Bluetooth Security

Bluetooth Security

How secure is Bluetooth?

Bluetooth security is a concern that many people have. It is a common misconception that all Bluetooth devices can connect to any other device and browse the information on it. This cannot be done without the user setting the device to do so. Bluetooth security has various levels of authentication including pin code entry and up to 128-bit encryption.

You and your friends or colleagues can easily connect any Bluetooth devices to share information, pictures, MP3 music, Internet access, and a wide range of other uses. This connection is often referred to as a Personal Area Network (PAN). Bluetooth technology is very simple because Bluetooth devices will automatically detect each other and form a Personal Area Network (PAN) automatically. But you can also prevent unwanted connections with your equipment thanks to several built-in Bluetooth security features:

Bluetooth Pass Key.This is a unique, case-sensitive password that is required in order to access and communicate with another Bluetooth device. The Pass Key is continually incorporated into the 128-bit Encryption; also it reinforces pairing by only allowing devices to pair if the password matches.

Bluetooth Pairing. This convenient Bluetooth security feature remembers the Pass Key used to allow communication with another Bluetooth device. For two devices to be paired, the same Pass Key must be entered on both devices. Pairing lets Bluetooth devices remain permanently linked to each other, until you un-pair them. Even if a “paired” Bluetooth device is turned off, or just out of range, it will be visible to the Bluetooth devices it has been paired with when it is powered on again or comes within wireless-signal range.

Bluetooth Encryption. Bluetooth features 128-bit security encryption to make sure that no other devices can receive transmissions that you send.

Stealth Mode. Some Bluetooth devices have the ability to turn off the ‘Discoverable’ setting. When a Bluetooth device is Discoverable, it broadcasts its existence to other Bluetooth devices and announces that it is available for Bluetooth communications. When you turn off discoverability, your device will not appear to other Bluetooth devices searching the airwaves for partners. This can come in handy if you're in a public area with curious Bluetooth-bearing strangers.

If you need additional information on Bluetooth security please feel free to contact us. We are happy to share our Bluetooth knowledge and to assist you in answering all your Bluetooth security questions.