Science and Technology
In News: Apps that let users connect smartphones or laptops to wireless earplugs can record conversations, and are vulnerable to hacks including iPhones.
- Any app with access to Bluetooth can record users’ conversations with Siri and audio from the iOS keyboard dictation feature when using AirPods or Beats headsets.
About Bluebugging:
- It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection.
- Once a device or phone is bluebugged, a hacker can
- download phone books, call lists, listen to the calls
- read and send messages
- steal and modify contacts
- install malware
- gain unauthorised access to apps with Bluetooth access and control them.
- Bluebugging attacks work by exploiting Bluetooth-enabled devices which is in discoverable mode (which is the default setting on most devices) and 10-metre radius of the hacker.
- The hacker then tries to pair with the device via Bluetooth. Once a connection is established, hackers can use brute force attacks to bypass authentication.
- Hackers can use booster antennas to widen the attack range.
- Susceptibility:
- Smartphones and Laptops or any Bluetooth-enabled device
- Wireless earbuds like AirPods can record conversations as they enable users to connect to their TWS (True Wireless Stereo) devices
- Devices with short PINs for a password can be easily cracked.
- Prevention:
- Turning off Bluetooth and disconnecting paired Bluetooth devices when not in use (make it undiscoverable) from Bluetooth settings
- Updating the device’s system software to the latest version
- Limiting the use of public Wi-Fi
- Using VPN as an additional security measure
- Watch out for suspicious activities on their devices eg. phone is suddenly disconnecting and reconnecting calls, or if you notice messages that haven’t been sent by you
- Reset the device to its factory settings or uninstall any apps you don’t recognise
- Monitor sudden spikes in data usage.
- Modern anti-virus software can also help thwart such attacks by helping users to detect strange and spam-like content by filtering, blocking and consistently reminding people to be alert
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
Q.1) The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and Eternal Blue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to (2018)
- Exoplanets
- Cryptocurrency
- Cyber attacks
- Mini satellites
