Security News > 2024 > July > Firmware update hides Bluetooth fingerprints

A smartphone's unique Bluetooth fingerprint could be used to track the device's user-until now.

A team of researchers has developed a simple firmware update that can completely hide the Bluetooth fingerprint, eliminating the vulnerability.

Mobile devices, including phones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers, constantly transmit signals, known as Bluetooth beacons, at the rate of roughly 500 beacons per minute.

Due to unique hardware imperfections, that doesn't address the physical-layer fingerprints inherent in each device's transmissions.

These imperfections in Bluetooth hardware result in unique distortions, which can be used as a fingerprint to track a specific device.

The result of their tests shows that the adversary has to observe a device continuously for more than 10 days to achieve the same level of tracking accuracy as they could achieve within a minute without the firmware update.

News URL

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/07/16/firmware-hide-bluetooth-fingerprint/