Phone Tracking When Off

How Cell Phone Location Tracking Works

Cell phones utilize several technologies for location tracking, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. Each plays a crucial role in determining the phone's location and providing accurate results for various apps and services.

GPS Location Data

Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system providing precise location information. Phones communicate with GPS satellites orbiting Earth to determine location. GPS technology uses the time it takes for signals to travel from multiple satellites to the phone to triangulate the location. This method is highly accurate, pinpointing locations within a few meters.

Wi-Fi Location Data

Wi-Fi positioning or Wi-Fi triangulation is another technology used to determine location. When Wi-Fi is turned on, the phone scans for nearby Wi-Fi access points and measures their signal strength. The phone can use the location of these access points and the strength of the signals to estimate the location. This technology is particularly useful in areas where GPS signals may be weak or unavailable, such as indoors or in urban areas.

Cellular Location Data

When making a call or data request, the phone communicates with nearby cell towers, which are assigned specific coverage areas known as cells. The cell tower used to transmit the call or data request is logged, and the cellular service provider can determine the general location by analyzing the tower’s location. This technology is the least accurate of the three but still provides valuable data points for location tracking.

Combining Location Data

Location services combine these data points to provide an accurate location. GPS technology provides precise location information, while Wi-Fi and cellular data offer additional data points to improve accuracy. This combination allows phones to act as personal concierges, providing directions to specific locations and sending notifications based on location. However, this also raises privacy concerns as it means phones constantly collect and transmit location data.

Tracking a Turned-Off Phone

The assumption that turning off a phone prevents location tracking is incorrect. While GPS location services will be of no help when the phone is turned off, cellular and Wi-Fi data can still determine the phone's last known location. However, more sophisticated methods exist that malicious actors can use to track a turned-off phone.

NSA's "The Find" Technique

According to a report from the Washington Post, the National Security Agency (NSA) has been capable of tracking cell phones even when they are turned off. This technique, dubbed "The Find," was used in Iraq and helped identify thousands of new targets, including members of a burgeoning al-Qaeda-sponsored insurgency.

The NSA's method likely involves infecting the handsets with Trojans, which force the handsets to continue emitting a signal even in standby mode unless the battery is removed. This technique is not new; in 2006, CNET reported how the FBI had deployed spyware to infect suspects' mobile phones and record data even when they were turned off.

Dedicated Chips

Robert David Graham of Errata Security points out that the best way to track an 'off' phone is to secretly install a chip connected to the phone's battery supply. This chip would remain 'on' even when the phone is 'off,' allowing continuous tracking. This method explains why the USA banned Chinese networking companies like Huawei and ZTE, as they were suspected of using such techniques.

Malicious Actors and Tracking

Malicious actors, such as hackers and cybercriminals, pose a significant threat to device privacy and security. They often use sophisticated techniques like phishing, malware invasion, and network spoofing to gain access to data. Once compromised, phones can turn into tracking devices for all movements or tools for stealing personal information.

Malware and Spyware

Malware and spyware are designed to surreptitiously keep tabs on whereabouts by exploiting the GPS capabilities of devices. These malicious applications can force phones to run hidden processes in the background, straining the device's battery and causing overheating. They can also trick users into downloading rogue apps or stealthily install them when phones are unattended.

Signs of Tracking Activity

If tracking through a mobile phone is suspected, there are several signs to notice:

1. Unexpected Battery Drain: Spyware often forces phones to run hidden processes in the background, consistently sending gathered data over cellular connections, resulting in noticeably increased battery drain.
2. Overheating: Additional activity induced by spyware not only puts pressure on the battery but could also lead to the device overheating. If phones seem unusually hot, this could potentially indicate spyware operation.
3. Suspicious Apps: To effectively track locations, malicious entities might trick users into downloading rogue apps or stealthily install them when phones are unattended. Be vigilant for any unfamiliar applications on devices.
4. Random Restarts: Spyware apps may require rebooting phones to install updates or due to poor design causing system instability. Should devices shut down or restart without any apparent reason, it could be another telltale sign of tracking activity.

Protecting Your Phone from Tracking

While turning off phones provides one of the simplest and most effective strategies for preventing location tracking, it has an evident drawback: phones become inaccessible during this period. Here are some alternative ways to stop phones from being tracked while still in use:

1. Avoid Connecting to Public Wi-Fi: Many public Wi-Fi networks will ask to track location data when signing in. This means the network provider will record locations whenever Wi-Fi picks up one of their public networks.

2. Turn Location Services Off: GPS signals are the main way for other devices to track locations. Turning it off will immediately remove this option for potential cyberstalkers. Here’s how to disable location services for iPhone:

   • Open the Settings app
   • Tap Privacy & Security
   • Tap Location Services
   • Toggle off Location Services

   And here’s how to turn it off for Android phones:

   • Open the Settings app
   • Tap Location
   • Turn off location access.

3. Get a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create an encrypted tunnel between devices and another internet connection. This means connections are anonymous and cannot be viewed by anyone else, making it extremely difficult to track locations.

4. Stick to Official App Stores: Avoid using any apps that don’t come from official app stores. The apps from Google Play or Apple’s App Store have been verified by the tech provider, meaning they are more likely to be safe.

5. Install Antivirus or Anti-Spyware Software: If spyware is hidden on phones, it may be transmitting locations and much more information from devices to criminals or cyberstalkers. Take steps to remove it as soon as possible. Run a quick scan with Certo for iPhone or Android now to uncover and remove malware from phones.

Understanding how phones can still be tracked even when location services are turned off is crucial for maintaining privacy and security. By being aware of the data phones are collecting and who has access to it, steps can be taken to limit exposure to location tracking. This includes reviewing the permissions granted to apps, using a VPN, sticking to official app stores, and installing antivirus or anti-spyware software. While turning off phones provides some protection, it is not foolproof against sophisticated tracking methods. Therefore, stay vigilant and adopt robust security practices to protect against these hazards.