Bluetooth Baseline Requirements Policy

1. Overview

 Bluetooth enabled devices are exploding on the Internet at an astonishing rate.  The range of connectivity has increased substantially.  Insecure Bluetooth connections can introduce several severe potential security issues.  Hence, there is a need for a minimum standard for connecting Bluetooth enable devices.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a minimum baseline standard for connecting Bluetooth enabled devices to the eCuras network or eCuras owned devices.   The minimum standard intends to ensure sufficient personal identifiable information (PII) and confidential eCuras data.

3. Scope

This policy applies to any Bluetooth-enabled device connected to eCuras network or owned devices.

4. Policy

4.1 Version

No Bluetooth Device shall be deployed on eCuras equipment that does not meet a minimum of Bluetooth v2.1 specifications without written authorization from the Infosec Team.  Any Bluetooth equipment purchased before this policy must comply with all parts of this policy except the Bluetooth version specifications.

4.2 Pins and Pairing

When pairing your Bluetooth unit to your Bluetooth-enabled equipment (i.e., phone, laptop, etc.), ensure that you are not in a public area where your PIN can be compromised.

If your Bluetooth enabled equipment asks for you to enter your pin after you have initially paired it, you must immediately refuse the pairing request and report it to Infosec through your Help Desk. 

4.3 Device Security Settings

• All Bluetooth devices shall employ ‘security mode 3’, which encrypts traffic in both directions, between your Bluetooth Device and its paired equipment.
• Use a minimum PIN length of 8.  A longer PIN provides more security.
• Switch the Bluetooth device to use the hidden mode (non-discoverable)
• Only activate Bluetooth only when it is needed.
• Ensure device firmware is up-to-date.

4.4 Security Audits

The Infosec Team may perform random audits to ensure compliance with this policy.  In the process of performing such audits, Infosec Team members shall not eavesdrop on any phone conversation.

4.5 Unauthorized Use

The following is a list of unauthorized uses of eCuras-owned Bluetooth devices:

• Eavesdropping, device ID spoofing, DoS attacks, or any form of attacking other Bluetooth enabled devices.
• Using eCuras-owned Bluetooth equipment on non-eCuras-owned Bluetooth enabled devices.
• Unauthorized modification of Bluetooth devices for any purpose.

4.6  User Responsibilities

• It is the Bluetooth user's responsibility to comply with this policy.
• Bluetooth mode must be turned off when not in use.
• PII and/or eCuras Confidential or Sensitive data must not be transmitted or stored on Bluetooth enabled devices.
• Bluetooth users must only access eCuras information systems using approved Bluetooth device hardware, software, solutions, and connections.
• Bluetooth device hardware, software, solutions, and connections that do not meet this policy’s standards shall not be authorized for deployment.
• Bluetooth users must act appropriately to protect the information, network access, passwords, cryptographic keys, and Bluetooth equipment.
• Bluetooth users are required to report any misuse, loss, or theft of Bluetooth devices or systems immediately to Infosec.

5. Policy Compliance

5.1  Compliance Measurement

The Infosec Team will verify compliance to this policy through various methods, including but not limited to periodic walk-thrus, video monitoring, business tool reports, internal and external audits, and feedback to the policy owner.

5.2  Exceptions

The Infosec Team must approve any exception to the policy in advance.

5.3  Non-Compliance

An employee found to have violated this policy may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. 

Revised: March 14th, 2018