Skip to content
Inherent Privacy Logo Inherent Privacy

Bluetooth

Introduction

Bluetooth technology has revolutionized wireless connectivity since its introduction in 1998, enabling everything from wireless headphones to smart home devices. While offering convenient wireless connections, Bluetooth’s ubiquity and always-on nature have created significant privacy concerns, as devices can potentially be tracked, intercepted, or compromised through various security vulnerabilities.

Providers

Apple Bluetooth Stack

Apple’s implementation emphasizes security but has faced vulnerabilities. In 2020, researchers discovered the “BIAS” attack affecting Apple devices, allowing attackers to impersonate previously paired devices. The company regularly patches security issues through iOS and macOS updates.

Android Bluetooth

Google’s Bluetooth implementation has experienced several security challenges. In 2021, the “BlueBorne” vulnerability potentially exposed billions of Android devices to remote code execution. Android’s Bluetooth stack continues to receive security patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Qualcomm FastConnect

A major provider of Bluetooth chips for mobile devices and computers. In 2022, security researchers identified vulnerabilities in Qualcomm’s Bluetooth stack that could allow unauthorized access to devices. These issues affected numerous device manufacturers using Qualcomm chips.

Nordic Semiconductor

Popular in IoT devices and wearables, Nordic’s Bluetooth implementations have generally maintained good security. However, in 2020, researchers found vulnerabilities in their older chipsets that could allow device tracking and connection hijacking.

Recommendations

  1. Keep Bluetooth disabled when not in use
  2. Pair devices only in private settings
  3. Use complex PINs for device pairing
  4. Regularly update device firmware
  5. Monitor connected devices list
  6. Be cautious with unknown device connections

Actions

  • Update firmware on all Bluetooth devices
  • Remove unused paired devices from all your devices
  • Set devices to non-discoverable mode when not pairing
  • Change default PINs to complex alternatives
  • Review and update privacy settings for Bluetooth apps
  • Check for and install security updates
  • Monitor for unexpected connection attempts