Hand holding smartphone displaying red location pin with communication icons in background

Your Phone Can Be Tracked – And It’s Easier Than You Think

July 21, 2025

Our smartphones are constant companions, safeguarding everything from passwords to confidential business discussions. Yet, the alarming reality is that phone tracking is far more prevalent and accessible than most imagine.

Whether it's a suspicious partner, a disgruntled employee, or a cybercriminal targeting your enterprise, anyone equipped with the right tools can track your location, intercept your messages, or access sensitive business information without your awareness. For business owners, this threat extends beyond privacy—it jeopardizes your operations, clients, and financial health.

Understanding How Phone Tracking Operates:

Here are common methods used to track phones:

Spyware Applications: These covertly installed apps can monitor your calls, texts, and app activities, with some even capable of activating your microphone or camera without your consent.

Phishing Links: Clicking on a malicious link received via email or SMS can stealthily install tracking software on your device.

Location Sharing: Some apps with excessive permissions or forgotten logged-in social platforms might be sharing your location silently in the background.

Stalkerware: This specialized spyware hides in plain sight, often masquerading as harmless apps or system tools.

These techniques require minimal technical expertise and are often commercially available under the label "monitoring software."

Why Phone Tracking Is a Critical Concern for Business Owners

Your business phone likely holds more than personal chats—it contains confidential client emails, saved passwords, banking details, and employee records. A compromised device can open the door to your entire business.

The most alarming aspect is that you may remain unaware of the tracking until significant damage occurs—such as drained accounts, leaked deals, or shattered customer trust.

Consider this: a single data breach costs U.S. small businesses an average of $120,000 (Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report). Your phone could be the vulnerable entry point at any time.

Key Indicators That Your Phone May Be Tracked

While spyware is designed to remain hidden, watch for these warning signs:

Unusual battery drain that doesn't align with your normal use

Unexpected spikes or increased data usage

Device heating up even when idle

Unknown apps or icons appearing on your phone

Background noises during calls

Frequent app crashes or unresponsive screens

While these signs alone don't confirm tracking, combined with other unusual behaviors, they warrant a thorough check.

Effective Steps to Prevent and Stop Phone Tracking

If you suspect your phone is being tracked, take these immediate actions:

1. Conduct a Security Scan: Utilize a trusted mobile security app to detect and eliminate spyware or malware. These apps also offer real-time monitoring and alert you to new threats.

2. Review App Permissions: Audit your installed apps and revoke unnecessary access to your location, microphone, and camera—especially for seldom-used apps.

3. Keep Your Phone Updated: Regularly install security updates to patch vulnerabilities that spyware could exploit. Always run the latest operating system.

4. Perform a Factory Reset: If spyware is detected and cannot be removed, a factory reset is the most comprehensive solution. Remember to back up important data and change all passwords afterward.

5. Implement Strong Security Measures: Enable biometric authentication (Face ID or fingerprint) and activate multifactor authentication on essential business apps and accounts.

Protect Your Phone and Business from Exposure

Your phone is more than a personal gadget—it's your mobile office, client database, and secure vault. Ensuring its security is non-negotiable.

Cybercriminals seek easy targets, and an unprotected device offers them direct access without needing to breach firewalls.

If safeguarding your data, team, and clients is a priority, begin with a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call. We'll help uncover hidden vulnerabilities in your systems and devices, guiding you toward robust protection.

Click here or call us at 608-416-2400 to schedule your FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call today.