Antiterrorism and the advancement of Bluetooth devices

Have you considered the harm your Bluetooth devices my cause to classified testing or information? Have you allowed Bluetooth devices in classified testing facilities? Have you asked yourself what can be transmitted through a Bluetooth device, such as earpieces, watches, cameras, or eyeglasses?

From an antiterrorism perspective, Bluetooth device can be considered a method of spying or data collection. Knowing they are commonly used devices tends to lend thinking that they are safe and not a threat to the mission at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG). When used in the wrong testing environment or in a classified facility they are a threat.

A Bluetooth device is a short-range wireless technology, that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances and building personal area networks. In the most widely used mode, transmission power is limited to 2.5 milliwatts, giving it a short range of 10 meters or 32 feet. However, there are devices that have far greater range depth.

Bluetooth devices should not be worn or used inside classified testing facilities. One example of a potential threat is Bluetooth eyeglasses. Once the eyeglasses are in Bluetooth mode you never know who or what is being viewed or recorded through the eyeglasses. The capability to record or allow another person to view through the Bluetooth eyeglasses is where the threat lies from an antiterrorism perspective.

Posting warning signs and adding reminders about Bluetooth devices to briefings prior to testing in classified areas are deterrences. The first line of defense and best one is the vigilant employee. YPG Commander Col. Patrick McFall encourages all of us to stay vigilant and do our part in protecting testing from adversaries who may use Bluetooth devices.

Contact your ATEC ATO for more information: Alfonzo D. Brown, Alfonzo.d.brown.civ@army.mil or 928-328-6498.