Having your Bluetooth switched on, especially in crowded places, could be exposing your personal information to hackers, according to tech security experts. Nazar Kvartalnyi, a tech expert from software development company Inoxoft, has warned of the growing risks of Bluetooth hacking in crowded areas like airports, shopping malls, and public transport.
Nazar said: “Bluetooth is handy, but in the wrong hands, it can be a dangerous tool for malicious activity.” Bluetooth allows for quick and easy connections, but that convenience can come with a price in crowded places. According to the expert, hackers use Bluetooth to find weak spots in your phone’s security.
One of the most common types of attack is called ‘Bluejacking’, where hackers gain access to your phone without you even noticing. “They don’t need physical access to your phone. All they need is to be nearby,” Nazar said. “Once connected, they can steal sensitive data like your contacts, messages, or even photos, leaving you open to identity theft or worse.”
Hackers can scan for open Bluetooth signals in public places, searching for devices that are nearby. Once they’ve found a target, they can send unsolicited messages, install malware, or even gain control of your phone.
“It’s surprisingly easy, especially if your phone’s Bluetooth is always on,” says the expert. “You’re essentially inviting hackers to connect to your device.”
Even though Apple and Android phones have better security now, some people are still using old versions of the software or old phones. And those ones might be easier for hackers to attack.
“If you’re not using Bluetooth for anything, like connecting to headphones or your car, it’s best to turn it off,” Nazar advises. “You’re just asking for trouble if you leave it on.”
“Regularly updating your phone’s operating system also ensures you have the latest security patches to protect yourself from these kinds of attacks,” recommends the expert.