www.slashgear.com Open in urlscan Pro
18.66.112.83  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

×
 * NEWS
 * TECH
 * CARS
 * GAMING
 * ENTERTAINMENT
 * SCIENCE
 * HEALTH
 * REVIEWS
 * FEATURES
 * 
 * About
 * Privacy Policy
 * Terms of Use

© 2022 Static Media®. All Rights Reserved

Why You Need To Turn Your Android's Bluetooth Off When You're Not Using It
NEWS TECH CARS GAMING ENTERTAINMENT SCIENCE HEALTH REVIEWS FEATURES






WHY YOU NEED TO TURN YOUR ANDROID'S BLUETOOTH OFF WHEN YOU'RE NOT USING IT

Tada Images/Shutterstock
By Nor'Adila Hepburn/Updated: July 20, 2022 9:59 am EDT

Just about all modern gadgets, including tablets, laptops, and speakers, feature
Bluetooth capabilities. Bluetooth is a common wireless communication protocol
used to connect two devices together over short distances, such as wireless
earbuds with an Android smartphone. The technology is fast and convenient, and
the modern version of it is quite reliable, which is why so many devices use it
to communicate with each other. The frequency with which Bluetooth is used means
most Android smartphone owners keep it turned on at all times.


Powered By

10



Inside Apple's Crazy Patent For Their New Car


Share

Next
Stay





Leaving Bluetooth enabled on your smartphone may present a security risk,
however, potentially opening up your device to nefarious actors who might
install malware that turns it into a surveillance device. Concerns over security
flaws in Bluetooth are nothing new, but they do return to the spotlight on
occasion, such as when it was revealed that Vice President Kamala Harris
allegedly uses wired earbuds over concerns about Bluetooth security risks (via
Politico). Though it would be extreme to ditch your wireless devices, there are
good reasons you should turn off Bluetooth when it's not in use.




LEAVING BLUETOOTH ON 24/7 IS A SECURITY RISK

Jellyfishpao/Shutterstock

Because Bluetooth's use is so ubiquitous, almost every device you come across is
compatible with it, including speakers, computer peripherals, and similar
products. Once you pair your Android smartphone with one of these gadgets, it
will automatically reconnect to it the next time you're nearby — assuming you've
left Bluetooth turned on, of course. This is particularly convenient when it
comes to quickly using a pair of wireless headphones or connecting to your car's
infotainment system.



However, the December 2021 revelation about Vice President Harris' caution
regarding the technology renewed interest in why it may be risky. One anonymous
security researcher who goes by "SwiftOnSecurity" on Twitter said in a tweet
that Bluetooth "exposes ... your device for attack," backing up the VP's
decision to avoid using wireless earbuds. So what is it about Bluetooth that
makes it so vulnerable?

SwiftOnSecurity/Twitter

A major factor lies in its nature. Bluetooth technology operates on having
devices discover each other when within close range of each other. The
Bluetooth-enabled device sends a signal that can be detected by other devices
that are in its range. This discoverability leaves them vulnerable to a
malicious attack if a hacker is in the area, whether by managing to connect to
the device without the user's permission or by sending a barrage of connection
requests that leaves the phone temporarily unusable (via GovInfo).



Privacy is another issue that users should think about when using Bluetooth.
According to The New York Times, large retailers such as Walmart and Target may
use Bluetooth technology to track shoppers while they are in stores to enhance
the customer experience. This data can be sold to third-party marketing
companies that may use your information without your knowledge.




HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

PeopleImages.com - Yuri A/Shutterstock

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) advises users to turn off
Bluetooth when it's not needed, assuming you're in public areas like airports,
shopping centers, restaurants, or on public transportation. Alternatively, you
can make your device's Bluetooth connection undiscoverable by default and only
switch it on when you're ready to pair it with another device. When it is in
this mode, only trusted devices that were previously paired will be able to
connect.



You should dismiss any Bluetooth connection requests that appear unexpectedly on
your devices, and also disable Bluetooth at that time under the assumption
someone is attempting to connect to your smartphone. Likewise, you should never
accept files from unknown or suspicious devices because you never know what you
may be getting. In addition, you should make sure that your Android device has
the most up-to-date software installed so that you get all of the latest
security patches.





Recommended





 


ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY

We process your data to deliver content or advertisements and measure the
delivery of such content or advertisements to extract insights about our
website. We share this information with our partners on the basis of consent and
legitimate interest. You may exercise your right to consent or object to a
legitimate interest, based on a specific purpose below or at a partner level in
the link under each purpose. These choices will be signaled to our vendors
participating in the Transparency and Consent Framework.
More information
Allow All


MANAGE CONSENT PREFERENCES

FUNCTIONAL COOKIES

Functional Cookies

These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and
personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose
services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some
or all of these services may not function properly.

