Bluetooth technology.

A wireless technology called Bluetooth is able to carry data over a distance less than 10 metres. Despite the short range Bluetooth has some properties, which gives it potential to solve some problems related to recent innovations in media technology. It is a new distribution technique of mass media.


Other wireless technologies, including 802.11b, or known as Wi-Fi, Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra- Wideband Radio (UWB), and Home RF are being applied to similar technologies that Bluetooth use with mixed results. Wi-Fi or 802.11 is the most well known technology, excluding Bluetooth, and uses the same radio frequency, which means that they are not compatible as they cause interference with each other. 802.11 is being implemented into universities as well as food and beverage shops where they are being used to identify students and customers. Airports have also taken up the 802.11 technology, with airports all over America, and three of America's most prominent airlines promoting the use of it.

Infrared Data Association is very limited compared to Bluetooth. Its limitations include only being able to communicate point-to-point, needing a line of sight, and it has a speed of fifty- six kilobytes per second is far less than the one megabyte per second speed of the Bluetooth. The Ultra- Wideband Radio is much better than Bluetooth in that it can transmit at greater lengths (up to 70 metres), with only half of the power that Bluetooth uses.


Advantages to Bluetooth

• Use of radio frequency ( The radio waves of Bluetooth, unlike Infra red do not need a clear path)
• Inexpensive costs of the device (The price is cheap and is currently decreasing further)
• Low power use (Phones will not be drained of their battery after using Bluetooth)
• Implemented security measures (Frequency hopping where the frequency will change sixteen hundred times per second to avoid hackers)
• No replacing wires or hassle (No need to go into expense and trouble to replace and look after wires)
• Hands free device, useful if people are driving or are busy, and also keeps radiation away from the brain region - BEST ADVANTANGE

Security - Different Bluetooth attacks

The Snarf attack

Attackers will connect through connect to the device without he user knowing, once in the system sensitive data can be retrieved, such as contacts in phone books, images, messages and personal information.

The Backdoor attack

This attack is a higher concern for Bluetooth uses, as it allows the attacker to set up a trust relationship through the 'pairing' mechanism, but making sure the user can not see the registered paired devices. By doing this the attacker has access to all the data on the device and can also use it to go on the internet without the owner's consent.

The Bluebug attack

The attacker is able to gain the identity of the owner of the device, "Identity theft". The attacker will then be able to make premium priced phone calls, use SMS text messaging and use the internet.

Bluejacking

Bluejacking has spread across Europe but is most evident in the UK. Bluejacking allows the attacker to send random messages to people in public. Once connected the attacker will have access to the data on your phone. Users can refuse the connection when prompted but the attacker may write a message, compliment or insult that may persuade users to accept.

The Future of Bluetooth

Bluetooth security must improve before it is to develop further. Although in some countries, offer electronic newspapers, subway tickets, and car parking fees via wireless devices. Bluetooth is more secure than 802.11 wireless LANs. But this situation may change as Bluetooth is becoming more widely used, it will attract the hacking community more.