Bluejacking

Last Updated: February 13, 2013

Definition - What does Bluejacking mean?

Bluejacking is a hacking method that allows an individual to send anonymous messages to Bluetooth-enabled devices within a certain radius. First, the hacker scans his surroundings with a Bluetooth-enabled device, searching for other devices. The hacker then sends an unsolicited message to the detected devices.

Bluejacking is also known as bluehacking.

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Techopedia explains Bluejacking

Bluejacking exploits a basic Bluetooth feature that allows devices to send messages to contacts within range.

Bluejacking does not involve device hijacking, despite what the name implies. The bluejacker may send only unsolicited messages. Hijacking does not actually occur because the attacker never has control of the victim’s device. At worst, bluejacking is an annoyance.

Bluesnarfing and bluebugging, however, are actual attacks that may result in a user losing control of his device. Although bluejacking, bluesnarfing and bluebugging use Bluetooth as the point of entry, bluesnarfing and bluebugging are far more harmful.

Bluejacking can be prevented by setting a device to hidden, invisible or non-discoverable mode.