DailyTech - Bluetooth 4.2 Promises Faster Connections, Better Security to Stop Snooping

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Gadgets Bluetooth 4.2 Promises Faster Connections, Better Security to Stop Snooping
Michael Hatamoto - December 4, 2014 3:00 PM

2 comment(s) - last by delphinus100.. on Dec 4 at 5:49 PM

The Bluetooth protocol continues to evolve, and 4.2 will have some key features sure to please mobile users

Bluetooth communications saw a big leap with the launch of Bluetooth 4.0 in 2009 and things have been moving along at a fast pace ever since. It was just one year ago when the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) (the trade group which promotes the short-range wireless communication standard) announced Bluetooth 4.1, and now it’s time for consumers to get ready for Bluetooth 4.2.

SIG has adopted v4.2 of the core specification, with promised data transfer speed, privacy, and the ability for connected devices to directly access the Internet. The Internet of Things, which is estimated to grow to 28 billion connected products by 2020, will see strong support from Bluetooth 4.2.

Security will be greatly improved with the new Bluetooth standard, forcing all wireless beacons to be granted access before they are able to connect. Users will have more privacy controls in their hands, as there is greater concern of Wi-Fi beacons tracking mobile users while in stores, or otherwise out and about.

Here is what Mark Powell, Bluetooth SIG executive director, said of the new format:

Bluetooth 4.2 is all about continuing to make Bluetooth Smart the best solution to connect all the technology in your life – from personal sensors to your connected home. In addition to the improvements to the specification itself, a new profile known as IPSP enables IPv6 for Bluetooth, opening entirely new doors for device connectivity. Bluetooth Smart is the only technology that can scale with the market, provide developers the flexibility to innovate, and be the foundation for the IoT.

Some older Bluetooth adapters will receive the Bluetooth 4.2 features, such as privacy updates via firmware, but will come down to how manufacturers implement the technology. Unfortunately, it would seem that most older hardware won’t be able to embrace Bluetooth 4.2 in all its glory.

Sources: Bluetooth SIG, Ars Technica

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better protection against snooping..

By hughlle on 12/4/2014 5:25:01 PM , Rating: 1

Forgive me if i laugh. I dont believe for a second that this is beyond the western worlds snooping capabilities. The idea of digital security is a joke, far too many untold millions are spent to make sure nothing is beyond our governments reach.

RE: better protection against snooping..

By delphinus100 on 12/4/2014 5:49:33 PM , Rating: 3

Do you have a WiFi router? Is the encryption enabled?

It may be that anything can be cracked, given enough time and effort. But that is not an argument against making it harder. Why be the lowest hanging fruit?

And, not everyone who wants your data is a government, with the presumed resources of one. This is a game everyone can play, and I'm for at least making life harder for those with the fewest resources.

Otherwise, don't put anything on the air. Stay physically wired. For whatever you consider the most sensitive stuff, you should. Your call. Convenience has always been the opposite of security.

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