Digital Surveillance
6 Hidden Ways Your Phone Tracks You
and How to Stop It

Have you ever casually talked about a product or service while your phone was nearby and then suddenly started seeing ads for it on your social media feed? Your phone might be listening. But if that concerns you, this might really worry you: your devices are also tracking you! From the phone itself to the apps you use, multiple elements on your device can access your location and other personal data.

Fortunately, there are ways to take control. In today’s article, we’ll discuss why this tracking can be risky, six ways your phone may be tracking you, and how to disable these features to protect your privacy. 

Keep in mind that operating systems and phone models vary widely; if the instructions here don’t match your device exactly, try consulting Apple Support, your Android phone manufacturer, or YouTube tutorials specific to your model for guidance. 

Why Is This Dangerous?

Data from tracking is a hot commodity for marketers, who use it to target you with location-based and interest-based ads. However, cybercriminals are also interested in this data. Allowing your phone to track you can expose you to several risks:

  • Privacy Invasion: Phone tracking allows apps, websites, and third parties to collect extensive information about your location, habits, and behaviors. This ongoing surveillance can lead to a significant invasion of privacy, leaving you vulnerable to data harvesting or even harmful tracking.
  • Identity Theft and Fraud: If your phone’s tracking data falls into the wrong hands, such as hackers, it can enable identity theft or unauthorized access to your accounts, causing potential financial and emotional harm.
  • Physical Security Risks: Sharing real-time location data can expose you to security threats. For instance, bad actors can use this data to track your movements, compromising your personal safety.
 

How Your Phone Is Tracking You 

  1. Location Services: Your phone’s GPS tracks your location in real time, recording where you go and how long you stay. While helpful for navigation, this tracking can reveal movement patterns that compromise your privacy. 

How to turn it off:

 - iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Toggle off Location Services or manage permissions per app. Under System Services, select Significant Locations to view logged locations and toggle it off. Clear your history if desired.

- Android: Go to Settings > Location > App Permissions to disable tracking for specific apps or turn off Location entirely. To delete location history, tap Delete Location History under Location History.   

  1. App Permissions: Many apps request access to contacts, photos, microphone, and camera, even when you’re not using them. Reviewing these permissions regularly can help protect your privacy.

How to turn it off:

 - iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security. Check categories like Camera, Microphone, and Contacts to adjust permissions.

- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Permissions to manage access to contacts, microphone, and camera.

  1. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections: Even when you’re not actively connecting, your phone scans for nearby Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks, revealing your location to third parties through the devices and networks you pass. Disabling scanning prevents constant tracking but still allows you to pair Bluetooth devices when needed.

How to turn it off:

- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner and toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For full control, go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth to disable scanning.

- Android: Go to Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning and disable these options.

  1. Browsing Activity: Browsers and apps monitor your searches and visited sites, using this data for targeted ads.

How to turn it off:

- iPhone & Android: Use private or incognito browsing. In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy & Security to turn off Web & App Activity. Clear browsing history and cookies regularly.

  1. Ad Tracking: Phones assign an advertising ID to track your behavior across apps and websites, helping companies tailor ads to you.

How to turn it off:

- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Disable personalized ads under Apple Advertising.

- Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads and toggle on Opt Out of Ads Personalization.

  1. Social Media and Search Engines: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google monitor your interactions, creating profiles of your interests and habits.

How to turn it off:

- Social Media: Visit each platform’s settings (e.g., Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts) to manage ad preferences.

- Google: Go to Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity to adjust tracking settings.

By adjusting these settings, you can significantly reduce the amount of personal information your phone tracks, helping you regain control of your privacy.

 

Why This Matters for Business Owners

Protecting your privacy is critical, especially if you’re a business owner. Tracking that monitors your every move can also expose your business to risk, allowing cybercriminals and even competitors to gather valuable data on your activities and confidential communications.

Taking steps to limit your phone’s tracking capabilities is about more than just personal protection; it’s about safeguarding your business from potential breaches and targeted cyberattacks. In today’s world, cybersecurity is a strategic issue and staying informed and proactive is essential.

If you’re concerned about your business’s overall security, don’t wait for a problem to occur. Schedule a FREE 10-minute phone consultation to discuss your security needs and see if a FREE Security Risk Assessment is right for you. Our experts will help identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend solutions tailored to keep your business safe. Click here or call us at 505-792-2375 to get started.