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The Dangers of Bluebugging: Andhra Pradesh Police Caution Smartphone Users

Bluebugging attacks

The Andhra Pradesh police have issued a warning to smartphone users about a hacking technique called ‘blue bugging.’ "It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection," said Prakasam district SP Malika Garg, while addressing the media. 
 
The police have cautioned users to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their devices. What is a Bluebugging attack?  
 
Bluebugging is a form of Bluetooth hacking that allows hackers to access a victim’s device without their knowledge.  
 
Hackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a malicious Bluetooth signal to a target device, which allows them to take control of the phone remotely. Once the hacker has control of the device, they can make calls, send texts, and access personal information such as contacts, photos, and messages. 
 
To prevent blue bugging attacks, users are advised to keep their Bluetooth turned off when not in use. They should also avoid pairing with unknown or untrusted devices.  
 
Additionally, it is recommended to use a strong and unique passcode to lock their device, as this can prevent unauthorized access even if the device is compromised. 
 

Bluebugging attacks go beyond smartphones 

 
It is important to note that blue-bugging attacks are not limited to smartphones alone. Any device with Bluetooth connectivity, including laptops, smartwatches, and even some cars, can be vulnerable to these attacks. Therefore, users should be cautious and take necessary precautions to protect all their Bluetooth-enabled devices. 
 

How to be safe? 

 
To stay safe from Bluebugging attacks, here are some steps you can take: 
 
Turn off Bluetooth when not in use: This can prevent hackers from accessing your device through a Bluetooth connection. Avoid pairing with unknown or untrusted devices: Only pair your device with devices you trust. 
 
Use a strong passcode to lock your device: This can prevent unauthorized access even if your device is compromised. 
 
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect your device and personal information from blue-bugging attacks. "Chances of stealing photos, files, and data are very much there in such a situation," SP Garg cautioned, adding that the stolen data might be used for blackmailing. 
 
Any aggrieved persons could lodge their complaints by dialing 1930, or by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in

Bluebugging: A Cyberattack that Abuses Bluetooth Connectivity and Steals User data


What is blue bugging?

Blue bugging is a type of hacking which hackers use to get into users' devices with discoverable Bluetooth connectivity connections. The devices which are hacked through this technique are called being blue bugged. Once a device is bluebugged, hackers can access contact information, tap calls, view and send messages, and more.

Bluebugging was earlier used to compromise laptops or computers with Bluetooth connectivity. Later, hackers used this method to compromise mobile phones and other devices. Martin Herfurt, an independent cybersecurity security researcher, claimed that the flaw was able to get the user's call log and call history for abusing a flaw in the Bluetooth protocol. 

Device with Bluetooth connectivity more vulnerable to Bluebugging

The devices with Bluetooth functions can be bluebugged. Threat actors use wireless earphones execute this technique. Hackers can record the conversations of users via apps that connect to TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones or other devices. Once the device is bluebugged, the hacker has access to your contacts and can modify or overtake them, perform and record chats, view and send messages, and much more. 

How does Bluebugging work?

Hackers use Bluetooth connection to hack the Bluetooth enabled devices. If a device's Bluetooth is set as discoverable, the hacker attempts to pair with the bluetooth. We should note that most of the devices with bluetooth connection stay configured to be found out as default setting. 

How does Bluebugging execute?

When a connection has been set, threat actors use brute force to escape detection. After that, the hackers deploy a malware bluebugged on the bluebugged device to gain unauthorised entry into the device. If a bluetooth-enabled device is within a 10-meter range of the hacker, the attack can be performed.

"You can save your device from Bluebugging by first disabling Bluetooth to stop anyone from finding your Bluetooth devices. This will prevent hackers from pairing with your device. Then you should remove paired Bluetooth devices if they are not being used. One more thing you can do is update the system software on the device, limiting the usage of open WiFi, and using a VPN is also an additional layer of security," reports Kalinga TV.