Hacked via Bluetooth?

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Level 1

29 points

Hacked via Bluetooth?

Hello,

when I sat down at my iMac today I found that a device named "JM Tablet" was connected via bluetooth.

I had not connected to this device previously and had not authorized a pairing process via the usual 6 digit security code.

In settings bluetooth sharing was off but in the subsettings it did say that devices were allowed to browse my public folder.

I am wondering how this connection could have been made without my authorisation and if I have to assume my machine is compromised somehow.

I have attached 2 Screenshots of the device and the bluetooth sharing settings.

iMac 27", macOS 10.14

Posted on Jun 23, 2019 5:40 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 28, 2019 4:33 PM in response to MikevanMac

That device appearing in the list of BT devices does not mean it is connected.

The range of Bluetooth devices is about 30 feet (10 meters).

Hacking is really not something to worry about (IMHO).

Barry

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Answer 2

MikevanMac Author

Level 1

29 points

Jun 28, 2019 11:19 PM in response to Barry Hemphill

Hi Barry, thanks for your reply.

The device was actually connected without my approval- I had to hit the disconnect button to disconnect it. The same device was also connected on my Macbook Pro which was in Sleep mode and in another room. I found this worrying as I usually have to approve all BT connections.

Regarding the Range- It would have to have been someone in close proximity like my next door neighbor.

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Answer 3

Jun 29, 2019 6:54 AM in response to MikevanMac

FYI...all Bluetooth devices search for other BT devices that are in range. For example, in an airport, one has a number of BT devices that are in the list of devices. They are NOT connected (assuming you have your own devices password protected).

Do not be concerned about a "strange" BT device in the list of BT devices.

Barry

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Hacked via Bluetooth?

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