The researchers shared this technique through a paper presented at the IEEE Security and Privacy Conference at the University of California San Diego. Along with this, the researchers are also worried about how hackers can misuse the technology and easily trace the location of their target.
How does tracking of Bluetooth signals work?
Several devices such as smartwatches, smartphones, and fitness trackers constantly emit Bluetooth beacon signals at the rate of 500 beacons every minute. These beacons can further perform various types of tracking services including covid contact tracing, Apple’s find my device, AirTag, and connecting smartphones to other devices like wireless headsets. It is worth noticing that all devices mentioned above have their manufacturing flaws and can cause measurable distortions. These measurable distortions can be used as a “fingerprint to track a specific device”.
Real-world experiments conducted by the researchers
The researchers conducted some experiments to try out tracking methods in real-world experiments. However, some of the experiments were conducted on a small scale. One such experiment showed that 40% of the total number of mobile devices (162) found in public areas were uniquely identified. Another experiment that was conducted on a large scale observed 647 mobile devices in a public hallway for two days. And the results showed that 47% of the mobile phone had unique fingerprints on them. Along with this, the researchers discovered various challenges that attackers may face while tracking their target. This also includes alternation of Bluetooth beacon due to changes in ambient temperature. Conclusion The devices should be redesigned to avoid the problems that can be created due to Bluetooth signals. But the researchers are trying to work on an easier solution for the same. The team of researchers is planning to hide Bluetooth fingerprints using “digital signal processing in the Bluetooth device firmware.” Also, the method would need a “high degree of expertise” in order to track a Bluetooth signal as per the researchers. So, this points out toward the safety of the device owner. As using the method only the device can be tracked and not the information of the owner.
