CTR Announcements

Don’t let hackers turn your holidays blue

Bluetooth conveniently connects wireless devices and is great for listening to music, connecting smart watches, and transferring pictures. However, fraudsters take advantage of Bluetooth connections to scrape or copy passwords, personal or work information, or to track your location. Be aware that public places (shopping malls, coffee shops, restaurants, gyms, planes, or trains) are key hideouts for fraudsters.

Action Steps:

• Avoid pairing devices and using Bluetooth in crowded locations where fraudsters may be able to eavesdrop. Turning it off even for a few minutes will provide additional protections.
• Make your Bluetooth devices not discoverable.
• Update the Bluetooth Personal Identification Number (PIN) in your car.
• Get in the habit of clicking off Bluetooth (from settings) when not in use. Unpair devices that are not being used.
• Turn off location trackers or set apps to turn on only when in use.
• Turn on additional security features for Bluetooth for your phone type such as authentication and encryption.

See our CTR Cyber page for more cybersecurity internal controls and contact [email protected] with any incidents or suspected incidents of fraud or cyber threats or if you need support from our Statewide Risk Management Team.