A Free Educational Resource Created by Carnegie Mellon University to Empower You to Secure Your Part of Cyberspace

Bluesnarfing

Stealing information from mobile devices using a wireless connection

Some mobile devices with Bluetooth interfaces have flaws in their security implementation that allow attackers to enter them without being detected. Once inside, they can access any information on the device, including email and address books. Attackers can even gain access to the Internet connection if the device has a compromised Bluetooth link.

Protective Measures

Settings

  • Disable the Bluetooth interface: According to some phone manufacturers, the only way to fully protect yourself from bluesnarfing is to disable the Bluetooth interface of your phone when you are not using it. Depending on your phone or PDA model, you may have to go to a configuration panel to disable the Bluetooth interface. To disable Bluetooth in a mobile device with Palm OS:

    1. Click on the Systems Preferences icon.
    2. Under Communications, select Bluetooth.
    3. Check "Off."

References

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