I’m rather curious and concerned about Bluetooth security. So I made a little research because I wanted to know what the companies which develop products on Bluetooth base say about security of their products. I’m going to post here some of their answers, and would be grateful if you leave your comments.
(comments about security I post exactly the way I received them, with no editing)
Company: Advanced Merchant Solutions, Inc.
Product: Pocket Verifier Professional.
With Pocket Verifier Professional you can transfer funds from your
customer's credit card directly into your checking account! It uses your Pocket PC's Internet connection to authorize and
transfer funds and allows you to conduct business anywhere anytime.
comment about security:
We use Bluetooth INSTEAD of IrDA (Infrared) for the security, as it is fully encrypted.The connection between your wireless PDA and the transaction servers is also fully encrypted, and the servers are inspected and audited under the VISA CISP (Consumer Information Security Program) every 6 months. This system is very secure.As far as Viruses go, there are few (one or two) viruses that will infect a Pocket PC, Nokia Series 60 or Palm handheld, the chances of getting one through a wireless communication are almost zero.
Company: Inventop
Product: ProximityMail
ProximityMail turns PDAs into a localized community messaging network. ProximityMail is a collaborative communications application for Bluetooth PDAs that enhances the way localized communities of people network, communicate, and collaborate.
comment about security:
Thank you for your interest in ProximityMail. Today, ProximityMail is only available for PocketPC based devices but we are currently working on a Mobile phone version as well as a desktop version.
To answer your question, ProximityMail uses a technology called BluePing Networks which is closed and protect anyone against any executable files. So you should get any viruses.
Company: Bacup IT
Product: BuZZone
The BuZZone application offers users the convenience of using Bluetooth-enabled laptops and PDAs to find new contacts, communicate over small distances, and share information related to their business.
comment about security:
Usual and bluetooth viruses for infecting a computer use channels connected with standard services of operating system. In a similar manner the valuable information, which is transferred by wireless communications, can be stolen ( but only when standard services and ports of computer connected with them are used for the transfer). BuZZone DOES NOT use standard ports for organization of bluetooth channels; therefore established wireless communications are inaccessible for the viruses and the theft of information.
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