Radio interfaces should be switched off when they are not needed. Not only to save energy on mobile devices, but because they are always a potential target.
Owners of Android smartphones and tablets should currently use the Bluetooth radio of their devices with particular care. Because in many of these phones and tablets there is a security gap that attackers could exploit to steal personal data or inject malware.
That reports “Heise online”. Only devices with the latest security update are protected. Depending on the model, this can be checked under “Settings / Advanced / System Update“or”Settings / Security Status“.
Check security update
If the date entry 2020-02-01 or 2020-02-05 is there for Android versions 8 (Oreo) and 9 (Pie), the device is secure. Exceptions are devices that already have Android 10: These are protected anyway.
Users cannot manually install security patches with Android. You usually have to wait until a system update from the device manufacturer arrives that closes the vulnerability documented as CVE-2020-0022 and discovered by the Heidelberg security company ERNW.
Restrict Bluetooth use
In the meantime, the experts on vulnerable devices recommend temporary protection to limit the use of Bluetooth as much as possible – especially in public places. Many Bluetooth headphones could also be connected by cable, for example.
And where possible, you can activate the setting so that third-party devices cannot discover your own smartphone or tablet even when Bluetooth is activated.
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