Is Bluetooth Always On? Watch out for 'Bluesnarfing'

'Bluesnarfing' is a type of cyberattack that uses the Bluetooth connection to access victims' devices and steal personal data.

The connectivity of mobile devices with other devices such as wireless headphones, among others, has made Bluetooth an essential tool in people's lives.

Keeping Bluetooth on all the time, however, poses risks that many people are unaware of.

To prevent this from happening, the Spanish National Police shared a video on TikTok about a type of cyber-attack known as 'bluesnarfing'.

"Are you one of those people who always has Bluetooth on your phone? Then watch out, you could be a victim of 'bluesnarfing'," the agent begins by warning in the video, and then explains what it's all about.

Bluesnarfing is a type of cyber-attack that uses the Bluetooth connection to access victims' devices and steal personal data, reports ABC.

"This technique aims to steal data such as contacts, emails, messages or even files stored on the cell phone, which hackers then tend to sell on the dark web or use to commit other types of scams or extortion," adds the agent.

To escape this crime, the authorities advise that you only activate this tool when you need to use it and reject any request for access via Bluetooth.