Codenomicon, a Finnish data security firm, says software faults in Bluetooth devices are becoming easier to exploit, putting users at risk.
Bluetooth radio technology is becoming more and more popular, as it is widely used to connect cellphones and other Bluetooth devices to their accessories. And the security of these devices has never been considered a major issue.
However, in a research paper, Codenomicon said that it found critical problems in all Bluetooth-enabled car-kits it tested this year.
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Bluetooth car-kits allow users to talk hands-free while they drive. Faulty security can give criminals access to important information on users phones and coding errors could lead to corruption to the car's electronic system and put drivers safety at risk.
"The problems are in the implementation. Coders make human mistakes," said technology chief Ari Takanen. Adding in that deciding which device was more secure was extremely difficult.
"Quality of the software is rarely visible to consumers."
When asked to comment on the findings, Bluetooth industry lobby Bluetooth SIG said the technology was secure.
"One of the reasons these members pick Bluetooth wireless technology is because of the strong security Bluetooth technology can provide through effective implementations of the OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) who build these products," said Mike Foley, Bluetooth SIG's executive director.
My Opinion
As the industry is quickly expanding, and it becomes more and more popular and the demand for Bluetooth products is increasing, the security on these devices needs to be top notch. Especially with the new rules that Ontario is implementing about being on your cell phone while driving, people are buying Bluetooth devices to cure the addiction. I am convinced that pretty soon Bluetooth will become standard in all vehicles, meaning the security of these devices has to be able to defend against criminals. If not, massive amounts of personal data could be leaked, leading to a technology crisis and major controversy.
http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/23/bluetooth-devices-security-risks-rising-research
Bluetooth is an increasingly popular technology not only in Ontario, but in the rest of North America and in Europe. If I used it in the first place, I would not use it anymore because of its insecurity. Many people would think likewise. To preserve their popularity, this company needs to improve their technology so that a call is only heard by whom it was addressed to.
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