National Security Agency Issues Warning: How To Disable Tracking on Your Smartphone

The National Security Agency (NSA) has issued a warning to iPhone and Android users, urging them to disable location tracking features on their devices. The advisory comes amidst growing concerns about privacy risks, foreign surveillance, and the exploitation of personal data. If you’re someone who values your privacy—or if you’re in a profession that demands discretion—this is advice you can’t afford to ignore. 

Please read the following and see how to keep yourself safe from prying eyes.

Why Is the NSA Sounding the Alarm?

Smartphones have become indispensable in our daily lives, serving as everything from digital wallets to GPS navigators. But with convenience comes risk. Your phone constantly broadcasts your location through GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular networks, and even Bluetooth connections. While this helps apps like Google Maps or DoorDash function seamlessly, it also creates a treasure trove of data that can be exploited by bad actors.

The NSA has flagged several reasons for concern:

Foreign Surveillance 

Advanced adversaries, including nation-state actors, can use location data to track movements, identify patterns, and pinpoint sensitive locations. This poses a significant risk to military personnel, government officials, and anyone involved in critical infrastructure.

Foreign surveillance through smartphones is a real and growing threat, with sophisticated methods targeting both the hardware and software of these devices. One common approach is network-based surveillance, where foreign governments exploit cellular networks. For instance, mobile operators can track users’ movements through their connections to nearby cell towers, a process known as cell tower tracking. Devices like IMSI catchers, also called Stingrays, mimic cell towers to intercept communications and pinpoint phone locations. In some cases, authorities can request “tower dumps” to collect data on all phones present in a specific area, revealing who was nearby at a given time.

Another method is device-based surveillance, which involves directly targeting smartphones to gather sensitive information. Malicious actors can push spyware or malware onto phones through firmware updates or by exploiting vulnerabilities in apps and operating systems. Tools like Pegasus spyware are particularly dangerous because they allow attackers to monitor calls, read emails, capture screenshots, and even take full control of a device without the user’s knowledge. Hackers also exploit security flaws to infiltrate phones, leaving users exposed.

Foreign entities can also intercept data sent from smartphones through data interception techniques. For example, public Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections can be manipulated to track users’ movements or intercept the information they are transmitting. Attackers might even carry out “man-in-the-middle” attacks, where they position themselves between the device and legitimate servers to secretly intercept communications.

Physical access to smartphones is another avenue for surveillance, particularly at border crossings. Foreign officials may seize devices, request access to unlock them and copy their contents. In some cases, tourists may unknowingly expose their devices to hardware attacks while visiting certain countries, where tampering with electronics is a tactic used for espionage.

To protect against these risks, travelers should take precautions. Using specially configured devices, avoiding unsecured Wi-Fi networks, and limiting Bluetooth use can help minimize vulnerabilities. It’s also wise to be cautious about sharing personal information on social media, as it can provide adversaries with valuable insights into your movements and activities. With these steps, you can reduce your exposure to foreign surveillance and better safeguard your personal data.

Personal Safety 

Cell phone tracking and surveillance have a significant impact on personal safety, offering both benefits and risks. On the positive side, location tracking can enhance security by allowing loved ones to monitor each other’s whereabouts, especially during emergencies. In critical situations like accidents or medical crises, precise location data can help emergency responders arrive quickly, potentially saving lives. This added layer of safety can bring peace of mind to individuals and their families.

However, the risks associated with tracking and surveillance are equally important to consider. Constant monitoring of a person’s movements can feel invasive, especially when done without consent. Worse, malicious actors like stalkers or abusive partners may exploit these tracking features to harass or control someone. Additionally, security flaws in tracking devices or apps can lead to personal data being exposed to hackers, leaving individuals vulnerable to identity theft or cybercrime.

Location tracking can also open the door to profiling and exploitation. By combining location data with online activities, detailed social or political profiles can be created and potentially misused. Government agencies or law enforcement might access commercial location data for surveillance without proper warrants, raising concerns about privacy violations. In some cases, advertisers have used location data inappropriately, such as targeting sensitive areas to discourage certain behaviors, including seeking healthcare services. Furthermore, tracking can inadvertently expose personal secrets or lifestyle choices, leading to unintended consequences.

