Bluetooth wireless technology eliminates the need for connecting cables, enabling Bluetooth devices to communicate with each other and transmit information in a wireless fashion. The most obvious advantage of Bluetooth cellphones is perhaps the fact that they allow us hands-free mobility. But, like any technology, the convenience of Bluetooth cellphones comes at a price. There are dangers associated with the use of Bluetooth cellphones and this article outlines some of them.
Identification
Bluetooth technology was initially developed to enable devices, such as cell phones, transmit and share documents, without the use of cables. Today, the technology has advanced to include web connectivity and other features, such as making online games available on your Bluetooth cell phone. These developments, while convenient, come with risks which include online attacks and cyber crimes targeted at Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth cell phones are vulnerable to several types of attacks.
Types
When a hacker intercepts your Bluetooth signal and gains access to your secret PIN, he could cause damage in one or more of the following ways.
He could gain access to your cell phone commands and thus use your phone to make calls, send text messages, eavesdrop on conversations, copy your phone book contacts and other private data and connect to the internet. This could lead to increased phone bills. What's worse, the hacker could impersonate you, with access to all your contacts and data. Hackers could install a virus on your device thereby destroying, corrupting or stealing information and slowing or disabling its operation completely.
Another often-overlooked but potential danger of using a Bluetooth cellphone has to do with its hands-free feature. With a Bluetooth earpiece, one is free to use both hands for another activity such as driving, typing or writing. While this may seem like a safer alternative to use on roads, the fact is, talking on a cellphone while driving is still potentially dangerous and distracting. According to American researchers such as Dr. Amit Almor, associate professor of psychology at University of South Carolina, the problem lies with attention and not with whether your hands are free.
So, we may actually be deceiving ourselves into believing that a Bluetooth cell phone is completely safe to use while driving. (Refer to Reference 2)
Prevention/Solution
There are ways to protect yourself and your Bluetooth cellphone or device from a cyber attack. These include setting your Bluetooth to 'Non-discoverable' when you're not using it, choosing a strong PIN of at least five digits and not storing sensitive or personal information you don't want to share such as credit card numbers or social security number on your cell phone. Also, sign up to receive security or software updates on Bluetooth technology. Of course, hackers could still infiltrate your device. These measures reduce your vulnerability to some extent. It may also be best to limit your use of cell phone on the road and especially avoid engaging in very serious, focused or intensive conversations while you drive. If you have to answer a conference call, attend a phone meeting or are having a heated argument over your cell phone, pulling over may be the best option.
Warning
Several states in the US including California, New Jersey, New York, Washington and the District of Columbia have imposed bans on use of hand-held cell phones while driving. The law is also strictly enforced in other countries like UK. However, it may not be very long before a total cell-phone driving ban may be imposed, including the use of hands-free Bluetooth devices. The National Safety Council has called upon private citizens, state lawmakers and businesses to do everything in their power to stop the use of all kinds of cell phones while driving. In doing so, they cite a study by University of Utah psychologists who found that drivers on cell phones are as impaired as when they are under influence. So, bearing this in mind, use your Bluetooth cell phone with caution while driving.
Also, there is a lot being written about health risks associated with using conventional cell phones. (Resource 3 and Reference 1) For example, Ronald Herberman, director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and UPMC Cancer Centers issued an advisory to faculty and staff regarding the health risks associated with using cell phones. Since Bluetooth earpieces emit a lower level of microwave radiation than conventional cell phones they are generally perceived to be safer. However, since Bluetooth technology is relatively new and the extensive use of Bluetooth cell phones a recent phenomenon, there are no studies substantiating this fact. On the contrary, it is possible, that since the earpieces are inserted into your ear and transmitting the low radiation constantly, the risks are even higher, if not the same.
Considerations
Bluetooth technology is powerful and has several advantages which appear to outnumber the disadvantages. Consider the ease of use, the convenience of going wireless, the freedom to transmit data between cell phones, the low radiation aspect and the mobility it offers. Remember that all of it comes at no or minimum additional cost. So, the above risks are probably the price you pay for the convenience. It boils down to exercising precaution and common sense, so you can overcome the danger of Bluetooth cell phone use and reap the benefits fully.
Tags: cell phones, Bluetooth cell, cell phone, while driving, your Bluetooth