While many reasons for tracking a phone's location information are benign — such as seeing where a loved one might be — scammers and hackers may track phones in an attempt to steal personal data. Luckily, some telltale signs can help you spot whether your phone is being tracked.
Hackers can also use keyloggers and other tracking software to capture your phone's keystrokes and record what you type, such as search queries, login credentials, passwords, credit card details, and other sensitive information.
Smartphones have brought all our private accounts and data into a single, convenient location — making our phones the perfect target for a hacker. Everything from banking to email and social media is linked into your phone.
Anomalous data usage
If you notice any strange data usage spikes, it may be a sign of spy apps. If someone is spying on your cell phone, they're using the network to download the data collected on you. If, for some reason, you're not tracking your data usage, you should start paying attention right away.
It's virtually impossible to detect without a powerful antivirus. Can a hacker access my computer camera, microphone, and screen? Yes. Cybercriminals use malware like spyware to remotely access and control your camera, microphone, and screen.
Code to turn off all forms of phone redirection: ##002# Code to check if phone is tapped: *#21# Code to show unknown connections and tracking (for Android): *#*#4636#*#* or *#*#197328640#*#* Code to show unknown connections and if someone is tracing you (for iPhone): *3001#12345#*
Spyware is a type of software used to steal data from a victim's device. This software can be completely hidden from the user, so it's very easy for this type of attack to exist for a long time without the user realizing.
If a hacker installs spyware on your phone then there is a good chance they will be able to access your camera and turn it on/off as they please.
All phones, whether an iPhone or an android, can be tracked down without a sim card or network. Still, they will need to have a secure Wi-Fi connection to be accurate.
Step 1: Change your passwords
On accounts or devices that contain sensitive information, make sure your password is strong, unique—and not easily guessable. Adding your birthday to your mother's maiden name won't cut it.
Spyware can be used by anyone, not just hackers
One popular app, mSpy, boasts the ability to monitor text messages, calls and social media interactions. The app can be installed remotely on an iPhone if you have the proper iCloud credentials. For Android phones, someone will need to install it on the phone directly.
Many online services require users to fill in personal details such as full name, home address and credit card number. Criminals steal this data from online accounts to commit identity theft, such as using the victim's credit card or taking loans in their name.
Fraudsters can try to access your online accounts (i.e., social media or banking) using your phone number. They can send a password reset to your phone and even trick automated systems into thinking they are you.
A phone that is turned off is difficult to track because it stops sending signals to cell towers. However, the service provider or internet provider can show the last location once it's switched back on.
Turn off location services (iOS and Android)
To stop apps from tracking your location, turn off your location services — but remember that certain apps like Google Maps won't work as well. If you don't want to completely disable location tracking, you can block it only on specific apps.
Assume you're under surveillance if you see someone repeatedly over time, in different environments and over distance. For good measure, a conspicuous display of poor demeanor, or the person acting unnaturally, is another sign that you might be under surveillance.