Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers that hackers can burrow into mobile devices using technology used for hands-free calling and wireless keyboards.

Hackers are exploiting Bluetooth wireless connections to access texts, contacts and photos, send texts and even place long-distance telephone calls.

Bluetooth uses a low-powered transmitter and receiver that allow wireless handsets, keyboards and car stereos to interact with mobile devices.  Though the range of these devices is limited, hackers use special software and antennas to intercept the signals of compatible devices nearby using a technique called “bluebugging.”

Although this hacking method is relatively new and has been used mostly to hack the phones of government officials and celebrities, it is a reminder that consumers have to stay one step ahead of the criminals by understanding the risks and taking steps to protect themselves.

Scammers can hang out in a busy area such as a coffee shop, mall or any other public area and hack into nearby phones that are Bluetooth-enabled, using the phones to call long distance numbers and rack up charges for the unsuspecting victims.

BBB offers the following tips to ensure your Bluetooth isn’t hacked:

-Turn off your mobile device’s Bluetooth or put in “not discoverable” mode when you are not using it.

-If you make a call from your car, be sure to switch it off when you get out. Crowded public places are top spots for hackers.

-Don’t accept pairing requests from unknown parties.  If you happen to pair your phone with a hacker’s computer, then all your data will be at risk.

-When pairing devices for the first time, do so at home or in the office – not in a public area.

-Log out of shopping and banking applications when you are finished using them and never allow an app to store your login and password.

-Make sure you download and install regular security updates.  Device manufactures will release updates to address threats and correct weaknesses.

-Install software to allow you to wipe your device clean remotely in case you lose it or it is stolen.

You can find additional, related information at www.bluetooth.com.

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is urging consumers to take steps to secure their mobile devices in order to protect themselves from identity theft and malware.

According to a survey released by The Pew Research Center in January, almost half of all American adults now own smartphones. The same survey found that 17 percent of all consumers use their mobile device as their primary means of accessing the Internet.

Smartphones can be a treasure trove for hackers. Through apps and mobile browsers, people store personal information like passwords,bank account information and credit card numbers in addition to their contacts and other information.

However, a survey conducted in part by the National Cyber Security Alliance, found that more than one quarter of cell phone users are not aware of common security threats to smartphones and more than half do not know enough about mobile phone security to decide whether or not they need it.

BBB urges consumers to remember that a smart phone is no different than a desktop or laptop computer, in that it is vulnerable to the same hackers, malware, spyware and viruses.

Here are a few practical tips from BBB to secure your mobile devices:

• Lock your phone. If your phone is lost or stolen, your personal information is at risk. Add a security code to your phone to prevent thieves from accessing your data. Then set your device to lock automatically when not in use for  a specified time.
• Update your operating system. Those alerts on your smart phone that tell you to update your apps and operating system are more than just a minor annoyance. These updates close security loopholes and other back doors hackers can use to access your phone without your knowledge.
• Beware of unknown apps and links. Do not download any apps or click on links in your email or social media pages without first researching their source. They may contain viruses, malware or spyware that can compromise your personal data.
• Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi. If you choose to connect to an unsecured or public Wi-Fi network, do not enter any passwords or access any personal data.Bad guys can use such networks as an easy means to hack your device.
• Turn off Bluetooth. Bluetooth creates a wireless connection between your phone and other devices or phones. If you are not actively using an enabled device, such as a headset, make sure your Bluetooth is turned off.
• Check your permissions. Check all of your apps to see what data they are accessing and revoke permissions for information those apps don’t need to properly operate. Check your phone’s owner’s manual or contact your wireless provider for directions on how to do so.
• Report missing devices. If your phone is lost or stolen,immediately report it to your wireless carrier and have the device disabled.
• Back up your data. Make sure you have a backup of all the apps and information — especially important photos or other irreplaceable items — stored on your phone in case it’s lost, stolen, hacked or damaged.
• Pay close attention to your phone bills. Unanticipated, sudden increases in data usage can indicate a problem. In addition, third-party content providers sometimes add erroneous charges to bills for apps or services the consumer never authorized. In addition, keep an eye out for strange texts and disrupted service. They can be red flags that indicate your phone has been hacked.
• Erase old phones completely. If you’re selling, donating or recycling your old phone, ensure all your data is completely erased and the phone is returned to factory settings before letting it out of your possession.There are online tutorials to teach you how to do this, or your wireless provider can walk you through the steps.
• Shop with caution. When shopping online with your mobile device,take the same precautions you would with a desktop or laptop. Look for the “s”in the “https://” in the address bar and research sites at bbb.org before providing any personal information or credit card numbers.
• Consider mobile security. Many sources offer antivirus or other security apps for your phone. Research them thoroughly before choosing which is right for you

The Federal Trade Commission released a series of video tips to help you protect your personal information online. The videos are available at OnGuardOnline.gov, the federal government’s site to help computer users be safe, secure and responsible.

The new video Using Public Wi-Fi Networks, explains that most public Wi-Fi hotspots don’t encrypt information you send through the network. So, if you login to an unsecured website — say a social networking site — or enter personal information in a web form, you may be sharing that information with others on the network. Hackers could use the information to hijack your accounts, or to impersonate you.

When using Wi-Fi, it’s important to know that secure hotspots require a password, and secure websites begin with “https.”

In addition, the FTC has released three other new videos available on OnGuardOnline.gov:
• Computer Security provides simple steps to help you protect yourself and your computer from scammers, hackers, and identity thieves.
• Online Shopping Tips can help you get the best deal and avoid unnecessary hassles.
• Protect Your Computer from Malware provides tips on how to avoid, detect, and get rid of viruses and spyware that get installed on your computer without your consent.

OnGuardOnline.gov is a partner in the The Stop.Think.Connect. Campaign™, which is led by the Department of Homeland Security and aims to increase the understanding of cyber threats and empower the American public to be safer and more secure online. The Federal Trade Commission manages OnGuardOnline.gov in partnership with other federal agencies.

The specific URLs for the website and each subject are listed below:

www.onguardonline.gov/

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0080-public-wi-fi-networks

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0081-computer-security

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0082-online-shopping-tips

www.onguardonline.gov/media/video-0056-protect-your-computer-malware

For for more information about online security call Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona at (520)888-5353 or visit www.tucson.bbb.org.