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The motive behind this suggestion was that whilst in a pub last night someone tried to compromise his mobile phone handset; we both agreed this was a danger Click readers should be made aware of. Bluetooth is a fantastic technology and one of its many applications allows modern day mobile phone handsets to communicate wirelessly and exchange data with each other. Although the technology currently has a theoretical maximum range of up to 100m, it is worth noting that when built into a mobile phone the two devices realistically have to be in the same room to communicate with one another. The applications for Bluetooth are numerous - one of the most useful and practical use for the technology is that handsfree headsets can communicate with your mobile phone without the need for cumbersome cables. Bluetooth can also be used to send files such as pictures, movies and MP3's to others that you know quickly, easily and free of charge. As good as this may sound, there is a downside to this technology. The problem in this instance is that unless you turn your Bluetooth off when you're not using it, the phone will continuously be broadcasting and this can be a very real potential security vulnerability. The term used to the sending of unwanted messages over Bluetooth is 'Bluejacking'. As the person sending the message is not able to control your device it is technically harmless, however it can be very confusing to the person receiving anonymous messages. Another way this can be used is for unsolicited advertising; I was offered a box several weeks ago that when put in the shop window would automatically send a message advertising my company to everyone who drove past with a bluetooth enabled phone. I, of course, declined, but imagine if every shop down a high street had one of these boxes then we would be inundated with adverts making our day-to-day life a lot more tiresome. BlueSnarfing works in a different way to Bluejacking and is generally used maliciously. It takes advantage of the vulnerabilities in order to gain access to confidential data such as the contact list, pictures, and text messages. They can also dial premium rate numbers without the owners knowledge with of course can rack up large phone bills. Another vulnerability is that Bluetooth can be used to transfer viruses. It does sound a bit strange that a phone can be susceptible to viruses but it is the case that the more advanced the phones operating system, the greater the chances of this happening. Once infected the phone will then transmit the virus onwards to every other handset within range. This is normally achieved by a file transfer, which makes them fairly easy to avoid. All you need to do is not accept and suspicious looking files, much like you would do with your e-mails. I don't want to incite a knee-jerk reaction resulting in my readership abandoning Bluetooth ' It is a good technology, is genuinely useful and the risks are relatively low. If you do have a Bluetooth enabled handset there are a couple of ways to minimise your risk and luckily these are extremely easy to implement. If you don't use Bluetooth then keep it switched turned off or your status set as 'undiscoverable' as this will result in no malicious users being able to locate your handset. If you do require or simply would like to keep Bluetooth enabled then make sure that if you are asked whether you would like to receive a file you weren't expecting then reject it. Simple!
Article Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.net Article Url: http://www.bharatbhasha.net/internet-and-computers.php/272455 Article Added on Thursday, November 18, 2010 LD | ||||||||
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