Getting Snarfed, Jacked and Bugged until you're Blue!
by Gary Woods

A lot of electronic devices are using a protocol called Bluetooth these days. It's a way of communicating wirelessly between devices up to 30 feet apart. Bluetooth technology is integrated into a range of devices including cell phones, notebooks, and PDAs. Also some cars, like the Toyota Prius are Bluetooth-enabled, as are a number of specialty products, from medical equipment to gaming consoles.

As the number of devices grows, the possibility of getting your information stolen or compromised also increases. Some of the scams are known as bluejackng, bluebugging and bluesnarfing. In Bluejacking, a person discovers and then anonymously sends a business card to another Bluetooth device. Bluebugging is more serious, in that it lets another Bluetooth user connect to and issue commands on a remote cell phone or PDA. Bluesnarfing lets a Bluetooth user connect to other devices in range, in order to gain access to their contacts, calendar, and more.

To prevent these attacks pair your devices securely, using a strong (eight character or more) PIN code. To eliminate the risk of unknown users accessing your device, configure it to function in Bluetooth's non-discoverable mode. You should also periodically check the vendor's Website for updates or security patches for your device.

Probably the most important thing to do is never accept Bluetooth messages or pairing requests from unknown users. Basically, take the same precautions with a Bluetooth request that you would with an e-mail message with a suspicious attachment.

If you have any suggestions or questions for me please drop me a note at garyandlaury@santabarbaraproperties.com or see my column on the Internet at http://www.santabarbaraproperties.com or call me at (805) 729-0910.

Gary Woods is the Computer Trainer for the Santa Barbara Association of Realtors. You can hear Gary on the Radio at 1290 AM Monday 9-10 AM and he is a Broker/Associate at Home Realty & Investments, Inc.