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oaktrees
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Keeping Bluetooth Discoverability Off on a PC Offers Possible Resolution to Outlook Syncing Security?

I'm thinking about using Companionlink to sync my Outlook to my Android phone.

Have used it in the past.

Looking at connecting via Bluetooth as it's the simplest option.

Concerned about security.  

Seems like the software sends data via Bluetooth encrypted.  So, checks one box.

Here's my question - after I get the phone and the PC paired I can turn off discoverability.  But...seems like, for my Win10 PC (and lots of others) turning off Bluetooth is not enough.  I've got to run services.msc to get discoverability  ACTUALLY turned off.

So, my question is: am I on the right track here: to ACTUALLY keep my PC undiscoverable I would have to run services.msc and disable it at that level?

Then, to the base of my question: somehow having my Outlook data transferred via Bluetooth is dismaying.  Should I have that concern?  

My other options used to date have been using MS Exchange locally via a program called Akruto.  Or, using Companionlink over Wifi.  Each of these are also locally broadcasting my Outlook data to my phone.  (At one point I was even super secure syncing with Companionlink via USB cable.  Safe, but not efficient.)

So, my thinking now is this - if I can get Bluetooth discoverability ACTUALLY disabled on my PC and my phone that would reduce the chance when I'm on the road for a malefactor noticing that all my outlook info was being updated in real time over Bluetooth.  

Admittedly, the data is traveling encrypted.  But, just from an overall best practices point of view - am I on the right track here:

Bluetooth, ecrypted and between to paired devicces that are each set to be undiscoverable.

Thanks!

OT
SecurityWindows 10Windows OSWireless HardwareWireless Networking

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oaktrees

8/22/2022 - Mon
Dr. Klahn

You are correct to be concerned about Bluetooth security.

It is not particularly convenient to disable Bluetooth devices in Windows, as you have discovered.  Perhaps an alternative might be simpler.

Permanently disable the system's built-in Bluetooth interface, in the BIOS if possible.  Then buy an El Cheapo USB Bluetooth dongle off the fleabay (under $2.)  Plug it in when using Bluetooth, pull it out when not.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=usb+bluetooth+-car+-music+-speaker+-headphones+-audio&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_fsrp=1&_sop=15&Bluetooth%2520Standard=Bluetooth%2520v4%252E0%7CBluetooth%2520v5%252E0&_osacat=0&_odkw=usb+bluetooth+-car+-music+-speaker+-headphones&LH_BIN=1&_dcat=44999&rt=nc
oaktrees

ASKER
Hi Dr. Klahn,

Turning off Bluetooth entirely is not my goal.  Is that what stopping Bluetooth Support Services at services.mcs does?  I need to just disable discoverability of the PC, but STILL keep the PC & phone paired and connected via Bluetooth.

Thanks!

OT
oaktrees

ASKER
Tried this - still can see:
turn-off-here-still-can-see.jpg
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oaktrees

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