To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your privacy and security. Be mindful of how and when you share location data, and regularly update your device’s software to guard against vulnerabilities. Use strong security measures, such as unique passwords and two-factor authentication, and carefully review the privacy settings on your apps and devices. Understanding the tracking capabilities of the apps you use and limiting unnecessary permissions can also help safeguard your information.

Data Exploitation 

Many apps and services collect location data under the guise of improving user experience. In reality, this data often ends up being sold to advertisers—or worse, malicious entities. Have you ever complained to your significant other about, for example, the bad headaches you’ve been having lately and then noticed a rash of pain reliever ads pop up on your phone and TV? That’s no coincidence. 

How Location Tracking Puts National Security at Risk

For members of the military and intelligence communities, the stakes are even higher. Imagine an operator returning home from a mission overseas only to have their location data expose their residence to foreign intelligence agencies. Or consider the risk to a high-ranking official whose daily routine could be mapped out by analyzing location data from a fitness app.

The NSA‘s warning isn’t solely about protecting individuals; it’s also about safeguarding national security. By reducing the amount of location data available, the NSA hopes to limit the opportunities for adversaries to exploit this information.

How Your Data is Being Tracked

Disabling location tracking might seem like a no-brainer after hearing the risks, but most people don’t realize how pervasive tracking is. Here’s how your phone tracks you:

• GPS: The most obvious method, GPS, can track your precise location with remarkable accuracy.
• Wi-Fi Networks: Your phone automatically scans for Wi-Fi networks, revealing where you are even if you’re not connected.
• Cellular Towers: As your phone connects to nearby cell towers, it provides another way to triangulate your location.
• Bluetooth Beacons: Retail stores and other locations use Bluetooth beacons to collect data from nearby devices.
• Apps: Many apps request location permissions, often unnecessarily, to harvest data.

Steps to Disable Location Tracking

The NSA recommends taking proactive measures to disable or limit location tracking on your devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings and select Privacy & Security.
2. Tap Location Services.
3. Toggle off Location Services for apps that don’t absolutely need it. For apps like Maps, choose the “While Using the App” option.
4. Turn off Precise Location unless it’s critical for the app.
5. Disable Significant Locations under System Services to prevent your iPhone from storing a history of places you visit.

For Android Users:

1. Open Settings and select Location.
2. Tap App Permissions and disable location access for unnecessary apps.
3. Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Scanning to prevent passive tracking.
4. Use the Permissions Manager to regularly review apps that request location data.

Additionally, both iPhone and Android users should avoid using public Wi-Fi networks and disable Bluetooth when not in use.

NSA’s Broader Privacy Recommendations

Beyond turning off location tracking, the NSA has a few more tips for safeguarding your privacy:

• Limit Social Media Sharing: Refrain from posting your location or tagging yourself in real-time. These breadcrumbs can be easily pieced together by malicious actors.
• Use a VPN: Virtual private networks encrypt your internet connection, making it harder for outsiders to monitor your activities. I use Express VPN. You choose what’s best for you. 
• Update Your Software: Always install the latest software updates to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.

Why You Should Care

It’s easy to dismiss warnings like this as paranoia—until you realize how much personal data your phone is leaking. Think about the implications of a hacker knowing when you’re not home or an enemy state mapping out military installations based on your movement patterns. The risks are real, and they’re growing every day.

Even if you’re not a government employee or a member of the armed forces, disabling location tracking is a small inconvenience for a big gain in privacy. As the NSA has pointed out, the data collected by your phone can be weaponized in ways you’d never expect.

The Bottom Line

This warning isn’t just another tech scare—it’s a wake-up call. Your phone is a powerful tool, but it’s also a double-edged sword. By disabling location tracking, you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re taking a small but meaningful step to safeguard national security. So, do yourself a favor: take five minutes to adjust your settings. You might just thank yourself later.