When Bluetooth Gets Loose: The Crosswalk Hack Heard ‘Round Palo Alto

Bluetooth (both Classic and Low Energy) was supposed to make life easier. Devices like wireless headphones, smart thermostats, and fridges that talk to your phone (despite your wishes to the contrary) are meant to make life easier. But what happens when Bluetooth gets a little too friendly, like letting anyone walk up to a city crosswalk and making it sound like Elon Musk is having a midlife crisis? Welcome to Palo Alto, where the future meets the intersection, and the…

Google Quickshare Wireless Malicious Payload Exploit

Last week, researchers disclosed two new vulnerabilities in Google’s Quick Share utility, re-enabling an RCE chain that allows attackers to wirelessly deliver malware to victim devices. SafeBreach Labs recently disclosed critical security bypasses in Quick Share, highlighting vulnerabilities capable of achieving RCE on Windows devices and forcing permanent Wi-Fi hotspot connections to attacker-controlled networks. These exploits allow attacking devices to deliver malicious payloads silently without prior Quick Share approval. Quick Share, Google's peer-to-peer data-transfer utility for Android, Windows, and Chrome…

Securing Mergers & Acquisitions with Bastille

Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) require the utmost confidentiality and security due to the high volume of sensitive information exchanged, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the potential risks associated with integrating new systems. Wireless threats, often overlooked, can jeopardize the integrity of these transactions. Bastille’s advanced wireless threat detection provides comprehensive protection at every stage of the M&A process. The following brief outlines how Bastille safeguards critical aspects of M&A activities. The Challenge: Wireless Threats in M&A Activities Wireless communication…

Maximizing Your SCIF Security with Advanced WIDS Technology

Secured Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) are the bedrock of national security, serving as sanctuaries where authorized personnel handle the most sensitive and classified information. Ensuring the integrity and security of these facilities is paramount for U.S. Federal Government agencies, particularly within the Department of Defense (DoD). As the landscape of wireless threats evolves, traditional security measures within SCIFs need augmentation from cutting-edge technology. Wireless Intrusion Detection Systems (WIDS) have proven indispensable in augmenting SCIF security. Understanding the Importance of SCIF…

Preventing Smartphone-Enabled Data Breaches: Lessons from the Jian Zhao Case

The recent case of U.S. Army Sergeant Jian Zhao highlights the growing risk of smartphone-enabled data breaches and the urgent need for advanced wireless security measures. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Zhao allegedly photographed classified military documents using his smartphone and transmitted sensitive data to unauthorized contacts overseas. While at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Zhao reportedly used encrypted messaging platforms to communicate and share sensitive national defense information with unauthorized personnel, significantly endangering national security. Zhao’s Smartphone Espionage According…

Wireless CVEs explode in 2024

Wireless communication has become the backbone of modern connectivity, but its ubiquity brings an ever-growing set of vulnerabilities. The latest data highlights an alarming trend: the number of wireless-related Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) continues to increase annually. The chart below shows that the cumulative count of wireless-related CVEs has skyrocketed since tracking began in 1998. A staggering 716 new wireless CVEs appeared in 2024 alone, accounting for 20% of all wireless-related CVEs recorded over the past 27 years. That…

How I Air-Fried My Phone Back To Life

I’ve been using a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra for the past three years, and up until yesterday, it had served me well. But then, I woke up to a frustrating surprise—despite being plugged in all night, my phone was stuck at 12% battery. Even worse, a message on the screen read: "Charging halted because battery temperature is too low for safe charging." That was odd because my phone wasn't cold—it was around 70°F (21°C). I unplugged and replugged it, switched…

Why Network-Based Controls Aren’t Enough for Wireless Airspace Defense

Organizations today depend on wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks to maintain seamless operations. As wireless communication continues to expand, so do the associated security challenges. Many organizations rely on network-based controls, including Network Access Control (NAC), logs, and inventory scans, to protect sensitive data and network integrity. While these solutions are necessary for mitigating particular Wi-Fi threats, they lack the broad coverage and real-time threat mitigation capabilities of Wireless Airspace Defense solutions like Bastille. The Role…

Protecting from BLE Data Exfiltration Attacks with Bastille Networks

In the modern corporate environment, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is increasingly common in wireless communications for IoT devices, medical equipment, and consumer electronics. People come into the office wearing fitness trackers, wireless headphones, and hearing aids. However, while BLE is convenient for its power savings, ease of use, and efficient data transfer, it introduces vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to exfiltrate sensitive data from BLE-enabled devices. Bastille Networks provides comprehensive protection against these threats by detecting, identifying, and mitigating BLE-based…

Critical AirPlay Vulnerabilities Discovered

What You Need to Know About Apple's Latest Security Update Apple has released crucial security updates to address multiple vulnerabilities in AirPlay, the company’s widely used wireless media-sharing protocol. The Oligo Security research team identified these vulnerabilities, which pose significant risks, including denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and Remote Code Execution (RCE), which could allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over devices. Understanding the Impact The discovered vulnerabilities impact a broad range of Apple platforms, including: macOS (MacBooks, iMacs, and Mac Mini)…