Cookies Details‎

PERFORMANCE COOKIES

Performance Cookies

These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and
improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the
most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All
information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you
do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and
will not be able to monitor its performance.

Cookies Details‎

STRICTLY NECESSARY COOKIES

Always Active

These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched
off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you
which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy
preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block
or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work.
These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.

Cookies Details‎

TARGETING COOKIES

Targeting Cookies

These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may
be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you
relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal
information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet
device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted
advertising.

Cookies Details‎

STORE AND/OR ACCESS INFORMATION ON A DEVICE

Store and/or access information on a device

Cookies, device identifiers, or other information can be stored or accessed on
your device for the purposes presented to you.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

PRECISE GEOLOCATION DATA, AND IDENTIFICATION THROUGH DEVICE SCANNING

Precise geolocation data, and identification through device scanning

 * USE PRECISE GEOLOCATION DATA
   
   Switch Label
   
   Your precise geolocation data can be used in support of one or more purposes.
   This means your location can be accurate to within several meters.

 * ACTIVELY SCAN DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS FOR IDENTIFICATION
   
   Switch Label
   
   Your device can be identified based on a scan of your device's unique
   combination of characteristics.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

PERSONALISED ADS AND CONTENT, AD AND CONTENT MEASUREMENT, AUDIENCE INSIGHTS AND
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and
product development

 * SELECT BASIC ADS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Ads can be shown to you based on the content you’re viewing, the app you’re
   using, your approximate location, or your device type.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * CREATE A PERSONALISED ADS PROFILE
   
   Switch Label
   
   A profile can be built about you and your interests to show you personalised
   ads that are relevant to you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * SELECT PERSONALISED ADS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Personalised ads can be shown to you based on a profile about you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * CREATE A PERSONALISED CONTENT PROFILE
   
   Switch Label
   
   A profile can be built about you and your interests to show you personalised
   content that is relevant to you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * SELECT PERSONALISED CONTENT
   
   Switch Label
   
   Personalised content can be shown to you based on a profile about you.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * MEASURE AD PERFORMANCE
   
   Switch Label
   
   The performance and effectiveness of ads that you see or interact with can be
   measured.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * MEASURE CONTENT PERFORMANCE
   
   Switch Label
   
   The performance and effectiveness of content that you see or interact with
   can be measured.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * APPLY MARKET RESEARCH TO GENERATE AUDIENCE INSIGHTS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Market research can be used to learn more about the audiences who visit
   sites/apps and view ads.
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

 * DEVELOP AND IMPROVE PRODUCTS
   
   Switch Label
   
   Your data can be used to improve existing systems and software, and to
   develop new products
   
   Object to Legitimate Interests Remove Objection

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

ENSURE SECURITY, PREVENT FRAUD, AND DEBUG

Always Active

Your data can be used to monitor for and prevent fraudulent activity, and ensure
systems and processes work properly and securely.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

TECHNICALLY DELIVER ADS OR CONTENT

Always Active

Your device can receive and send information that allows you to see and interact
with ads and content.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

MATCH AND COMBINE OFFLINE DATA SOURCES

Always Active

Data from offline data sources can be combined with your online activity in
support of one or more purposes

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

LINK DIFFERENT DEVICES

Always Active

Different devices can be determined as belonging to you or your household in
support of one or more of purposes.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab

RECEIVE AND USE AUTOMATICALLY-SENT DEVICE CHARACTERISTICS FOR IDENTIFICATION

Always Active

Your device might be distinguished from other devices based on information it
automatically sends, such as IP address or browser type.

List of IAB Vendors‎ | View Full Legal Text Opens in a new Tab
Back Button


PERFORMANCE COOKIES



Vendor Search Search Icon
Filter Icon

Clear
checkbox label label
Apply Cancel
Consent Leg.Interest
checkbox label label
checkbox label label
checkbox label label

 * 
   
   View Cookies
   
    * Name
      cookie name

Confirm My Choices



WE CARE ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY

We and our partners store and/or access information on a device, such as unique
IDs in cookies to process personal data. You may accept or manage your choices
by clicking below, including your right to object where legitimate interest is
used, or at any time in the privacy policy page. These choices will be signaled
to our partners and will not affect browsing data.


WE AND OUR PARTNERS PROCESS DATA TO PROVIDE:

Store and/or access information on a device. Precise geolocation data, and
identification through device scanning. Personalised ads and content, ad and
content measurement, audience insights and product development. List of Partners
(vendors)

I Accept Show Purposes