Bluebugging

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended. 

Context

• Concerned over an increase in instances of cybercrime, Prakasam district Superintendent of Police Malika Garg has asked the people to be wary of “bluebugging.”

What Is Bluebugging?

• Bluebugging is a type of malicious attack that allows hackers to gain access to your Bluetooth-enabled devices.
• It can target devices such as phones, tablets, laptops, and even earphones, speakers, and smartwatches.
• Bluebugging is conducted by exploiting a security flaw in the Bluetooth protocol.
• In order for an attacker to successfully execute a bluebugging attack, they must be within close range of the target device (usually within 10 m).
• Once within range, the hacker can use specialized software and hardware tools to scan for and identify vulnerable Bluetooth devices.
• Once the hacker has access to your device, they can gain access to your personal information, eavesdrop on or tape phone calls, and even control your device remotely.
• Through Bluebugging, the attacker can also install a backdoor on the device for accessing it anytime in the future.

How Is Bluebugging Different from Bluejacking and Bluesnarfing?

• While bluebugging may share some similarities with other Bluetooth attacks, like bluejacking and bluesnarfing, they are not the same.
• Bluejacking is when someone sends you an unsolicited text message using Bluetooth. It’s more of an annoyance than a real security threat. The hacker can't gain access to your device, but they can send messages that contain links to malicious sites.
• Bluesnarfing is a more serious threat than bluejacking, as it allows the attacker to gain access to your device and steal data.
• Unlike bluebugging, bluesnarfing doesn't require any special tools or knowledge; all the attacker needs is access to your Bluetooth-enabled device. Also, bluebugging allows you to take control of the device in the future because of the backdoor, while bluesnarfing is not permanent.

How to prevent Bluebugging?

• Turn off the Bluetooth when not in use.
• Update device's software.
• Update Bluetooth passwords.
• Remove all the paired devices.
• Turn off the "Auto join" option.
• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPN: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/indias-new-vpn-rules

BLUEBUGGING: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/blue-bugging

PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Which of the following statements are incorrect? a)    The virtual private network, or VPN, is an encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network that prevents unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely. b)    Bluebugging can happen whenever a Bluetooth enabled device is within a 10-metre radius of the hacker. 1.    Only a 2.    Only b 3.    Both a and b 4.    Neither a nor b Answer: 4

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-beware-of-bluebugging-smartphone-users-cautioned/article66796736.ece