WHAT IS A BLUETOOTH

Bluetooth What Is It?

Bluetooth technology has been around since 1999, but as with anything new, consumers were a little confused about how it worked and what it is.

The Bluetooth technology was/is intended to eliminate cable connecting and enable more portability. It's strength, it can handle both data and voice transmissions with security and at low cost.

It's weakness, you have to have units relatively close to one another. One good example, is your cell phone and your Bluetooth headset. It works find up to and around 30 feet. You go past the 30 foott limit, you'll lose the caller.

Is Bluetooth capabilities limited to cell phones? No. Bluetooth technology includes:

Headsets and accessories

Networking

Mice

Keyboards

Keyboard/Mouse combos

Printers

GPS devices

Laptops

Desktops

How Does the Bluetooth Headset Work

There are two devices - your cell phone that is Bluetooth ready and the Bluetooth headset device. The Bluetooth ready cell phone will communicate with the headset, over low-frequency radio waves. There are no cables or wires needed, and the only requirement to using Bluetooth is that both devices must be Bluetooth compatible and capable.

The Bluetooth connection with other bluetooth devices creates a piconet. A piconet (personal area network) can fill a room or just encompass the distance between your headset and the cellphone stored in your belt-clipped cell phone carrying case. Though, I'm making reference here to your cellphone it also works the same with your Bluetooth stereo system or computer system.

Bluetooth Networking-What Is It?

Bluetooth devices can connect up to eight devices at the same time, as long as the devices are within 32 feet of one another. With so many wireless devices talking to one another, you would think there would be a massive clash between the devices. But that's not the case. Why?

The reason is called "spread-spectrum frequency hopping". Spread-spectrum frequency allows a device to use any of 79 randomly chosen frequencies to communicate with another Bluetooth device. This randomness lessen the possibilities of any interference from other devices from interfering with your Bluetooth devices.

Bluetooth Security

Since Bluetooth technology is wireless it is susceptible to spying and remote access. Just like WiFi is susceptible if the network isn't secure.

Below are some Bluetooth jargon used regarding Bluetooth Security problems:

Bluejacking - Bluetooth users sending business card-text message, to other Bluetooth users within a 32 foot radius. The user doesn't realize what the message is, and allows it. What happens then? The contact will be added to the user's address book, and the contact can send the user messages that automatically opens. Why? The contact becomes a known contact.

Bluebugging - allows hackers to remotely access a user's phone and use it's features. Such as placing calls and sending text messages and the user won't even know that it is happening.

Bluesnarfing- stealing Information

War-nibbling- Thieves drive around looking for Bluetooth singles to attack.

How To Protect Yourself

Below are some suggestions on how to protect yourself.

The best bet is to turn off your Bluetooth when you are not using it. Note: Putting yourself in "hidden mode" or "private" does not protect you from hackers.
Use a strong pin code - Numbers 5 or greater helps to protect you because they are a little harder to crack.
Stay up to date on security issues and make sure you check for software updates from your manufacturer.

Bluetooth hacking is currently more prominent in Europe because they utilize their cell phones to make purchases, to store financial and personal data. Which you can see makes hacking a serious problem.

But this cell phone utilization seen in Europe will be making it's way to the US. Thus, it's wise to know how to deal with the issues and how to protect yourself now, instead of later.

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