Mobile users should be aware that their handset carries a security risk and the main reason is the Bluetooth feature that puts the mobile phone at stake.
Symantec, a global leader in infrastructure software, has released a caution report for the Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone users. The company has unveiled various denial-of-service attacks such as “bluejacking,” “bluesnarfing” and “bluebugging”.
Bluejacking, also called “bluespamming”, is a technique used to send anonymous text messages to mobile users via Bluetooth, similar to e-mail spam. Though the most annoying type of risk, bluejacking doesn’t hijack the phone or suck all the information on the handset.
The most dangerous technique, Bluesnarfing helps the hacker to access information (address books, calendars, e-mail and text messages) that has been saved onto the handset without the knowledge of the mobile user. Moreover, even on the non-discovery mode, the attacker can connect the device.
The most serious of the three risks, bluebugging technique gives the freedom to the attacker to access mobile-phone commands using Bluetooth technology, where the device owner has no clue about it. This service attack enables the hacker to control the user’s handset by initiating phone calls, sending messages, reading and writing phonebook contact and even eavesdrop on phone conversations and connect to the Internet.
Ooi Szu-Khiam, senior security consultant at Symantec Singapore, explained that the user can quip their gadgets with mobile-security products, which include antivirus, firewall, anti-SMS spam and data-encryption technologies, that are easy to deploy, manage and maintain.
“This kind of layered security can not only mitigate the unique security risks of mobile devices, but can also enable companies to more easily and cost-effectively comply with internal security policies and external regulations,” continued Ooi.
Few tips to protect the mobile phone:
A research firm InsightExpress has unveiled that about 73 per cent of the mobile owners are not acquainted with security issues that put the Bluetooth-enables mobile phones at risk. Hopefully, with this article, we expect the users to safeguard their Bluetooth-enabled phone.
