Bluesnarfing

What Does Bluesnarfing Mean?

Bluesnarfing is a device hack performed when a wireless, Bluetooth-enabled device is in discoverable mode. Bluesnarfing allows hackers to remotely access Bluetooth device data, such as a user's calendar, contact list, emails and text messages. This attack is perpetrated without the victim's knowledge.

Techopedia Explains Bluesnarfing

Bluetooth-enabled devices are vulnerable to bluesnarfing attacks when in discoverable mode because hackers can respond to queries from other Bluetooth-enabled devices, thus gaining unauthorized access to information.

Most mobile phone discovery modes are activated by default. Unless the mode is deactivated, a device is susceptible to bluesnarfing attacks. The only way to fully protect a wireless device against bluesnarfing is to turn off Bluetooth. Keeping the phone in "invisible" mode provides some protection.