Bluetooth Exploit Can Track and Identify iOS, Microsoft Mobile Device Users

A flaw in the Bluetooth communication protocol may expose modern device users to tracking and could leak their ID, researchers claim. From a report: The vulnerability can be used to spy on users despite native OS protections that are in place and impacts Bluetooth devices on Windows 10, iOS, and macOS machines. This includes iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch models, MacBooks, and Microsoft tablets & laptops. On Wednesday, researchers from Boston University David Starobinski and Johannes Becker presented the results of their research at the 19th Privacy Enhancing Technologies Symposium, taking place in Stockholm, Sweden. According to the research paper, Tracking Anonymized Bluetooth Devices, many Bluetooth devices will use MAC addresses when advertising their presence to prevent long-term tracking, but the team found that it is possible to circumvent the randomization of these addresses to permanently monitor a specific device. Android is immune as the OS does not continually send out advertising messages, the researchers said.

Secure revenue

[drafalski]

Probably locked down better on Android so you have to buy the info directly from Google

Re: Secure revenue

[Anonymous Coward]

Works like a charm, never had any issues with any devices. Try harder, iFanboy.

Re:

[pgmrdlm]

Oh please. It's one thing to be a fan boi of any product. But you are being the extreme. And trust me, that;s not even close to being a compliment.

Re:

[pgmrdlm]

Your still too much of a coward to use a nick where Ican find out who you are. What, you afraid> Afrid your mommy won't have your back and you will get butt fucked by a baseball bat?

Re:

[pgmrdlm]

To be honest, I am just sick of the shit. And if a stranger was to foul mouth me constantly as the AC does. Stalking me as this AC does. Yes, I would. Have already done it. Enough is enough.

Re:

[AmiMoJo]

Google doesn't sell that kind of info. If you believe otherwise then show us where we can buy it.

No, the issue here is that iPhones and Windows devices support those stupid Bluetooth beacons and fucked up the privacy protection.

Re:

[mark-t]

Technically it's a TRRRS connector because of microphone support, not that I'm trying to be pedantic or anything (oh, who the fuck am I kidding?)

Re:

[sexconker]

TS = Mono
TRS = Stereo
TRRS = Stereo + mic (which is also used for basic controls)
TRRRS = You failing at being pedantic

Re:

[mark-t]

Hmmmh...

It seems you are right. The male connector that supports it has 4 connectors, but the female has 5. I assumed that was TRRRS, but apparently TRRRS is hardly ever used anywhere.

I guess the extra connector is for detecting that the plug has been inserted.

Re:

[scdeimos]

I assumed that was TRRRS, but apparently TRRRS is hardly ever used anywhere. I guess the extra connector is for detecting that the plug has been inserted.

I've only seen it on headsets that have stereo microphones. Most headsets have stereo heaphones and a mono microphone so only need TRRS.

Re:

[mark-t]

What I mean that there are 5 connectors on the same female connector that apparently joins to a 4 connector plug. I had (mistakenly) assumed that the 5 connectors meant it was TRRRS.