What is blue bugging?
Blue bugging is a type of hacking which hackers use to get into users' devices with discoverable Bluetooth connectivity connections. The devices which are hacked through this technique are called being blue bugged. Once a device is bluebugged, hackers can access contact information, tap calls, view and send messages, and more.
Bluebugging was earlier used to compromise laptops or computers with Bluetooth connectivity. Later, hackers used this method to compromise mobile phones and other devices. Martin Herfurt, an independent cybersecurity security researcher, claimed that the flaw was able to get the user's call log and call history for abusing a flaw in the Bluetooth protocol.
Device with Bluetooth connectivity more vulnerable to Bluebugging
The devices with Bluetooth functions can be bluebugged. Threat actors use wireless earphones execute this technique. Hackers can record the conversations of users via apps that connect to TWS (True Wireless Stereo) earphones or other devices. Once the device is bluebugged, the hacker has access to your contacts and can modify or overtake them, perform and record chats, view and send messages, and much more.
How does Bluebugging work?
Hackers use Bluetooth connection to hack the Bluetooth enabled devices. If a device's Bluetooth is set as discoverable, the hacker attempts to pair with the bluetooth. We should note that most of the devices with bluetooth connection stay configured to be found out as default setting.
How does Bluebugging execute?
When a connection has been set, threat actors use brute force to escape detection. After that, the hackers deploy a malware bluebugged on the bluebugged device to gain unauthorised entry into the device. If a bluetooth-enabled device is within a 10-meter range of the hacker, the attack can be performed.
"You can save your device from Bluebugging by first disabling Bluetooth to stop anyone from finding your Bluetooth devices. This will prevent hackers from pairing with your device. Then you should remove paired Bluetooth devices if they are not being used. One more thing you can do is update the system software on the device, limiting the usage of open WiFi, and using a VPN is also an additional layer of security," reports Kalinga TV.
