Physical trackers are small, circular or square-shaped objects that use simple replaceable batteries to remain charged for a long time.
For travelers going around with luggage on trains and planes, there have been times when they come in really handy to track down missing bags.
Bluetooth and ultra-wideband technology enables these small trackers to work through a secure frequency enabled by the manufacturer, which then uses the network of tag/phone owners to locate it, with the location of the tracker displayed in an app, like Apple's Find My or Samsung's SmartThings Find.
These trackers rely on a network of similar devices to be located, as they don't have GPS capabilities.
These trackers rely on satellite technology to pinpoint their exact location, making them ideal for tracking dynamic objects.
Technologies are tools and the very capabilities that make physical trackers so valuable for locating misplaced items make them also vulnerable to misuse.
The concerns have led to calls for improving the safety of Bluetooth-enabled trackers, especially to thwart their misuse for stalking.
In response, Apple and Google have partnered to curb such unwanted tracking, including by rolling out new anti-stalking features for their products and mobile operations systems.
The two tech giants are working on a joint proposal for an industry specification to combat safety risks associated with unwanted tracking via Bluetooth tracking devices.
There is some hope that the specification, which has also garnered support from manufacturers of other Bluetooth tracking devices, could be finalized and updates become available both for iOS and Android in 2024.
As technologies involve both opportunities and risks, it is prudent to be mindful of the potential risks associated with Bluetooth tracking devices.
Owners can also opt to use third-party apps and trackers.
Some anti-malware solutions offer device tracking as part of their premium consumer offering, like using anti-theft features to locate your device through an online portal or inside an app.
In the past, cell tower triangulation was the most used method to track a device, using several cell towers to measure the time delay a signal takes to return to the towers from a phone.
It is not as accurate as GPS trackers, and it is also less accurate than modern forms of triangulation using a combination of cell towers, Wi-Fi, and other data, especially in rural areas, where there aren't as many cell towers.
Try to lock it down remotely by using the tracking app as an additional security measure.
Next, use the tracker app you've set up on your phone to remotely erase all your data.
As for other devices or equipment, use physical trackers.
For hikers, GPS trackers also make more sense than relying on their phone's location.
Before you go: NSA shares advice on how to limit location tracking.
This Cyber News was published on www.welivesecurity.com. Publication date: Fri, 05 Jan 2024 12:43:04 +0000