'BlueBorne' puts 8.2 bn devices at risk: Here is how to protect your data
The Bluetooth-based hack
was identified by security research firm Armis Labs
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research firm Armis Labs has identified vulnerabilities in the bluetooth
wireless technology that put around 8.2 billion devices – mobiles, desktop,
laptop, and the internet of things (IoT) – at risk.
The devices were put on risk
despite working on different operating systems that includes Apple iOS, Google
Android, Microsoft Windows and Linux.
Dubbed as ‘BlueBorne’,
the malicious virus spreads from one device to another via Bluetooth and allows
hackers to take control of their devices. Unlike other malicious viruses, the
BlueBorne does not require the user to click on a link or download something
over the internet. It just spreads if your bluethooth is on. The virus does not
even require pairing with target device. It can spread even when the Bluetooth
is set as undiscovered.
How the BlueBorne vector spreads
What makes this vulnerability even
more critical is how quickly it spreads and goes unnoticed by users. The
malicious virus targets the weakest spot in the networks’ defence – the
bluetooth, which has no security measure.
Spreading from device to device also makes BlueBorne highly infectious.
Moreover, since the Bluetooth has access to a lot of data, files and
information on all operating systems, exploiting it provides virtually full
control over the device.
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