A security research firm called Armis has release information about a new set of flaws they found and exploited in the Bluetooth wireless protocol. Bluetooth is, of course, the short range wireless system that lets our phones talk to our cars and headphones and fitness trackers. By sending the right signals to devices using standard Linux, Android, and Windows implementations of Bluetooth, researchers at Armis have been able to do everything from listening in on network traffic to installing and running potentially damaging viruses and other applications.
This new vulnerability is especially dangerous because Bluetooth has a range of over 30 feet, meaning anyone with the right equipment might be able to hack your phone or computer as long as they are nearby. Fortunately, these security researchers did the right thing and approached companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Google who make many of the world’s Bluetooth using devices and told them about the flaw they found long before they released info about the flaw to the public.
What should you do to prevent this problem affecting your equipment? If you are using Window, or and Android or Apple phone you should make sure you have the latest OS. For iPhones, this is easy since this problem does not affect the current iOS 10. Windows users will likewise almost certainly get a patch. For Android it might be a little harder to find a patch depending on the age of your phone.
If you need help patching your computer or phone or just want to make sure your devices are safe you can stop on by our location at 1331 South Beckahm. You can also give us a call at 903-858-4383 or email us at info@computerrepairintyler.com