What Is Bluejacking and How to Avoid Bluejacking Attacks
Bluejacking refers to when a sender sends junk messages to a receiver via Bluetooth. If you are not aware of this term, its implications, and how you can avoid falling victim to bluejacking attacks, then you are at the right place. This blog will further elaborate upon the subject of bluejacking and how you can prevent it.
Origin of Bluejacking
An IT professional from Malaysia was responsible for the creation of bluejacking. He utilized his phone to send messages through Bluetooth to promote a well-known mobile phone business. The term “bluejacking” was coined as a result of this.
Technology undoubtedly aids our advancement in numerous ways, but it also has its drawbacks when not used properly. Bluejacking is one example of how Bluetooth technology is being abused. The sender uses Bluetooth on his/her phone to transmit spam messages to the recipient’s phone.
Bluejacking is common in crowded locations, including restaurants, malls, movie theatres, and supermarkets. It generally occurs as part of a hoax perpetrated by the sender. However, it might cause considerable distress to the recipient.
What does Bluejacking Mean?
When a person’s phone gets bluejacked, they receive unsolicited images, audio, or messages. The receiver might see this as a fault on the device’s part. In most cases, the sender uses text messages or false business/contact cards as a means of communication. These junk messages fool the recipient, who has no idea who the sender is in the first place.
How to Avoid Bluejacking?
People primarily utilize bluejacking to promote their products or services. However, this is not an effective method since it confuses the receiver and leads them to believe that their gadget is malfunctioning. Although innocuous, bluejacking might be inconvenient since the receiver has no idea who sent the message. There are a few methods for preventing it on our devices, a few of which have been highlighted below:
1. Set Bluetooth to Undiscoverable
Turning on and off the Bluetooth connection might be a hassle if you use it often. For this purpose, Bluetooth should be set to non-discoverable mode. By doing so, your device is hidden from attackers or unknown individuals.
2. Factory Reset your Device
If your smartphone has been hacked at some time, the attacker’s device has already been added to your phone’s trusted devices list. Remove all devices from the trusted list by resetting your device.
3. Stay Clear of Strangers
Make a point of rejecting any communications or connection requests from unfamiliar devices. Accepting connection requests from strangers, who are subsequently listed as trusted devices, is the most common cause of compromised devices.
4. Use Strong Passwords and Keep your Device Updated
Make sure your passwords are strong and that you update them regularly. Additionally, ensure your device is up-to-date without fail.
5. Disable Bluetooth When Not Needed
Keep your Bluetooth connection disabled if you don’t use it often to prevent your device from being listed in the sender’s device search list. This simple tip protects your device against criminals who use Bluetooth to access other people’s phones.
6. Secure Bluetooth with a Password
Setting a pin or password for your Bluetooth connection is an easy way to safeguard your device. Anyone attempting to pair with your device will be prompted for a password. Remember to keep this password safe by sharing it with people you trust.
You now have everything you need to know about bluejacking, its origins, and what steps you can take to protect yourself from such an attack. Hopefully, the information provided above will allow you to better protect your device. While protecting yourself online is important, you should leave no stone unturned to ensure you are not missing out on something that could compromise your private data.
Apart from protecting your Bluetooth connection, you need to pay close attention to securing yourself whenever you go online. For complete peace of mind, consider using a VPN for Android or VPN for iOS.
By using a VPN for iOS or a VPN for Android, you can rest easy knowing you do not have to worry about cybercriminals, hackers, and even ISPs from monitoring and tracking your information. This is made possible by advanced security features that premium VPNs offer, such as Military Grade Encryption, Secure DNS, IPv6 Leak Protection, Public Wi-Fi Security, and more.
With the right combination of tools and preventive measures, you can protect yourself from almost any attack. Remember, though; it is equally important to keep up with the latest happenings in the tech industry as well. Being aware of the latest security breaches and hacks will further bolster your privacy and security like never before!
