Not all bluejacking attempts are malicious, but they can be used to install malware or steal data.
From mobile phones to tablets and laptops, any device with Bluetooth visibility could be vulnerable to cyber threats, one of which is bluejacking.
In this post, we’ll cover the definition of bluejacking, why people do it, and how it works. Then, we’ll compare it to other types of Bluetooth attacks and explain how to protect yourself. Not all bluejacking is malicious — but it’s not always innocent, either.
What Is Bluejacking?
Bluejacking is the act of sending unsolicited messages or contact cards to nearby Bluetooth-enabled devices, typically for pranks or advertising, though it may be used in social engineering attempts.
It isn’t always dangerous. Sometimes, bluejacking just contains just a funny message or unwanted advertisement. In some cases, bluejacking may be used to entice victims into clicking malicious links or accepting unauthorized Bluetooth transfers.
What’s the Purpose of Bluejacking?
The specific purpose of bluejacking varies. Sometimes, it’s harmless fun: a silly prank or pleasant message to brighten someone’s day. In other cases, the sender may target the recipient’s phone to cause confusion or as an annoyance. Or, the sender may try to phish for sensitive data or personal information.
In the worst instances, bluejacking may be an attempt to hack nearby devices, gaining unauthorized access.
What Is an Example of Bluejacking?
Here’s a playful example of bluejacking:
Imagine sitting in a coffee shop, scrolling on a Bluetooth-enabled device — like your company laptop. You receive a Bluetooth notification requesting to connect, with a message like “i hope something good happens to you today” or “have an amazing day!”
However, it’s not always harmless.
Maybe you’re on the bus, checking your smartphone, when you get a Bluetooth notification with a link and a smiley face emoji.
The link might not be malicious, but you’d have to click to be sure — and that’s a big risk. The link could download malware to your phone, or attempt to lure you into a scam.
Is Bluejacking Illegal?
Some forms of bluejacking may be illegal, depending on the circumstances and location of the incident.
Typically, a simple “hello” or smiley face emoji wouldn’t be considered illegal. However, contacting strangers unprompted still raises ethical concerns related to consent and privacy.
Some jurisdictions consider any unsolicited communication or unauthorized access to electronic devices to be an illegal intrusion. For instance, in Europe, the ePrivacy Directive prohibits unsolicited electronic marketing.
If a bluejacking instance involves malicious links, threatening messages, harassment, or unauthorized manipulation of a device or its data, it’s probably a crime.
How Does Bluejacking Work?
Bluejacking requires these conditions:
- The recipient must have Bluetooth enabled on their device
- The recipient’s device must be in discoverable mode; modern smartphones typically disable persistent discoverability by default, limiting exposure.
- Both parties must be within Bluetooth range, which varies by device class, typically 10 meters (Class 2), though higher-powered Class 1 devices can reach up to 100 meters.
With those conditions in place, here’s the bluejacking process:
- The perpetrator uses a Bluetooth-enabled device or specialized software to look for discoverable Bluetooth devices
- They choose a device to target
- They send a contact card (vCard) or message via Bluetooth Object Push Profile (OPP), which displays a notification on the target device.
From there, the response is up to the recipient.
Is Bluejacking Possible on iPhones?
Yes — any Bluetooth-enabled devices, including iPhones, are vulnerable to potential attacks.
Can an Old Phone Be Bluejacked?
Landlines, older phones that pre-date Bluetooth, and some “dumbphones” (modern devices usually limited to calls and texting) are safe from bluejacking because they lack Bluetooth technology.
But even old smartphones and other devices with Bluetooth, like laptops and tablets, are vulnerable to these attacks.
Is Bluejacking Dangerous?
Bluejacking victims may inadvertently reveal sensitive data or enable access to personal or corporate technologies, which can be dangerous. Apart from that, just receiving unsolicited messages can be unsettling.
And bluejacking perpetrators may be prosecuted by the law, especially if the acts constitute harassment, privacy breaches, phishing, or unauthorized access to or control of technology.
Does Bluejacking Harm My Device?
In the case of simple messages, bluejacking poses no real harm to your device or data.
But certain attacks containing dangerous links, malware, or phishing attempts can leave you vulnerable.
If you click a link, it could install malware that can harm your device. Unknowingly replying to a bluejacking message with your company’s intranet login credentials may compromise sensitive information.
Malware and deceit — not the Bluetooth connection itself — are the dangers here.
Bluejacking vs. Other Bluetooth Attacks: Key Differences
There’s more than one type of Bluetooth attack. While all types fall under the broader category of bluejacking, minor events can evolve into more aggressive attacks such as bluesnarfing and bluebugging. Check out the differences:
Bluejacking vs. Bluesnarfing
While bluejacking doesn’t always involve hacking or acquiring unauthorized data, and isn’t always illegal, bluesnarfing does — and is. This type of Bluetooth attack involves accessing information on your device via a Bluetooth connection, often without your knowledge. It typically relies on security vulnerabilities in your device.
Bluesnarfing attacks pose real security and privacy concerns. Perpetrators might exploit content such as photos, videos, emails, and contacts.
Bluejacking vs. Bluebugging
Bluejacking involves sending unsolicited messages. While those messages might grant control of your device, that’s not always the case.
However, in bluebugging attacks, attackers gain full control by using a vulnerability in the Bluetooth connection itself. They can monitor and manipulate a device by eavesdropping on calls, reading texts and emails, using apps, sending messages, and even installing malware without the owner’s knowledge.
How Can I Tell If I’ve Been Bluejacked?
If you get a message from an unfamiliar Bluetooth source, you’ve been bluejacked.
But remember: it isn’t typically dangerous. It’s only concerning if the message contains a threat, offensive statements, harassment, or suspicious links.
How to Protect Your Devices From Bluejacking Attacks
It’s easy to avoid malicious bluejacking or prevent it entirely. Here’s how to stay safe and aware:
- Go to the settings on your Bluetooth-enabled devices and set them to “hidden” or “non-discoverable” modes
- Perform regular software updates to keep devices secure
- Monitor your data usage to detect unauthorized users
- Ignore or decline pairing requests from unknown sources
- Disable Bluetooth completely when you’re not using it — this is the best defense!
At the organizational level, administrators shouldn’t leave security up to trust, personal responsibility, or native security features. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends the following steps for organizations:
- Create and document clear security policies regarding device usage, both for company devices and Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) onboarding
- Establish Bluetooth technology guidelines, including prohibited data transmission categories
- Provide adequate training for all users
- Install a reliable endpoint security product on every device
- Enforce secure passwords, but don’t stop there — adopt a zero-trust security approach:
- Adopt strong, phishing-resistant authentication methods and device-based trust mechanisms to prevent rogue device access.
- Rely on certificate-based device trust to enhance basic Single Sign-On (SSO) protocols
With the right policies and training, you and your organization can avoid malicious bluejacking. To learn more about modern networking and access control technologies for your organization, including passwordless authentication with Dynamic PKI and Cloud RADIUS, contact SecureW2 today.
