Bluetooth Earbud Security Flaws and Easy Protection Tips

Welcome to Tech Brewed! In this episode, host Greg Doig dives into Bluetooth security, focusing on newly discovered vulnerabilities in wireless earbuds and headphones that affect popular brands such as Sony, Bose, JBL, Marshall, and Jabra. Greg Doig breaks down how recent flaws in Bluetooth chips could let hackers connect to your headphones from up to 30 feet away—without you even knowing—potentially eavesdropping on calls or accessing personal data. But it’s not all doom and gloom: Greg Doig also shares simple, practical steps you can take today to boost your Bluetooth security, from updating firmware to making your devices non-discoverable. If you rely on wireless audio, this episode is packed with must-know tips to keep your tech (and conversations) safe.

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Transcript

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Welcome back, tech enthusiasts. I'm your host Greg Doig, and today we're talking about something super common Bluetooth security. Specifically those wireless earbuds and headphones we all love. There's been a big scare this year with some serious vulnerabilities, so let's unpack it simply and talk about what you can do to stay Safe. Back in 2025, security researchers found three major flaws. They're called CVE2025, 20, 72701 and 2702 in Bluetooth chips made by a company called Airoa. These chips are inside tons of popular headphones and earbuds from brands like Sony, Bose, QuietComfort, JBL, Marshall, Jabra, and more and more. Here's the scary part in easy terms. Normally to connect to your headphones via Bluetooth, you have to pair them by entering a code or confirming. But these bugs let a bad guy nearby within 30ft connect silently without pairing. Once in, they could eavesdrop on your microphone, steal data, mess with the device, or even pretend to be your headphones to trick your phone into letting them in, like activating your voice assistant or spying on calls. The good news? Manufacturers started releasing firmware fixes mid-2025, but as of the end of December, many devices are still unpatched. Researchers even released a free tool called the Race Toolkit, so you can check if yours is vulnerable. Bluetooth is awesome for going wireless, but anyone in range could potentially snoop or interfere if there's a weakness. Bluetooth has had flaws before. The key risk if Bluetooth is always on, your device is broadcasting I'm here. And that invites trouble. So all right, let's get practical. Here are my top simple tips. Do these and you'll be way safer. First up, update your firmware right now. Open the app for your headphones like Sony Headphones app or Bose app or whatever your particular model is and check for updates. These often include security patches. Don't ignore them. 2. Turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it. This is the number one easiest fix on your phone. Swipe down and toggle it off. No signal, no risk. 3. Make your device non discoverable in Bluetooth settings. Set it to hidden or non discoverable mode, except when pairing something new. 4. Delete old pairings. Go into your phone's Bluetooth list and forget devices you don't use anymore, like that old speaker or rental car. 5. Pair in private spots. Don't pair new devices in crowded public places where someone could watch or interfere. 6. For super sensitive stuff like important calls. Or if you're a journalist or executive, switch to wired headphones. No wireless attacks. And seven Keep everything updated. Phone OS apps, everything. Newer Bluetooth versions have better built in security. So there you have it. Bluetooth isn't doomed, but a few habits go a long way, especially with these 2025 headphone flaws still out there. Stay vigilant, Check for updates today. And as always, thanks for listening. And stay safe out there with whatever technology you're using.