Bluetooth The 4 Law Enforcement Concerns

Potential security problems and misuse of bluetooth technology.

You may like bluetooth but the FBI don't.

There are several ways the technology can make one person a victim, or make it easier for that same person to communicate with another person about criminal activities - without law enforcement knowing about it. Yes, real anonymous communications!

Let's start with the bluetooth technology security vulnerabilities first...

Getting To Someone's Cell Data

While not possible on the more recent models, it is possible to access a cell's phonebook information and other information on older bluetooth units.

Malicious programs is what makes this possible.

Unauthorized Access

It's possible to gain access to a bluetooth-enabled device and it's information.

Cell phone cloning and identity theft are some of the potential problems unauthorized access makes possible.

Anonymous Or "Covert" Messaging

There is a specific way for one person to communicate with another, that is completely anonymous. Authorities do not like this one bit.

It makes it possible, for example, for drug dealers to send each others information on deals to be made, anonymously.

Here's how it works in simple language...

1- One bluetooth device "greets" another one as they establish a connection between the two of them.

2- As they do they have to identify each other.

The part of the communication where it says "Hi, I am device..." has extra free space in it where you can add up to 200+ characters, or about four words.

So whatever four words message you put in there will be transmitted from one device to the other and law enforcement will not have knowledge of this communication taking place.

A warning...

Do you possess one or more bluetooth-enabled devices?

If so you should know when you buy one such device that it's security disabled by default. Meaning you must change the settings of your device or it will be vulnerable to people trying to illegally access bluetooth-enabled devices.

And don't think you are not a potential victim because your name is not Bill Gates.

Often times the "perpetrators" will not target a specific person's devices, but will scan all devices possible and look for one with security disabled - your maybe.

Bluetooth technology security can be a problem if you let it be.

Ask a trusted and knowledgeable person to secure your devices if you don't know how to do it yourself.

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Bluetooth The 4 Law Enforcement Concerns