Bluetooth Baseline Requirements Policy

1.0 BluetoothPurpose

The proliferation of Bluetooth-enabled devices presents potential security risks if connections are explodingnot onproperly thesecured. Internet at an astonishing rate.  At the range of connectivity has increased substantially.  Insecure Bluetooth connectionsusage can introduceexpose aorganizational numberdevices ofand potentialnetworks seriousto securityunauthorized issues.access, data Hence,leakage, thereor ismalware aintroduction. need for a minimum standard for connecting Bluetooth enable devices.

The purpose of this policy is to provide a minimum baseline standard for connecting Bluetooth enabled devices to the <Company Name> network or <Company Name> owned devices.   The intent of the minimum standard is to ensureestablish minimum security requirements for the use of Bluetooth technology with organization-owned devices or when connecting to the organization's network, ensuring sufficient protection for organizational data, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and other confidential <Company Name> data.information.

2.0 Scope

This policystandard applies to all employees, contractors, vendors, and other personnel utilizing any Bluetooth Bluetooth-enabled device (whether organization-owned or personal) that connects to organization-owned equipment (e.g., laptops, mobile phones) or directly interacts with the organization's network infrastructure.

3.0 Policy Statements

The following minimum standards must be adhered to when using Bluetooth technology in conjunction with organizational resources:

3.1 Approved Bluetooth Versions

*   Unless a formal exception is connectedgranted toin <Companyadvance Name> network or owned devices.

4.1 Version

No Bluetooth Device shall be deployed on <Company Name> equipment that does not meet a minimum of Bluetooth v2.1 specifications without written authorization fromby the designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer Team.Team),  Anyonly Bluetooth devices meeting the Bluetooth Core Specification version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) or higher are permitted for use with organization equipment or networks.
*   Devices purchased prior to the implementation date of this policystandard may be exempt from the minimum version requirement but must comply with all partsother aspects of this policystandard. exceptHowever, theupgrading legacy devices is strongly encouraged.

3.2 Secure Pairing Procedures

*   **Pairing Location:** Initial pairing of Bluetooth version specifications.

4.2 Pins and Pairing

When pairing your Bluetooth unit to your Bluetooth enabled equipmentdevices (i.e.establishing phone,a laptop,trusted etc.),connection) ensureshould thatonly yoube are notperformed in a private, secure location to prevent unauthorized observation or interception of pairing codes (PINs) or processes. Avoid pairing devices in public areaareas.
*   where**PIN youSecurity:** Use strong, non-default PINs for pairing whenever possible. Do not use easily guessable PINs like "0000" or "1234".
*   **Unsolicited Pairing Requests:** If a device prompts for pairing or requests a PIN canunexpectedly after the initial secure pairing has been completed, *do not* accept the request. This could indicate an attempted security compromise. Report such incidents immediately to the IT Help Desk for investigation by the designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer Team).

3.3 Discoverability (Visibility)

*   Bluetooth devices should be compromised.set to "non-discoverable" or "hidden" mode whenever Bluetooth functionality is not actively needed for pairing or connection establishment. This limits the ability of unauthorized devices to detect their presence.

If3.4 yourUnused Connections

*   Disable Bluetooth enabledfunctionality on organizational devices when it is not actively required for business purposes to reduce the potential attack surface.
*   Regularly review the list of paired devices on organizational equipment asksand remove any devices that are no longer needed or recognized.

4.0 Compliance

4.1 Compliance Measurement

The designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer Team) may verify compliance with this standard through various methods, including device configuration audits, security scans (where feasible), and investigation of reported incidents.

4.2 Exceptions

Any exception to this standard (e.g., use of older Bluetooth versions for youspecific legacy equipment) requires formal, documented justification and advance approval from the designated IT authority (e.g., Precision Computer Team).

4.3 Enforcement

Failure to entercomply yourwith pinthis afterstandard youmay haveresult initially paired it, you must refusein the pairingdisabling requestof Bluetooth functionality on organizational devices or other corrective actions. Violations may also lead to disciplinary action, up to and reportincluding ittermination of employment or contract, consistent with organizational procedures.

5.0 Definitions

*   **Bluetooth:** A short-range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances.
*   **Pairing:** The process of establishing a trusted, authenticated connection between two Bluetooth devices, often involving the exchange or confirmation of a PIN.
*   **PIN (Personal Identification Number):** A numeric or alphanumeric code used in some Bluetooth pairing processes for authentication.
*   **Discoverable Mode:** A Bluetooth setting that allows a device to Precisionbe Computer,detected throughby yourother Helpnearby Desk,Bluetooth immediately.devices scanning for connections.