Nick Hunn

London

Bluetooth design

The security issue the Sunday Times highlighted was a result of an incorrect implemetation of the Bluetooth standard on a limited number of GSM handsets, where data stored within the handset could be accessed. The planned police usage is with Tetra handsets, which have not been shown to contain this flaw. Given that manufacturers are aware of the mistakes they made these new handsets should be secure. In addition the data flow from handset to PDA or peripheral is encrypted. Still it might be best to train the bobbies to be suspicious of hackers following them around with empty pringles tubes. Maybe pointing a crisp packet at a transmitting officer should be added to the list of terrorist offences.

For more information on the risks and reality of Bluetooth hacking, there's a white paper at www.tdksystems.com