It is a wireless communication technology that allows two or more devices to communicate directly. There are many applications for Bluetooth today. The majority of the time, you will use it to play audio files from your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC.
Bluetooth, however, has a lot more application possibilities, such as connecting smartwatches, using tethering to access the internet, sending files from one device to another, and so on. It may be easy to use Bluetooth, but is it advisable to leave it on after using it?
Is it okay to leave Bluetooth on all the time?
I don’t. Bluetooth should be turned off when not in use to prevent hackers from gaining access to your device and stealing your personal information.
Before hackers discovered a new method of accessing people’s phones via Bluetooth, it was acceptable for wireless connections to be on.
It may be necessary to leave it on if you are running updated operating systems and apps or if you have other devices that need to be constantly connected to your smartphone.
The most recent versions of Bluetooth are more secure, so it is safe to leave them on without worrying about being hacked.
To prevent unauthorized access, you should turn off Bluetooth after you have finished using it or have finished playing audio.
The fact that many people do not realize the dangers of leaving Bluetooth on allows hackers to spread malicious software and access private information.
Please continue reading if you wish to learn more about the advantages of switching off your Bluetooth device after use.
How Do Hackers Gain Access to Your Bluetooth Device?
The BlueBore attack vector is used by hackers. The virus is spread using this vector, which infects all devices, including Android, iOS, Linux, and Windows. The attack vector spreads through the air, according to Armis, a cybersecurity firm.
Therefore, any computer may be vulnerable to attack. The virus, once it has entered your device, gives hackers the ability to access any part of your device. Hackers can access private information and penetrate secure networks.
The BlueBorne computer virus is a significant risk as it affects all devices, including televisions, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other connected devices. The fact that it does not require pairing to your device’s Bluetooth makes it even more dangerous.
Attackers attack you in stages until they can fully control your device. A hacker will scan nearby Bluetooth devices for compatible devices. A MAC address is checked when they see one.
The hacker will then assess the device’s operating system and evaluate whether there is a weakness in the device’s security system. The hacker will try to obtain as much information from the device as possible once he has gained control.
A powerful virus, BlueBorne has a devastating effect on human health. This is because the virus spreads through the air, making it more lethal than other computer attack vectors.
There are no security measures at all in the weakest points of a network, making it possible to target these weaknesses.
The virus is highly infectious and can spread from one device to another very quickly. Moreover, Bluetooth has high privileges, and this means that the hacker will have complete control of the device if he has access to it.
How Can You Protect Your Devices From BlueBorne Besides Turning Off Bluetooth?
A BlueBorne device is capable of targeting an Android device unless it supports Bluetooth Low Energy. You do not have to do anything except updating your device for the latest Google security patch if you own an Android device.
The security patch was released in September 2017, so most users of new phones are equipped with it by default.
The only requirement for Windows devices is to keep their software updated so they have the latest security patches. Microsoft also issued a security patch in 2017 in response to the widespread use of the vector.
Linus is used by all devices that may be attacked. There is also Samsung’s line of smart devices, such as the Gear S3 SmartWatch.
BlueZ, which is used on these devices, is susceptible to attacks from hackers. By keeping your system current, you can take advantage of BlueBorne’s security features
iOS devices running iOS 9.3.5 and lower are susceptible to attacks. iPads, iPods, iPhones, and smart TVs are among the devices on this list. iOS 10 comes out in July 2017 and offers enhanced security.
Make sure your device is running the latest software to prevent BlueBorne from infecting it. People with devices older than four years are unlikely to have the latest apps and systems. You should avoid using Bluetooth if your device has an old version of the system.
Despite the efforts of several device manufacturers to protect users, the vector has remained prevalent with hackers eager to exploit it. Once another attack vector appears, security patches will be of little use.
If you want to protect yourself from BlueBorne or any other vector in the future, make sure your Bluetooth is switched off and your devices are updated.
Does leaving Bluetooth on always draining the battery?
It is not. Bluetooth does not require a lot of energy from the battery. It is possible to leave it on if you connect your speaker or other devices frequently.
As Bluetooth has evolved, the number of uses has increased and Bluetooth is becoming better and better.
The Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology consumes between 0.01w and 0.25w, the most recent version of Bluetooth. Given the long battery life of most smartphones, this is almost inconsequential.
When you read online about ways to conserve battery, turning off Bluetooth is one of the tips you will be given. The BLE can be switched off when not in use, but it uses very little power.
It was in the first generations of Bluetooth technology and the first generations of smartphones that it was believed that Bluetooth consumed so much battery power and should be switched off.
Today, however, the battery capacity of the iPhone from the 1990s has tripled. Bluetooth technology has also improved and has a broader range of applications.
Considering how many applications and devices use Bluetooth, it was critical to make it safer and more energy-efficient. This is important if you intend to continue to use your Bluetooth after using it.
How Does BLE Help?
Bluetooth Low Energy was first introduced in 2011. The technology is the same as Bluetooth 4.0. It was designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. This protocol is optimized for devices that need to transmit small amounts of data periodically.
The audio quality may not be exceptional when it is played over a Bluetooth speaker, but it is safer and consumes less power.
It is safe to leave BLE-enabled devices on and not worry about a hacker gaining access to your information.
BLE is currently supported by all smartphones. The Bluetooth version might be slower and the range may also be shorter than Bluetooth v. 5, but it is safe and energy-efficient.
This technology is excellent when you need to connect smart devices or access location data.
Most smartphone applications consume a small amount of battery power. Some devices require constant connectivity to your smartphone for accurate and efficient operation.
Wearables such as smartwatches and trackers require constant Bluetooth connectivity to share data with smartphones.
It may also be necessary to keep your Bluetooth on continuously if you are using ZUS Smart Driving App. The app will remind you to switch on Bluetooth if you switch off your Bluetooth. Logging miles has never been easier.
Bluetooth must also be enabled in most smart devices so that they work properly. This will not drain your battery.
Conclusions
A hacker cannot access your device unless you are running Bluetooth Classic. The introduction of Bluetooth Low Energy and aptX addresses the hacking problem to ensure the continued enjoyment of Bluetooth.
It is advisable, however, to turn Bluetooth off when not in use – you never know when the next attack vector will emerge.
If you have smart devices at home, you may never have the option of not keeping your Bluetooth on at all times. Almost all smart devices require continuous Bluetooth connectivity.
If this is the case, please ensure that your systems are kept up to date so that you have access to all security patches. This will ensure that you are protected from hackers.
Bluetooth can be switched off after use if it is only used for audio and hands-free calls. This process incurs no cost and keeps you safe.
The use of Bluetooth is never going to end, especially with so many devices relying on it. There is also the possibility that you may not be aware of when a patch will be released for the next Bluetooth vulnerability.
Consequently, you should only turn off Bluetooth when not in use, and ensure your operating system is up-to-date.
