These days most phones, tablets and laptops can connect wirelessly to other devices using Bluetooth. This technology allows us to connect our devices to printers and speakers with ease, but not without some risks. With information from Get Cyber Safe, here are three tips to use Bluetooth safely.
The risks associated with Bluetooth
When you turn on your Bluetooth, your device becomes discoverable to other devices within range. This can make your device vulnerable to scammers/malware that are trying to access to your personal information. This can put your personal information and data at risk.
3 tips to use Bluetooth safely
Here are some tips on how to use Bluetooth safely from the experts at Get Cyber Safe.
Remember to turn Bluetooth off. Two devices using Bluetooth have to “see” each other before they can connect. Unless you need to use it, always set your device’s Bluetooth to hidden or undiscoverable mode so hackers or strangers can’t connect to your device, especially in crowded or public areas.
Don’t connect with strangers. You should never use Bluetooth to connect to unknown, untrusted, or suspicious sources and you should never accept files from these devices.
Unpair your devices. If one of your Bluetooth devices is lost or stolen, make sure to delete it from your list of paired devices right away on all your other Bluetooth devices. Since they are all connected, one lost device can provide access to the rest.
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About Consumer Protection BC
We are responsible for regulating specific industries and certain consumer transactions in British Columbia. If your concern is captured under the laws we enforce, we will use the tools at our disposal to assist you. If we can’t help you directly, we will be happy to provide you with as much information as possible. Depending on your concern, another organization may be the ones to speak to; other times, court or legal assistance may be the best option. Explore our website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca.
Thanks! Did not know I could ‘hide’ my Bluetooth !
Hi Elizabeth, glad to hear our information is useful to you!