Stolen location data from smartphones can empower fraudsters to tailor their schemes with unsettling precision. This concern is echoed by Maria Fesenko, an information security expert at Security Code, as reported by Lenta.ru.
Fesenko notes that geospatial information helps fraudsters craft more convincing stories to manipulate victims. Movement patterns often reveal insights that attackers later exploit, and women are frequently targeted in these schemes.
To safeguard geodata, Fesenko outlines four practical rules. First, enable GPS only when its use is necessary. Second, keep Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi off when not actively needed, since these modules can reveal ongoing movements. Third, remove apps that no longer serve a purpose but still have geolocation access. Fourth, refrain from geotagging posts on social networks and in cloud-stored files.
Control over online and cloud-shared information is essential. For example, Apple currently stores photos in cloud storage with embedded geotags, and some apps, including the camera, may access location data by default. When a user shares a photo, the image metadata can embed the user’s location, making it easier for would-be intruders to piece together a movement snapshot.
Industry observers also point out that employers in Russia have shown interest in tracking IT professionals through digital footprints as they search for talent. This reality highlights the broader risk landscape where everyday device data can be repurposed for non‑ethical surveillance and targeted manipulation. Individuals should remain vigilant about how their devices collect, store, and share location information, especially as new apps and services continually appear on the market and push more data into the cloud.
From a practical standpoint, users can adopt a disciplined approach to geodata. Start by auditing installed apps and revoking location access for anything that does not require it. Review device settings to ensure location services are not running in the background unnecessarily. When sharing content, disable geotags or strip location data from media files before uploading. Where possible, opt for privacy-preserving alternatives, such as manually adding location hints instead of embedding precise coordinates. Regularly updating devices and apps also helps close security gaps that could expose location history. In addition, reading permission prompts carefully before granting access can prevent inadvertent leakage of sensitive movement data. The overall goal is to limit the amount of geodata circulating online and in cloud environments while maintaining convenient device functionality.
Ultimately, informed users build resilience by understanding how location information is generated, stored, and transmitted. This awareness reduces the risk that geospatial data will be misused and helps individuals maintain greater control over their digital footprints. It remains important for people to stay current with privacy settings across platforms and to adopt best practices as part of everyday digital life.