Today, we seek to have everything connected with as few cables as possible and this means using Bluetooth as a means of connecting our devices. Mice, keyboards, headphones and a large number of devices that use this technology so as not to fill everything with those annoying cables, but is it safe to use Bluetooth?
The Spanish company Tarlogic Security has revealed important security gaps in massive Bluetooth devices that we use in our daily lives. This security breach allows attackers to access our information through devices that are connected via Bluetooth such as console controllers, smart speakers and home automation devices, for example.
A vulnerability that puts us on alert
The Tarlogic research team has presented findings on critical vulnerabilities in Bluetooth devices. The research, supported by the BSAM methodology, reveals significant risks in equipment such as keyboards, mice, medical devices and other consumer devices.
The BSAM methodology, developed by Tarlogic, is the first of its kind internationally and aims to standardize security testing to analyze devices that use Bluetooth technology.
These deficiencies detected in recent months are gaps that could allow users for malicious purposes to take control of computers, steal sensitive information such as personal and medical data or even listen to private conversations. Something that we must pay special attention to if we think about the importance that Bluetooth has in our daily lives with the connection of millions of smart devices used in homes, companies and public places.
The results of this research are alarming. It reveals that 50% of common devices are pairable by default, this means that they do not need a pairing password and could allow attackers to capture data and impersonate devices to access paired equipment, such as computers. Furthermore, 80% of the smart devices we use in our daily lives are discoverable and traceable, which poses a significant risk to privacy by allowing movement monitoring.
Another fact that worries researchers is that 90% of devices allow access to confidential information, which could lead to the development of more advanced and specific attacks. Even 20% of devices, such as televisions and hands-free devices, use easy-to-crack PIN codes such as 0000 or 1111, increasing the vulnerability of these devices.
What consequences does this security breach have?
The consequences of these vulnerabilities are, as we have already said, quite large and can range from the impersonation of wireless keyboards and mice to attack and illegitimately access computers, to obtaining medical data from devices such as apnea equipment. sleep or pulse oximetry, for example. There is even the possibility of listening to private conversations through everyday devices such as console controllers or smart speakers.
Knowing this, the importance of protecting Bluetooth devices becomes fundamental at a time when the growth of the Internet of Things and the digitalization of companies and homes is expanding. If you think about it, Bluetooth devices are found in all areas of our lives. With millions of smart devices, security becomes essential to avoid attacks, the theft of sensitive information and protect the privacy of people and companies.
