Ever mentioned a product or service near your phone, only to see ads for it pop up on social media shortly after? Your phone might be listening, but that’s concerning, that’s not all—it’s also tracking you! From location services to app permissions, there are multiple ways your device can ping your location and collect your data.
While some tracking is designed to enhance your user experience, it comes with risks that can compromise your privacy and security. Here, we’ll break down the top six ways your phone is tracking you and show you how to regain control.
Why Is Phone Tracking Dangerous?
Data is a valuable asset for marketers, who use that data to send you local interest-based ads based on your online activity; but they’re not the only ones interested in your information. Cybercriminals target unprotected data to commit identity theft, fraud, or worse. Here’s why phone tracking should concern you:
- Privacy Invasion: Tracking allows third parties to gather extensive information about you, your location, habits, and activities without your full knowledge. This constant surveillance puts you at risk of targeted advertising, data harvesting, and even malicious tracking.
- Identity Theft and Fraud: If tracking data falls into the wrong hands, cybercriminals can use it to gather personal details and patterns, leading to identity theft or unauthorized access to sensitive accounts.
- Physical Security Risks: Real-time location data can be exploited by stalkers or other bad actors, putting your safety at risk. Publicizing your movements can make it easier for criminals to predict your routine and target you when you’re vulnerable. Check out this article from Forbes for more information on cybercrime and IRl stalking.
6 Ways Your Phone Is Tracking You—and How to Stop It
1. Location Services
Your phone’s GPS and location services track your whereabouts in real-time, recording where you go and how long you stay. While it can be helpful for navigation or finding nearby restaurants, constant tracking reveals your movement patterns and compromises your privacy.
How to turn it off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services. Toggle off or manage individual app permissions. Under System Services, select Significant Locations and toggle it off. Clear your history by clicking Clear History.
- Android: Go to Settings > Location > App Permissions and turn off tracking for specific apps or disable Use Location To delete location history, select Delete Location History.
2. App Permissions
Apps often request access to your contacts, photos, microphone, and camera, allowing them to track more data than necessary. Review these permissions regularly to protect your privacy.
How to turn it off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security and review app permissions for categories like Camera, Microphone, and Contacts.
- Android: Go to Settings > Apps > Permissions to manage app access to sensitive data.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connections
Your phone’s constant scanning for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections can allow third parties to track your location through connected networks.
How to turn it off:
- iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner to toggle off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. For more control, go to Settings > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth.
- Android: Go to Settings > Location > Wi-Fi & Bluetooth scanning and disable these options.
4. Browsing Activity
Your web browser and apps track your search history and visited sites to build profiles for targeted ads and data sales.
How to turn it off:
- iPhone & Android: Use your browser’s incognito mode for private browsing. In Google Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy & Security and turn off Web & App Activity. Regularly clear your browsing history and cookies.
5. Ad Tracking
Your phone assigns a unique advertising ID to track your activity across apps and websites, giving advertisers insights into your behavior.
How to turn it off:
- iPhone: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Tracking and toggle off Allow Apps to Request to Track. Adjust ad preferences under Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising.
- Android: Go to Settings > Privacy > Ads and toggle on Opt out of Ads Personalization.
6. Social Media and Search Engines
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Google track your online behavior, including your location, searches, and interactions, to create detailed profiles for targeted advertising.
How to turn it off:
- Social Media: Go to each platform’s privacy settings (e.g., Facebook > Settings & Privacy > Privacy Shortcuts) to manage what data is being collected.
- Google: Visit Google Account > Data & Privacy > Web & App Activity to control tracking and adjust ad settings.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
As a business owner, protecting your personal privacy is as crucial as securing your company’s data. The same tracking methods that follow your every move can expose your business to risks, enabling hackers or competitors to gather data on your operations and communications.
Taking steps to limit tracking helps safeguard your business from potential data breaches and targeted cyberattacks. Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical concern—it’s strategic. Stay informed, stay proactive, and keep your business safe.
Concerned about your company’s security? Schedule a FREE Security Risk Assessment with Monmouth Cyber today. Our team will identify vulnerabilities and provide solutions tailored to keep your business protected. Click here or call us at (732) 681-2360 to get started.
