Secure Design for Low Energy Bluetooth (BLE) Applications

Low Energy Bluetooth (BLE) is widely used in various smart devices and IoT scenarios as a low-power, short-range wireless communication technology. However, due to the characteristics of BLE, it is susceptible to various security threats. Therefore, when designing and developing BLE applications, it is crucial to focus on security issues and implement appropriate security measures to protect communication data and user privacy. Firstly, Security Measures for Bluetooth Pairing In the pairing process between BLE devices, it is essential to use FIPS-approved algorithms such as AES-CMAC and P-256 elliptic curve to ensure the security of pairing information. Pairing information should be stored in a secure storage location on the device to prevent malicious attackers from stealing it. For authentication and encryption, FIPS-approved algorithms should also be used to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of communication data. For example, the use of AES-CCM algorithm can encrypt and protect data transmission, while also ensuring the integrity of messages. In healthcare devices, such as a health wristband communicating with a smartphone, the use of AES-CCM algorithm encrypts the user’s health data to ensure its confidentiality. To prevent passive eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, user-assisted secure simple pairing methods can be used. For instance, using the ECDHE algorithm for Simple Secure Pairing (SSP) to prevent passive eavesdropping attacks, and employing the user-assisted digital method Passkey Entry to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Here is the description of the Bluetooth Simple Secure Pairing (SSP) implementation example:Device Preparation• Device A (Initiator): a Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone.• Device B… Read more