A cutting-edge Bluetooth “signal sniffer” has been created by an “ethical hacker” in a desperate attempt to locate Nancy Guthrie, who has been reported missing. The CEO of TrustedSec, David Kennedy, developed this innovative tool specifically for the search for the 84-year-old matriarch, who is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. The Bluetooth sniffer, which has been attached to a Pima County Sheriff’s helicopter in Tucson, Arizona, has an impressive range of up to 800 feet.
Kennedy, a former Marine who conducted cyber missions for the NSA, saw an opportunity to assist law enforcement after learning that Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker had disconnected from her phone. This indicated that she was using a newer model pacemaker with Bluetooth connectivity. Drawing on his experience working with pacemaker companies to test their security against hacks, Kennedy developed a software tool that specifically targets Bluetooth low energy devices.
By utilizing signal amplifiers, high gain antennas, and software defined radios, Kennedy was able to increase the range at which the sniffer could detect Bluetooth-enabled devices. In testing, the sniffer was successfully attached to a drone and could scan for devices up to 800 feet away. Bluetooth communication occurs at 2.4 gigahertz, similar to other wireless devices, and in optimal conditions, the sniffer could potentially detect a Bluetooth-enabled pacemaker up to 5,000 feet away.
However, obstacles such as the pacemaker being inside Nancy and potential physical barriers affect the effectiveness of the sniffer. Despite these challenges, Kennedy remains confident in the sniffer’s capabilities and its potential to locate Nancy. The sniffer filters out extraneous Bluetooth signals to hone in on Nancy’s device, even if it is using MAC address randomization to conceal its physical address.
Kennedy is now working on developing an app that could enlist the help of the community in locating Nancy. This app, available for both iPhone and Android devices, would allow users to scan for Nancy’s specific Bluetooth device. If a match is found, the app would notify law enforcement of the device’s location, aiding in the search efforts. Kennedy envisions a scenario where an entire city could be turned into scanning devices, greatly expanding the search radius and increasing the chances of locating Nancy.
As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues, authorities have received tens of thousands of leads in the case. The deployment of advanced technology like the Bluetooth signal sniffer and the development of a tracking app signal a new frontier in search and rescue operations, offering hope for a positive outcome in this troubling situation.
