Amboy Bank News

Bluetooth: A Convenience or Security Risk?

According to a recent report published by the World Advertising Research Center, nearly three quarters of the world, or just over 1.3 billion people, will be using their smartphones to access the internet. While internet use has become more accessible and convenient, the normalization of smartphones can overshadow smart device practices, such as wirelessly connecting to Bluetooth.

Our top three tips to keep in mind when utilizing Bluetooth:

1. Never accept a sudden pairing request to your smartphone. An unknown request out of the blue can indicate something is not right.
2. Turn off your Bluetooth connection if you are not actively using it, especially in public spaces. “Bluesnarfing” is a scam that occurs when people believe they are securely sharing files with someone else while connected to Bluetooth. Instead, hackers connect to an open Bluetooth share to download the files from the smartphone.
3. Always keep your smartphone’s firmware updated so any suspicious activity is detected and better ensuring your files are kept secure.

Amboy Bank is a New Jersey-based bank with 135 years in the local communities. FDIC insured up to the legal maximum, Amboy Bank will continue to successfully prioritize the best interests of the customers first. Please continue to check our Security Center for updates and tips, and if you experience any security related activity with any of your Amboy Bank accounts, please contact us immediately at 877-222-6269 or reportfraud@amboybank.com.