For you, a Bluetooth headset offers a safe way to use your cell phone hands-free in the car. For cyberthieves, it's just another security gap waiting to be exploited.

The U.S. CERT (that’s the government's Computer Emergency Readiness Team) just issued a list of tips to help you use Bluetooth devices more securely. Nothing too difficult, and in fact it's mostly common-sense advice.

Two practices stand out. First, disable your Bluetooth device when you're not using it. And when you do enable it, use it only in hidden, or "not discoverable", mode .

You can get other Bluetooth security tips and learn more about setting up a good password for your Bluetooth and other devices at the U. S. CERT site:

http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/ST05-015.html

—Donna Tapellini