Bluetooth technology allows wireless data transfer within a 10 metre radius.  In certain circumstances a hacker within this distance may be able to gain access to data (bluesnarfing), access phone commands (bluebugging) or send unwanted business cards (bluejacking).

Such attacks are not limited to Bluetooth technology.  Paris Hilton, heiress to the Hilton hotel empire, recently became a high-profile victim of another form of mobile hacking when her T-mobile Sidekick was accessed.  In this case the security of a centralised server holding the data was breached. 

Another risk is the possibility to transfer malware (malevolent software) to the victim’s mobile device.  The Cabir worm is a self-replicating example of such software, capable of infecting certain smart phones with Bluetooth.  One of its effects is to rapidly drain the mobile phone battery.

Such mobile phone security risks are however considered to be limited.  Only certain mobile models are at risk and manufacturers have been quick to offer software patches for these.  Newer models are not susceptible to many security risks. 

An article on the Nokia website stresses:

“Based on the analyses to date, Nokia believes the current security threat is relatively small and unlikely to mirror the risk profile of the fixed Internet.”

While Bluetooth security issues are addressed, other forms of data transfer are in development.  Japanese firm NTT have been working on a technology called RedTacton, which uses the human body as a data conductor.  They suggest we may soon be transferring data by shaking hands.  The borders between science fiction and reality are becoming blurred indeed.