What is Bluebugging?

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About Bluebugging:

What is it? It is a form of hacking that lets attackers access a device through its discoverable Bluetooth connection.
Once a device or phone is bluebugged, a hacker can listen to the calls, read and send messages and steal and modify contacts.
It started out as a threat for laptops with Bluetooth capability. Later hackers used the technique to target mobile phones and other devices.
This attack is often limited due to the range of Bluetooth connections, which goes up to only 10 meters.
Process:
- Bluebugging attacks work by exploiting Bluetooth-enabled devices.
- The device’s Bluetooth must be in discoverable mode, which is the default setting on most devices.
- The hacker then tries to pair with the device via Bluetooth.
- Once a connection is established, hackers can use brute force attacks to bypass authentication.
- They can install malware in the compromised device to gain unauthorised access to it.

What is a Malware?

Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that is intentionally harmful to a computer, network or server.
Types of malware include computer viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware and spyware.
These malicious programs steal, encrypt and delete sensitive data; alter or hijack core computing functions and monitor end users’ computer activity.

Q1) What is ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that employs encryption to hold a victim’s information at ransom. A user or organization’s critical data is encrypted so that they cannot access files, databases, or applications. A ransom is then demanded to provide access. Ransomware is often designed to spread across a network and target database and file servers, and can thus quickly paralyze an entire organization.

Source: Beware of ‘bluebugging’, Andhra Pradesh police cautions smartphone users