shopping centers, restaurants, or public transportation. Or, you can make a Bluetooth connection your device cannot be found by default and only turn it on when you are ready to pair it with other devices. When in this mode, only trusted devices that were previously paired will be connected.
You must ignore the Bluetooth connection request that appears unexpectedly on your device, and also disable Bluetooth at that time under the assumption someone tries to connect to your smartphone. Likewise, you should not receive files from unknown or suspicious devices because you never know what you might get. In addition, you must ensure that your Android device has the latest software installed so you get all the latest security patches.