Bluetooth Hacking: How to Protect Yourself

Bluetooth, that technology we all use without thinking, is a real security hole that no one seems to take seriously. I have been researching these vulnerabilities for years and I am scared at how easy it is for any moderately competent hacker to get into our devices.

I don't want to alarm you, but the reality is that when you have Bluetooth on while walking down the street, it's like carrying all your personal data on a silver platter. Hackers could be sitting in any café, intercepting signals and stealing information while you calmly sip your coffee.

Here are some ways to protect yourself ( that almost nobody follows, by the way ):

• Update your devices, for god's sake. Companies release patches because they discover huge security holes, but who bothers to install them? Almost nobody.

• Turn off the damn Bluetooth when you're not using it. It seems obvious, but I see everyone with Bluetooth on 24/7. It's like leaving your front door wide open!

• Do not connect to any device. I am surprised by the number of people who accept unknown pairings without blinking.

• Use decent passwords. No, "1234" is not an acceptable password, no matter how hard it is for you to remember something more complex.

• Public Bluetooth networks are a deadly trap. If you're in an airport or shopping mall, it's better to disable this technology. I've sat and watched how data flies freely in these spaces.

I also recommend:

• Install some specific security solution for Bluetooth. There are applications that monitor intrusion attempts.

• Stay informed about new threats. Hacking methods are constantly evolving, and what was safe yesterday may be vulnerable today.

• Make backups regularly. When (not if, but when) you get hacked, you will be grateful to have backups.

Paranoia is your friend when it comes to cybersecurity. I've seen too many cases of people who thought this "only happens to others". Until it happened to them.