Bluetooth, like any other wireless connection, has its own set of security concerns. However, because of the convenience that technology provides, you just cannot afford not to use it. Bluetooth is now used to connect the majority of smart home devices and appliances.
People with Bluetooth speakers can connect to the Bluetooth connection and play their music through your speaker. It’s inconvenient when you want to listen to your favorite music, but someone else’s phone is connected and playing music you don’t like. How can you put a stop to it?
What should I do if someone tries to pair their Bluetooth speaker with mine?
By utilizing a security code, purchasing a more advanced speaker, turning off the speaker when not in use, undesirable unpair devices, updating your software, and turning off visibility, you can prevent others from connecting to your Bluetooth speaker.
The majority of Bluetooth speakers on the market will automatically pair with your device. This means that the speaker will connect as long as the streaming device’s Bluetooth is turned on and your speaker is turned on. Anyone can connect to the speaker by clicking the pair button on their smartphone.
Some speakers are more complex, allowing you to choose which device to connect to them. Fortunately, there are a few options for preventing other devices from connecting to your Bluetooth speaker.
Continue reading to find out more.
What can I do if someone tries to connect to my Bluetooth speaker?
Get a Professional Speaker
Bluetooth speakers have become safer and more secure as technology has advanced. The speakers support BLE and aptX, which are not only quicker but also safer Bluetooth versions.
Advanced speakers may feature a section where you may link and disconnect your devices. Unlike speakers without a panel, these allow you to forget about devices and limit the number of devices that can connect to the speaker.
You will pay more for a great speaker, but you can rest assured that they will not harm you.
With a code, you can protect your Bluetooth speaker.
A security code can be used to keep individuals away from your Bluetooth speaker. You will, however, need an advanced speaker to do so. The option to set a security code is available on these current Bluetooth speakers.
They can’t connect to the speaker unless they know your secret passcode. You can program any four-digit code into your speaker so that it asks for it before pairing.
The default security code for most speakers is 1234 or 0000. You can edit this code to ensure that no one connects to your speaker without your permission.
When not in use, turn off the speaker.
If your speaker doesn’t allow you to create security encryption, you’ll have to take other precautions to keep it secure. The first thing you should do is turn off the speaker when not in use. The majority of less sophisticated speakers can only connect to one device at a time.
As a result, if you have your device connected, no other device will connect. Switch off the speaker once you’ve disconnected your device. Again, most speakers require you to push a button to link them, ensuring that your neighbors cannot connect to your device automatically.
When you turn off the speakers when they’re not in use, you’re restricting individuals who might want to listen to music through your speakers. Even if your Bluetooth speaker is turned off, hackers can connect to it. This is why the speaker must be set to undiscovered.
Disable Device Visibility
Even when your Bluetooth speaker is turned off, hackers can gain access to it. Hackers use a variety of attack vectors, such as BlueBorne, to gain access to your Bluetooth. When you set your speaker to undiscoverable, hackers won’t be able to notice it and thus won’t be able to connect to it.
When hackers need to attack a device, they first look for any Bluetooth devices nearby, then look for the MAC address and launch an assault. They can’t hack you if they can’t see your gadget.
You must reconfigure your speaker if you have linked many devices, and these devices can connect to your speaker automatically.
Devices that aren’t part of your family should be unpaired.
If your speaker is already linked to a lot of devices, you’ll need to disconnect them all and rejoin your device again. Because connected devices connect automatically, they can connect, disengage, and reconnect as needed as long as Bluetooth is enabled.
If your speaker has advanced options, you can enter Bluetooth, examine the list of devices connected, and then “forget” them all. After that, you can pair the devices you wish. Unless the hacker has access to the speaker, no additional devices will connect.
You can reset your Bluetooth speaker to factory settings if you can’t unpair Bluetooth devices (because your speaker doesn’t offer that option). Different speakers can be reset to factory settings in a variety of methods. Some speakers require a long press of the power button.
Others will require a long press of the Bluetooth button. Check your speaker’s handbook for instructions on how to reset it.
When you reset the speaker, all associated Bluetooth devices will be erased, and you will be able to connect again.
Make sure your software and apps are up to current.
Wireless devices come with a plethora of dangers. The Bluebonnet vector, which is conveyed in the air, is one of the most common attacks. Any Bluetooth device, such as a smartwatch, speaker, smartphone, or laptop, can be attacked by this vector.
The Blueborne problem has been resolved by Google and Amazon, but the vector may evolve, and you must remain vigilant. Security patches are included in new software and app upgrades, allowing you to combat new threats.
Bluebugging is another attack that you must avoid. This is typical with cell phones, but the hacker might also use your speaker to gain access to your devices. One of the reasons people worry if Bluetooth is expensive is that the hacker can use your phone to make calls.
Bluetooth tracking and bluejacking are two further types of Bluetooth exploits that hackers might use. The majority of these threats have been addressed in new Bluetooth versions. You are protected from assaults as long as you maintain your system and apps updated.
If new features become available, you must install them as soon as possible to protect your Bluetooth speaker.
Using an Audio Jack
The convenience of not having to use wires is provided by Bluetooth. Untangling cables will never be a problem for you. When wires are yanked, they can generate a disturbance, which can ruin your pleasure in the music.
Despite the fact that cables aren’t required, most speakers contain an audio connector that enables a wired connection. You should never use the jack to prevent your Bluetooth speaker from being accessed by other devices. Connect your speaker to the audio jack.
There is no way for a Bluetooth device to access your speaker after you plug in a jack. Before turning on your speaker in public, you might want to test it out with a friend. Your speaker will be in headset mode when the jack is connected, and it will not receive audio from Bluetooth devices.
Who Can Access Your Bluetooth Speaker?
Hackers are the first type of person you should avoid. These are those that gain malicious access to your Bluetooth devices in order to gain access to your personal information. You should also shut out anyone who isn’t interested in your personal information but needs to utilize the speaker to listen to music.
This group of folks will irritate you but will not harm you or your gadget.
Many phone apps, including Google and Facebook, use Bluetooth to track your device’s position. Turning off Bluetooth will prevent these apps from accessing your location. The apps can still access data from your speaker and other linked devices even if your Bluetooth isn’t transmitting.
Your speaker can provide information about your location, favorite music, and other aspects of your life. They can then use the information to target you with advertisements. If you’ve ever read Google or Facebook’s privacy policies, you’ll notice that they use Bluetooth to track your whereabouts.
You can disable the permission on your smartphone to prevent your apps from accessing your Bluetooth devices. This shields your phone as well as your speaker.
Closing Thoughts
Smart homes increasingly include Bluetooth speakers and other Bluetooth devices. Modern appliances have Bluetooth capabilities and can communicate with a wide range of other items in your house. You can never afford not to use Bluetooth devices because of their relevance.
If you have a Bluetooth speaker, you can listen to music without having to connect cords. Even with the convenience they provide, Bluetooth speakers can make you feel embarrassed if someone plays music via them just as you’re about to make a call.
Your speaker will not usually reveal your personal information, but it can provide a way for someone to gain access to your other devices. Hackers can exploit your speaker to distribute malware and attack other devices that contain sensitive data.
The easiest approach to keep your speaker safe is to set it up so that any device that wants to connect to it must first ask your permission.
