What is Bluejacking: How to Prevent This Bluetooth Attack?

Charles Garcia

Sep 7, 2023 | 7 min read

Online threats

Overview

Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows our devices, such as phones, computers, headphones, to communicate and transfer data wirelessly. However, did you know that Bluetooth can also be used as a tool for hackers? In this blog post, we will introduce a Bluetooth attack called Bluejacking, how it works, the risks it poses, and how to avoid it.

What is Bluejacking?

How Does Bluejacking Work?

What Are the Risks of Bluejacking?

How to Avoid Bluejacking?

Bluejacking is Not the Only Threat

What is Bluejacking?

Bluejacking is the act of sending unsolicited messages or files to nearby devices using Bluetooth. These messages or files may contain malicious code, advertisements, pranks, scams, and more. Bluejacking typically occurs in public places such as malls, restaurants, buses, where many devices have their Bluetooth enabled. Bluejacking does not require pairing between the hacker and the target device; it only needs the target device's Bluetooth visibility to be enabled to initiate the attack.

How Does Bluejacking Work?

To perform Bluejacking, a hacker needs to use specialized software or applications like Bluejack, Blooover, BlueSnarfing, etc. These software or apps enable hackers to scan for nearby Bluetooth devices and send messages or files to them. These messages or files may appear on the target device's screen or be automatically saved in its storage. If the user of the target device is not vigilant, they may open these messages or files, potentially leading to consequences like virus infection, privacy breaches, financial losses, and more.

What Are the Risks of Bluejacking?

While Bluejacking may appear as harmless pranks, it can carry various risks, including:

① Virus Infection

Opening messages or files with malicious code can infect the device with viruses, leading to system crashes, data loss, and functionality issues.

② Privacy Breaches

Opening messages or files containing personal information can expose user data to hackers or third parties, including names, addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts, passwords, and more.

③ Financial Losses

Opening messages or files with fraudulent content may result in financial losses or the theft of valuable items, such as requests for money transfers, recharges, or purchases of goods.

④ Psychological Stress

Receiving messages or files with threats, harassment, or insults can cause psychological stress and distress, affecting users' emotions and mental health.

How to Avoid Bluejacking?

While Bluejacking is a challenging attack to prevent and detect, several measures can reduce the risk of being targeted:

① Turn Off Bluetooth

When not actively using Bluetooth, it's advisable to turn it off to minimize the chances of being discovered and receiving unsolicited messages or files.

② Hide Bluetooth

If Bluetooth is needed, set it to "invisible" mode to prevent it from being detected and connected to by strangers.

③ Modify Device Name

If a Bluetooth device's name is the default or easily recognizable, consider changing it to a random or meaningless name to avoid being targeted by hackers.

④ Ignore Unsolicited Messages

If receiving messages or files from unknown sources, it's best not to open or reply to them to avoid triggering malicious code or revealing personal information.

⑤ Update Software

If there are updates available for the Bluetooth device's software, install them promptly to fix potential vulnerabilities and enhance security.

Bluejacking is Not the Only Threat

Bluejacking is a Bluetooth-based attack, but it's not the only threat we may encounter online. On the internet, we may encounter various other online threats, such as hackers, viruses, malware, phishing websites, identity theft, and more. These threats can jeopardize our devices, data, and privacy. To ensure our online browsing safety, we need to use effective tools and methods, such as MetroVPN .

MetroVPN is a professional VPN service that allows us to browse the internet anonymously, securely, and freely. MetroVPN has several key features:

① Global Servers

MetroVPN has 6500+ servers distributed worldwide, providing high-speed and stable connections for a smooth experience.

② Encrypts Network Activity

MetroVPN encrypts all traffic data, protecting our data and communications from eavesdropping and tampering.

③ No-Log Policy

MetroVPN adheres to a strict no-log policy, ensuring that no user activity or information is recorded or disclosed, allowing us to maintain anonymity and privacy online.