3 - 2 MC70 User Guide

Security

The current Bluetooth specification defines security at the link level. Application-level security is not specified.
This allows application developers to define security mechanisms tailored to their specific need. Link-level
security occurs between devices, not u sers, while applic ation-level se curity can be implemente d on a pe r-user
basis. The Bluetooth specification defines security algorithms an d proc edures neede d to authenticate devices,
and if needed, encrypt the data flowing on the link between the devices. Device authentication is a mandatory
feature of Bluetooth while link encryption is optional.
Pairing of Bluetooth devices is accomplished by creating an initialization key that is used to authenticate the
devices and crea te a lin k ke y fo r them. Enter ing a commo n PIN num ber in th e de vice s bein g paired gener ates
the initialization key. The PIN number is never sent over the air. By default, the Bluetooth stack responds with
no key when a key is requested (it is up to user to respond to the key request event). Authentication of
Bluetooth devices is based-upon a challenge-response transac tion. Blue to o th allows for a PIN num be r or
passkey that is used to create other 128-bit keys used for security and encryption. The encryption key is
derived from the link key used to authenticate the pairing devices. Also worthy of note is the limited range and
fast frequency hopping of the Bluetooth radios that makes long-distance eavesdropping difficult.
Recommenda tio ns ar e:
Perform pairing in a secure environment
Keep PIN codes private and don't store the PIN codes in the mobile computer
Implement application-level security.

Turning the Bluetooth Radio Mode On and Off

T urn of f the Bluetooth rad io to save power or if entering an area with ra dio restrictions (e .g., an airplane). When
the radio is off, other Bluetooth devices cannot see or connect to the EDA. Turn on the Bluetooth radio to
exchange information with other Bluetooth devices (within range). Communica te only with Bluetooth radios in
close proximity.

Disabling Bluetooth

To disable Bluetooth, tap Bluetooth icon > Disable Bluetooth. The Bluetooth icon changes to indicate that
Bluetooth is disabled.
NOTE To achieve the best battery life in EDAs with multiple radios , turn off radios not in use.