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Thread: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

  1. #1
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    Sep 2007
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    Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Hi Guys,

    I'm using a Thinkpad R60e with a wireless killswitch. On it 7.04.

    I'm connected with WEP encryption to a wireless router, only wifi, no BT.

    Last night I saw that I have both wifi and BT lights on.

    Can someone log on to my computer via BT, even if wifi is secured?

    How can I see the BT activity, devices on Feisty?

    How can I use Firestarter to block this kind of breach?

    Thank you for your help!

    Udi

    PS - can someone tell me if Firestarter is on when the icon disappears?

  2. #2
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Even if your Wi-fi connection is secured your bluetooth connection will remain unsecured as bluetooth is inherently insecure. However most bluetooth devices have a range of +-10m so if you are at home i doubt it will be problem.

    As for your question about firestarter I am not sure.

  3. #3
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    Sep 2007
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Thanks Rudi.

    I live in an appartment building, so 10 meters is a range where some BT devices can be found, especialy cellphones.

    Can a BT device connect to my lappy without me knowing about it?

    I'm opening a new thread on Bluetooth setting control.
    Last edited by Udibuntu; June 21st, 2008 at 02:10 PM. Reason: I'm opening a new thread on Bluetooth setting control.

  4. #4
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    Re: [SOLVED] Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Bluetooth is inherently unsecure. The only things you can set is allowed services (turn off all until you need them) and under the General tab deselect 'Automatically authorise incoming requests'. These should suffice in most cases. An open connection would allow complete access to all mounted drives.
    Intel E5700 G41 8Gb Xubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 13.4, WinXP.
    Revo R3610 Win7 Pro, Ubuntu 13.04

    Absolute Beginners Compiz-fusion wiki Local Weather

  5. #5
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    Re: [SOLVED] Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevbert View Post
    The only things you can set is allowed services (turn off all until you need them) and under the General tab deselect 'Automatically authorise incoming requests'. These should suffice in most cases.
    Thanks Kev.

    1) where can i find the menu for those allowed services?
    2) in what cases this method is not sufficient to block BT connection?
    3) can't firestarter deal with incoming requests? (should i turn to security forum for that one?)

    Udi

  6. #6
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    You should find Bluetooth under System - Preferences - Bluetooth Preferences.
    Intel E5700 G41 8Gb Xubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 13.4, WinXP.
    Revo R3610 Win7 Pro, Ubuntu 13.04

    Absolute Beginners Compiz-fusion wiki Local Weather

  7. #7
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    Quote Originally Posted by Kevbert View Post
    You should find Bluetooth under System - Preferences - Bluetooth Preferences.
    Nope..no BT preferences there, nor anywhere else for that matter...

  8. #8
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    It may be that you have a missing program (that may not be installed by default). Via Synaptic I have the following packages installed: bluetooth, bluez-gnome, bluez-utils, gnome-bluetooth, gnome-vfs-obexftp. One of these gives you the options.
    Intel E5700 G41 8Gb Xubuntu 13.10, Ubuntu 13.4, WinXP.
    Revo R3610 Win7 Pro, Ubuntu 13.04

    Absolute Beginners Compiz-fusion wiki Local Weather

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
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    Re: Is Bluetooth unsecured when Wifi is?

    I'll give it a shot, thanks!

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