Bluetooth trackers, also called tags, are small devices that you can attach to items, like keys or a backpack, to help you locate them if they get lost or misplaced. They can also be used on larger assets, like cars and trucks, boats and recreational vehicles, or equipment at remote sites. These devices can also be misused to track people without their knowledge or consent.
Most common commercial trackers are available in a variety of shapes and formats, such as AirTags, Tiles, SmartTag, Chipolo, etc. They range in the size of a coin up to a business card. The more nefarious trackers are much smaller (the size of a BB or small pellet) and by design, are nearly invisible.
Trackers can be surreptitiously placed anywhere… in your pocket, purse, backpack, clothing, belt, shoes, bike as well as on your partner or pet. One of the most common placements is on vehicles, as this woman recently discovered. Whether it breathes or not, a tracker can be placed on it.
EVERYONE should check periodically (weekly if you are not concerned and daily if you are concerned) if there is a tracker in your realm. Based on decades of experience in electronic tradecraft, we DO NOT recommend using the apps that continuously monitor for trackers because they require your location and Bluetooth to be left on which makes you vulnerable to malware attacks and tracking without the trackers.
There are hundreds of cases where trackers have been used for all the wrong reasons. Stalking, surveillance, robbery, and even murder, etc. There have been rumors of trackers being slipped into military clothing and vehicles by locals cleaning the buildings.
How to check if there is a Bluetooth tracker near you:
On Android:
- Turn on location
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Open Settings
- Tap Safety & Emergency
- Tap Unknown tracker alerts
- Tap Scan now (your device takes about 10 seconds to complete a manual scan)
- Turn off locations
- Turn off Bluetooth
You can also use an app like AirGuard. When using the app:
- Turn on location
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Open the app and allow it to scan
- Turn off locations
- Turn off Bluetooth
On iOS (Apple):
Apple only detects AirTags. We recommend AirGuard to detect virtually all Bluetooth trackers for iOS:
When using the app:
- Turn on location
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Open the app and allow it to scan
- Turn off locations
- Turn off Bluetooth
There are so many useful applications of trackers, such as finding your wallet, keys, laptop bag, or luggage. However bad actors, from the most sophisticated down to the neophyte can easily use them for harm.
Protect yourself through an ongoing electronic hygiene protocol.
Global Integrity has resources with tremendous expertise in electronic and communications security that are available to assist. Contact us now at info@globalintegrity.com.
