The Bluetooth network turned on in a ‘smartphone’ can not only download the device prematurely but also lead to an invisible attack by ‘hackers’, said Vojtech Bochek, the chief digital security engineer for the Avast company.
“If users keep Bluetooth on and available for detection, it can drain the battery a little faster,” says the expert.
In addition, Bluetooth automatically goes into detection mode for a short time, so that the user can connect to another device on the network. This feature works for the comfort of the user but also increases the risk of others connecting to your phone.
“Disabling Bluetooth detection mode, or simply disabling Bluetooth entirely, prevents other unauthorized devices from trying to send data or connect to your phone,” he recommended.
Also, in case Bluetooth is activated, users have to confirm all activities such as accepting the accessory or establishing a connection with other smartphones, he said.
To carry out a cyberattack, hackers first need to find out the MAC address of the Bluetooth adapter.
“It is much easier to do if the phone is discoverable. So it is definitely better to turn off the Bluetooth of the smartphone or make it inaccessible to other devices when not in use,” said the expert.
According to him, the technology has a number of vulnerabilities, but there is no reason to worry, as the capabilities and versions of Bluetooth are constantly being updated.