Severe Bluetooth security flaw affects over 5 billion devices

SMARTPHONES, LAPTOPS AND CARS AFFECTED.

Nearly 5.2 billion devices that use Bluetooth are open to attack from eight different vulnerabilities say researchers at Armis, and IoT security platform. Collectively known as BlueBorne, these flaws can not be detected or cured by traditional antivirus software, and do not need a user to initiate any connection. Simply having your Bluetooth turned on is enough for a malicious attack to potentially take place. Armis has contacted major hardware vendors, including Google and Apple, who will look at fixes. For now, APC recommends you turn your device’s Bluetooth function off when not using it. PT