Entries Tagged 'Bluetooth' ↓

These days, all communication technology faces the issue of privacy and identity theft, with Bluetooth being no exception.  Almost everyone knows that email services and networks require security.  What users of Bluetooth need to realize is that Bluetooth also
requires security measures as well.
The good news for Bluetooth users is that the  security scares, like most scares, are normally over dramatized and blown entirely out of proportion.  The truth being told, these issues are easy to manage, with various measures already in place to provide
security for Bluetooth technology.

It’s true that there has been some Bluetooth phones that have been hacked into.  Most devices that are hacked into are normally those that don’t have any type of security at all.

According to Bluetooth specialists, in order to hack into a Bluetooth device, the hacker must:
1.  Force two paired devices to break their connection.
2.  Steal the packets that are used to resend the pin.
3.  Decode the pin.

Of course, the hacker must also be within range of the device, and using very expensive developer type equipment.  Most specialists recommend that you have a longer pin, with 8 digits being recommended.

Fundamentals of security
The “pairing process” is one of the most basic levels of security for Bluetooth devices.  Pairing, is two or more Bluetooth devices that recognize each other by the profiles they share - in most cases they both must enter the same pin.

The core specifications for Bluetooth use an encryption algorithm, which is completely and entirely secure.  Once the devices pair with each other, they too become entirely secure.

Until they have successfully paired, the Bluetooth devices won’t communicate with each other.  Due to this pairing process and the fact that it is short range - Bluetooth technology is considered to be secure.

As the news has indicated, experienced hackers have developed ways to get around this level of basic security.  There are ways to get around this threat, as you can install software to prevent hackers from getting in.

With Bluetooth becoming more and more popular, it’s really no wonder that security is always in question.  As Bluetooth gets bigger and better, security will always be something that no one really takes lightly.

If you’ve been concerned about Bluetooth security in the past, rest assured that newer devices will offer bigger and better security.  Preventing hackers from getting in is something every owner is concerned about - and the manufacturer’s are
very aware.

The new Apple powerbook G4 are among the first computers to offer Bluetooth technology 2.0+EDR. The 2.0+EDR technology, which still backwards compatible with 1.0, is up to three times faster than previous versions, offering maximum data rate
transfers of up to 3 MBps.  Being the first company to certify a system with 2.0+EDR, Apple continues to make great use of the Bluetooth technology.

Full support
In addition to the powerbook G4 portables, there are other Bluetooth enabled computers available from Apple, including the iBook, iMac G5, eMac, and the Power Mac G5.

Making life easier
When you turn the Bluetooth feature on, your Mac can easily perform a file transfer or even a synchronization.  From the Bluetooth selection menu, you can choose to either send a file or browse devices, quickly and easily.  Or, you can click the sync button in iSync to update your cell phone or Palm OS handheld.

The Mac and GSM/GPRS mobile phone with Bluetooth work to make each other more useful.  By using iSync, you can keep your phone updated without having to type any info, as you can keep the information in the more manageable address book on your Mac instead.

You can also use your Bluetooth enabled Mac to print documents and digital images to select a printer that also supports the technology of Bluetooth.  Or, you can also use a headset to talk to your friends during an iChat session.

Your Mac also has the ability to use Bluetooth technology to communicate with your Palm OS handheld.  This way, you can perform a HotSync operation without using any cables.  You can also  send your business card or calendar events directly to someone else’s handheld usingthe technology of Bluetooth.

The implementation of Bluetooth by Apple is the latest in a series of moves that have caused great shift in the computer industry.  Apple established USB as the standard interface with the launching of the first Mac back in 1998.

Since then, Apple established the 802.11 wireless standard of networking with the launch of the iBook and AirPort in 1999.  During 2003, Apple launched AirPort Extreme, which was based on the new 802.11g high speed technology of wireless.

Now, Bluetooth helps to further strengthen the dominant position of the Mac in wireless
communications, helping to preserve Apple’s reputation for being the first to market with
innovative technology that integrates right into the operating system.