Millions Of Earbuds Vulnerable To Cyber Attacks Due To Google’s Fast Pair Protocol Flaw

In the realm of wireless technology, a sense of unease settles over the vulnerable earbuds of millions. Researchers at KU Leuven University Computer Security in Belgium and the Industrial Cryptography group have uncovered a security lapse in Google’s Fast Pair protocol, a wireless protocol designed to simplify the pairing of Bluetooth devices with Android and ChromeOS devices.

This flaw leaves not only Android users but also iPhone users who have never owned a Google product susceptible to potential cyber attacks. The compromised earbuds can be hijacked in under 15 seconds, allowing hackers to activate the microphone, inject audio, and track the user’s location. Experts warn that once a device is hijacked, the attacker gains unrestricted control, posing a significant threat to user privacy.

To mitigate this risk, users are advised to keep their Bluetooth turned off when not in use, decline pairing requests from unfamiliar devices, and avoid pairing in public. Users must ensure their earbuds’ firmware is up-to-date to prevent exploitation. By taking these precautions, users can significantly reduce their vulnerability to such attacks.

Information for this article was obtained from “Times Now”.