Is Bluetooth Less Hackable Than Wi-Fi? IT Expert Busts The Myth That Could Cost Australians Everything
Most Australians assume that Bluetooth is a safer alternative to Wi-Fi. However, according to tech expert Vidit Sehgal, founder and CEO of V4 IT Services, that assumption could leave them dangerously exposed.
"People think Bluetooth is harmless because it's short range. That's a myth and a dangerous one," Sehgal said.
"Bluetooth is just another doorway into your device and hackers know how to use it."
The silent risk: Bluetooth is always searching, even when you're not
While Wi-Fi networks are usually password-protected, most people leave Bluetooth running constantly in the background. This leaves their phones and laptops open to drive-by attacks, especially in public places.
"Bluetooth doesn't need to be connected to the internet to be weaponised," Sehgal said.
"Once a hacker is within range, they can connect, plant malware and leave without you noticing a thing."
Once they're in, they can take everything.
Sehgal warned that once cybercriminals gain access, whether through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a rogue app, they can hijack your phone or computer and take total control.
"They can activate your microphone or camera, spy on you in your own home, access your banking apps, read your messages, steal your passwords and track everything you type," he said.
Worse still, hackers can impersonate you using artificial intelligence.
"They can create voice clones, call your bank pretending to be you, change your account details and redirect your salary or superannuation into their own accounts. It's happening right now," he added.
AI has made Bluetooth attacks more dangerous and harder to detect
With the rise of AI tools, even amateur hackers can now launch professional-grade attacks. AI can break weak Bluetooth protections, bypass two-factor authentication and install malware that hides itself from security software.
"This isn't just a sci-fi plot," Sehgal said.
"This is happening in cafés, airports, co-working spaces, anywhere your phone is broadcasting a Bluetooth signal. If you're not protecting your devices, you're an easy target."
Don't choose between Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, secure both
Sehgal said the key isn't to avoid technology, but to use it more safely.
"You wouldn't leave your house unlocked at night. However, every time you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on without protections, that's exactly what you're doing," he said.
The real-world consequences: your identity, your money and your freedom
In more advanced attacks, Sehgal said hackers can:
"People think Bluetooth is harmless because it's short range. That's a myth and a dangerous one," Sehgal said.
"Bluetooth is just another doorway into your device and hackers know how to use it."
The silent risk: Bluetooth is always searching, even when you're not
While Wi-Fi networks are usually password-protected, most people leave Bluetooth running constantly in the background. This leaves their phones and laptops open to drive-by attacks, especially in public places.
"Bluetooth doesn't need to be connected to the internet to be weaponised," Sehgal said.
"Once a hacker is within range, they can connect, plant malware and leave without you noticing a thing."
Once they're in, they can take everything.
Sehgal warned that once cybercriminals gain access, whether through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or a rogue app, they can hijack your phone or computer and take total control.
"They can activate your microphone or camera, spy on you in your own home, access your banking apps, read your messages, steal your passwords and track everything you type," he said.
Worse still, hackers can impersonate you using artificial intelligence.
"They can create voice clones, call your bank pretending to be you, change your account details and redirect your salary or superannuation into their own accounts. It's happening right now," he added.
AI has made Bluetooth attacks more dangerous and harder to detect
With the rise of AI tools, even amateur hackers can now launch professional-grade attacks. AI can break weak Bluetooth protections, bypass two-factor authentication and install malware that hides itself from security software.
"This isn't just a sci-fi plot," Sehgal said.
"This is happening in cafés, airports, co-working spaces, anywhere your phone is broadcasting a Bluetooth signal. If you're not protecting your devices, you're an easy target."
Don't choose between Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, secure both
Sehgal said the key isn't to avoid technology, but to use it more safely.
"You wouldn't leave your house unlocked at night. However, every time you leave Bluetooth or Wi-Fi on without protections, that's exactly what you're doing," he said.
The real-world consequences: your identity, your money and your freedom
In more advanced attacks, Sehgal said hackers can:
- Hijack your webcam and microphone to monitor your daily life
- Clone your digital identity to apply for loans in your name
- Lock your files with ransomware and demand money to release them
- Spy on your children's devices and school accounts
- Access your private medical, tax or legal information via MyGov and Medicare
- Create deepfake videos or recordings using your likeness and voice
"These aren't just cybercrimes. These are life crimes where people are losing their money, their reputations and their peace of mind," Sehgal said.
How to protect yourself now
Sehgal recommends turning off Bluetooth when not in use, regularly removing unknown devices from pairing lists, using updated antivirus protection and enabling biometric or app-based two-factor authentication on all devices.
"Importantly, if something feels off, like your battery draining too fast, your apps acting strangely or strange login notifications, don't ignore it. That could be the moment a hacker is inside," he said.
About V4 IT
V4 IT, headquartered in Melbourne, is a leading provider of home and business IT support services in Australia. Since its inception in May 2022, V4 IT has rapidly expanded its footprint, now covering over 1,500 postcodes across the country. The company's mission is to become Australia's most trusted home IT service provider by delivering reliable and efficient online and onsite support to a growing customer base.
V4 IT specialises in:
- Home and business IT support: Comprehensive solutions tailored to meet individual and small business needs.
- Online and onsite support services: Flexible service delivery, ensuring convenience and efficiency.
- Nationwide coverage: Over 100 expert technicians providing assistance across more than 1,500 postcodes.
www.v4it.com.au
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