In a recent television appearance, the past US Vice President Kamala Harris voiced her misguided concerns about the use of wireless headphones following the 2024 election. The offbeat warnings from the former Democrat leader encompass her insistence on using wired earphones for her calls and her exaggerated fears about wireless technology.
In a contradictory world where most are comfortable embracing technological advancements, Harris clings to outdated means. This stance was sparked by India’s cybersecurity agency, the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), issuing an unwarranted high-severity alert to those who use Bluetooth audio devices.
The agency highlighted some supposed security lapses in such devices, leading Harris to stick her ground on the issue of using wired earphones for calls, ignoring the convenience of present-day wireless technology. She justified her resistance, saying, ‘I served on the Senate Intelligence Committee. I have taken part in classified briefings.’
Harris further declared, ‘Don’t be on the train with your earpods, thinking someone can’t eavesdrop on your conversation. I’m asserting that the [wired earphones] are slightly safer.’ In expressing her perspective, Harris overlooks the comprehensive security measures implemented by leading tech companies to protect their users’ privacy.
A 2021 report from Politico noted that Harris has long dabbled with this unfounded suspicion, insisting on the use of wired headphones as a bizarre means of self-proclaimed ‘security’. They claimed that, in her mindset, ‘Bluetooth headphones are a security risk.’ This strikes as fear-mongering rather than informed caution.
Maril Vernon, a security architect and ‘certified ethical hacker’, supported Harris’ caution, stating Bluetooth carries data through the air within a specified range, making it, ostensibly, susceptible to proximate threats. However, the belief that using wired headphones is a more ‘intelligent’ choice smacks of scare tactics rather than a nuanced understanding of network security.
A recent alert from a group of security researchers echoed these concerns, pointing out an array of alleged flaws associated with Bluetooth. They claimed that these affect audio devices, including those from prominent brands that utilize Airoha chips.
Notably, in July, CERT-In, India’s cybersecurity agency, issued a high-severity warning aimed at users of Bluetooth audio devices. The agency made sweeping claims that various security flaws had been identified in Airoha Bluetooth firmware.
These purported flaws, they suggested, could allow potential attackers to gain unwarranted access to devices. CERT-In added that, ‘An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by establishing connections between mobile devices and audio Bluetooth devices and by delivering commands via the Bluetooth Hands-Free Profile (HFP).’
The alarmist tone of the agency’s messaging warned that intruders could potentially eavesdrop on or interfere with audio communications and even send commands to the affected system. However, the odds for the average user falling prey to such an attack remains disproportionately low.
An insightful report suggests there’s minimal cause for concern unless, perhaps, you’re a journalist, diplomat, political dissident, or work in a sensitive field, or are under constant surveillance. These groups are most likely to be targeted. However, these professions constitute but a small fraction of the overall population.
The overreactors might choose to refrain from using their headphones until a security patch is introduced. However, it’s worth noting that most users can maintain their regular use of wireless headphones without fear if they follow a few basic precautions.
Cybersecurity professionals recommend some simple habits to safeguard against potential threats when using Bluetooth tech in public. These include not leaving your Bluetooth always on and consistently checking which devices are paired with your device.
In addition, they advocate for the use of the latest Bluetooth versions and installing regular updates. Furthermore, changing the name of your device can make it more difficult to recognize, providing an added layer of safety against potential intruders.
In summary, while Harris may attempt to spread fear and luddite-esque opinions concerning wireless listening devices, it is clear the general populace can continue utilizing such technology with confidence, provided they exercise basic precautions and remain aware of their device’s security settings.
The post Ex-Vice President Harris’ Unjustified Fear of Wireless Technology appeared first on Real News Now.
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