Billions of devices are vulnerable to attack from BlueBorne – a malicious new virus that spreads undetected using Bluetooth.
Cyber security experts say the virus exploits a weakness in Bluetooth software and can then spread between devices and across the globe.
Unlike most malicious code, which requires an internet connection or needs a link to be clicked, BlueBorne is airborne and does not need permission.
Billions of devices are vulnerable to attack from BlueBorne – a malicious new virus that spreads undetected using Bluetooth (stock image)
Threat Intelligence managing director Ty Miller says the mode of infection makes BlueBorne particularly dangerous, ABC News reported.
‘It’s estimated to potentially affect up to 8 billion around the world, and that’s because it’s got the capability to infect Window, Linux, Android and iOS devices prior to iOS 10,’ he said.
This makes it more of a threat than the WannaCry ransomware software that held computers worldwide hostage in May 2017.
BlueBorne is similar to an airborne human pathogen such as Ebola, and like infectious diseases can spread from country to country via air travel.
Cyber security experts say the virus exploits a weakness in Bluetooth software and can then spread between devices and across the globe (stock image)
‘You could be simply walking down the street [and] you walk past someone who is vulnerable and suddenly they are infected,’ said Mr Miller.
‘Then they land in that other country and suddenly the virus starts spreading [there].’
BlueBorne can infect any device equipped with Bluetooth, including smart phones, laptops, personal computers, printers, smart TVs, watches and medical equipment.
Unlike most malicious code, which requires an internet connection or needs a link to be clicked, BlueBorne is airborne and does not need permission (stock image)
Armis Labs has been warning of the danger of the new virus since April, and has now released videos to spread awareness about the potential threat.
Although tech companies are aware of the danger, BlueBorne could be the first of many similar viruses that are harder to spot.
People who have devices or computers that have not been updated could remain vulnerable to the virus, as users often ignore warnings or forget to install patches.
Threat Intelligence managing director Ty Miller says the mode of infection makes BlueBorne particularly dangerous (stock image)