Security appears to be a big issue these days when discussing Bluetooth technology. While there have been some valid security concerns, the current Bluetooth Security scare, has been blown way out of proportion. Currently, users can take simple precautions, like creating longer PINs for pairing Bluetooth devices, which will greatly help against Bluetooth hacking. However, the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) feels enhancements in the area of security are necessary.
The Bluetooth SIG is completely dedicated to the advancement of the Bluetooth standard. As a result, the Bluetooth SIG focuses heavily on security and security enhancements and outlines specific steps to be taken in their “Roadmap”.
The Bluetooth SIG’s “Roadmap” states the next Bluetooth Core Specification Version will contain three features that will enhance security. These enhancements include:
- Atomic Encryption Change
- Private Channel
- Alphanumeric PINs.
According to the Bluetooth SIG, Atomic Encryption Change “strengthens security by ensuring the privacy of all data exchanged during a role switches and periodic encryption key changes. It is good security practice to change the encryption key regularly”.
The second security enhancement, Private Channel, will prevent hackers from tracking devices during an active connection.
The third enhancement, the Alphanumeric PINs, will enable Bluetooth devices the ability to detect whether the other device it wants to pair with can support the creation of an alphanumeric PIN. Alphanumeric PINS, which are a combination of both numbers and letters, are much harder to “crack” than basic numeric PINs.
Posted July 12, 2005 by BlueTomorrow.com Editorial Staff
| Comments |
|
