Is bluetooth safe

[Searchernow]

Hi,

having read of Bluetooth security issues, particularly the BlueBorne malware, I wonder is it safe to use bluetooth to connect phone hotspot to LL computer?

[TheDead]

All BlueTooth devices are vulnerable BUT since BT has limited range and not all devices will "accept" the resquests done by the malware (i.e. a BT headphone just won't care when asked to install software, etc.), application of the malware are limited.
Also, a second layer should "ask" the user to install programs.

To be on the safe side, always disable BT on computers/phones when not in use and if secury is crucial... always use a hard line (wires) and for critical system, just don't connect to them to the internet.

Cheers!

[Searchernow]

Thanks Dead,

I do disable bt when not using it. At present my hotspot no longer functions via wifi (for no apparent reason!) but works fine with bluetooth. I'm wondering now if using a good vpn would give protection when using bt...

[bitsnpcs]

Opera browser has a free built in VPN.

[TheDead]

Yeah Opera VPN is probably the easiest one to use instantly.
But since I don't have the full info on how the mentioned Malware works, this could be besides the point since it could "see" the information even before it goes trough VPN.
BTW : If the Shared connection is from your iPhone. I always had the same issues on my last three iphones. Sometime you have to TURN OFF (and I really mean OFF not standby) your phone, wait one minute and turn it back on for the WiFi share to work again.
One time I had to change my phone name and sharing password AND do the above. If it helps.

[member=5916]trinidad[/member] has spend some time in the security sector, maybe we could have his input on this BlueTooth malware?

[Searchernow]

Thanks both of you for your help and.....

Omeingott! Solved! Windows 8.1 phone turned OFF (all the way off as you said) then on again and voila! Wifi sharing again!

Senor Dead, you may be dead but your mind is working well, unlike mine this week!

Apart from the above solution (so simple) your comment about the questionable value of a vpn when bluetooth hacks can get the bloody data before it's VPN'd is so obvious when you see it! I do need a holiday break.

Thanks for suggestion re Opera - though BestVPN (a great site) do point out it's not a true vpn, just a sort of proxy thing (can't remember details) - they review most vpns and some email services, including their privacy levels. Also great how-to guides on net security, how to configure firefox etc.  (NB I don't have shares in Best vpn.)

Thanks again - made my day! I was debating changing to a more expensive isp, don't need to now!

[Searchernow]

Marking as solved?

I went to my first post here, clicked modify, but under Prefix box there was just "Ubuntu bug" and 2 other options but no Solved. Oh well.

[Valtam]

There's no Solved because your post is not in the Support sections of the Forum. You had a general question, not a LL specific one.

Sent from my Mobile phone using Tapatalk

[Searchernow]

Thanks Jerry,

very resolved anyway

[TheDead]

[member=7079]Searchernow[/member]
You’re welcome!
I found quite a few anwsers in these forums myself!

Cheers!