Five Safety Tips while using Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless connecting method that can allow connections between phones, laptops or computers attached with Bluetooth devices. It is a technology developed in 1994 to facilitate exchange of data in short distances. The connection is generally achieved by finding out the active devices and then pairing them that creates the wireless link allowing the transfer of data to take place. This method is generally used as an alternative to using of data cables.

SAFETY CONCERNS –

Though the use of Bluetooth is very widespread, because it’s the most common way of transferring texts, photos or music files between two phones, but it has some concerns of its own, which everyone should take care of.

Distance of use – The Bluetooth connection is generally applicable to a distance of 10 to 20 metres, and this effective distance varies from device to device. Though recent developments of the technology allows it to be used over distances of 100 metres, but more the distance, less is the effective speed of transfer. So the devices should be kept as close as possible to use it efficiently.

Interference – The medium and wireless channels used in all Bluetooth devices is same. So one of the important issues is the air medium interference where one set of paired device interferes with another, and the data transfer can be hindered in both of them. So one should be aware of the other active devices nearby, and can wait till the other transfer takes place.

Encryption issues – Previous versions of Bluetooth had a few encryption methods, but generally didn’t use them. In newer versions, encryption is used in every possible connection but requires it to be turned off while transferring the data. So it needs to be taken care of manually. Moreover the security encryption key for a particular data transfer is just valid for one day, and one must keep in mind to change it once the transfer has taken place.

Security – Security is one of the major issues in any kind of data transfer nowadays. Even Bluetooth is not completely safe despite its encryption methods and safety measures. An efficient hacker can easily infiltrate the securities of Bluetooth or can decode the encryption key being used and can take full control over a phone or other devices. Bluetooth is even prone to virus attacks. Once a virus enters a device, it can affect the other devices it’s being connected to. Though hack attacks can’t be possibly avoided, but one can reduce the chance of a virus attack by making sure the device it’s being connected isn’t already infected.

Health Concern – This is perhaps the most important issue to be taken care of. Bluetooth works on microwave radio signals, and emits a lot of radiations when transferring data. These radiations are harmful for one’s health, and if one stays in its field of radiation for a very long time, it can cause severe damages to the brain.

Though Bluetooth has some disadvantages, but its usefulness can cancel them out and may still have some positive points to it. If you can take care of the issues and use it properly, it’s probably the most effective way of transferring data over wireless channels.