Mobile Phone Security: Frequently Asked Questions
Hello! Today, we’ll cover the most relevant questions about mobile phone security and provide clear answers. This information is useful for everyone, in my opinion.
Can a mobile phone be tracked?
Yes, it’s true. A powered-on mobile phone can be tracked by the carrier. Any carrier, not just the one whose SIM card is currently in use, can track a phone. It’s even possible to track a phone without a SIM card, with the same accuracy as with a SIM card, as long as the phone is on and within the network coverage of the tracking carrier.
Can a mobile phone be turned on remotely?
Yes, that’s true. The carrier can remotely turn on a mobile phone using their standard equipment—no special military-grade hardware is needed. The phone can be turned on in either active or passive mode. In passive mode, the phone won’t show any signs of being on. For this to work, the phone must have a charged battery and support this feature, which not all cellular standards and phone models do.
Is it true that a mobile phone can be used for remote eavesdropping or spying through the camera?
Yes, but not all phone models have this capability. Some older and newer models can be used for remote listening or viewing, but not all. Major manufacturers often cooperate with intelligence agencies to include such features, but not all countries or manufacturers participate. There are unverified reports that some Korean, Japanese, and Chinese manufacturers are less cooperative in this regard.
Is it true that a phone with GPS can be tracked more accurately than one without?
No, that’s not true. Phones are tracked using signals from cellular towers, not GPS. If the phone isn’t within network coverage, GPS data is useless. If it is, the phone usually connects to 6-7 towers, and triangulation can pinpoint its location to within a cubic meter in seconds. Quietly activating the GPS module is also technically challenging and doesn’t provide better accuracy.
Does a phone store data about all SIM cards that have been used in it?
Yes and no. The phone remembers the last SIM cards used until you reset it to factory settings (depends on the model). After a hardware reset, the phone is clean. However, all SIM+IMEI combinations are stored in the carrier’s database as soon as they connect to the network. How long this data is kept is unclear, but likely for a long time.
If I reflash my phone and change the IMEI, will it be untraceable?
No. All GSM chips have factory-set serial numbers. With enough effort, the original IMEI can be traced through the chip’s serial number.
If I have two phones and one is off (battery removed), can it still be tracked if the other is being monitored?
No, that’s nonsense. A device without power cannot be turned on or tracked. There are no known chips that work without power, though such technology may appear in the future.
What is the margin of error when tracking a mobile device’s location?
Exact error margins haven’t been calculated, but a stationary device can currently be located to within about one cubic meter. In practice, authorities usually cordon off entire blocks rather than rely on pinpoint accuracy.
How can I tell if I’m being listened to? How can I protect myself?
If your phone has no battery, it can’t be used for eavesdropping. If you’re wondering whether your calls are being tapped, it’s impossible to detect, as the tapping happens at the carrier level and doesn’t affect your phone. If your phone is quietly turned on, you might notice increased temperature or battery drain. If you’re suspicious, remove the battery.
If I have a phone with a zeroed IMEI and frequently change SIM cards, can it still be tracked?
If tracking means locating the phone via the carrier, then yes, it can still be tracked.
Can all types of mobile phones be tracked?
With the exception of some very old standards (like NMT), all modern phones can be tracked when turned on, regardless of model. The belief that older phones are harder to track is due to improvements in network technology, not the phones themselves.
Legal security of mobile phones
If you use someone else’s SIM card and a phone registered to another person, it’s nearly impossible to prove you made a specific call. However, if you’re under surveillance, this won’t help you avoid responsibility.
If my phone’s IMEI is all zeros, does that mean it can’t be tracked?
No, any phone can be tracked. An IMEI of all zeros is a modified number and attracts more attention. It’s better to use a realistic IMEI for your device.
How to buy and use a phone to avoid being traced?
- Buy phones for “black” use through a third party and without documents.
- Use SIM cards not registered to you. Top up only with cash or anonymous methods.
- Regularly change SIM cards and devices, depending on your level of caution.
- Never insert someone else’s SIM into your phone or your SIM into someone else’s phone.
- Establish a code phrase with colleagues to signal when to take precautions.
How long do carriers store data? Are there long-term backups?
By law, carriers must store billing data for up to three years. Location data isn’t required to be stored, but in practice, most data is archived, including SMS, billing, and tracking information. Voice recordings, MMS, and internet traffic are less likely to be archived in full.
Do law enforcement agencies get location and eavesdropping data on request, or is a warrant needed?
Officially, a request is required. In reality, personal contacts often determine access to such information in Russia.
Are phone calls constantly analyzed for “dangerous” words?
New equipment is being prepared for this purpose, but since carriers must pay for and certify it themselves, implementation is slow.
Is it true that calls made from a moving car are harder to intercept?
If direct interception equipment is used, then yes, distance weakens the signal. However, most interception now happens at the carrier level, making physical proximity unnecessary. All traffic, including SMS and location, can be monitored at the carrier’s technical center.
Are SMS texts stored somewhere?
Yes, SMS texts are stored in the carrier’s service traffic. They’re not required to be kept, but often are. These texts can’t be used as legal evidence against you.
Do banks use special equipment or have direct access to carriers to listen to employees?
Listening to employees without consent is illegal, but consent may be included in employment contracts. Companies may record work phone calls, but cannot legally tap your personal mobile unless law enforcement is involved.
If I use an old Motorola, can I still be tracked to within a meter?
Yes, as long as your phone uses GSM, it can be tracked with the same accuracy as any other model. The phone model doesn’t matter.
What phone should I use to avoid being tracked?
There are no phones that can’t be tracked. Following security measures can reduce the risk, but law enforcement mainly relies on traditional investigative methods, with phone tracking as a supplement.
Do ATMs and payment terminals with SIM cards “expose” your phone if you approach them? What about car keys with alarms?
No, they don’t. The GPRS modem in an ATM or terminal and your mobile phone are completely separate devices and can’t interact in this way. The same goes for car alarms.
Can police request data from carriers about which phones were registered in a certain area at a certain time?
Yes, during investigations, law enforcement can request such information. However, this data isn’t considered legal proof, which is why rumors about ATMs “exposing” phones are unfounded.
If I keep the battery from a discarded phone, can I be tracked through it?
No, batteries don’t have identification, and their serial numbers are not practically traceable. The only way a battery could “expose” you is if you set it on fire—it’ll explode.
There’s a video showing a phone charging its main battery by 50% with a special code. Does this mean there’s an extra battery inside?
No, the phone’s circuitry only draws power from the main battery. The video likely shows a code that tricks the battery management chip into using the “zero reserve,” which can damage the battery. There’s not enough energy elsewhere in the phone to power it or connect to the network.
Are jammers (signal blockers) legal in Russia?
Using jamming equipment without a license is illegal in Russia. Such devices are considered radio transmitters, and using them outside permitted frequencies and power levels without a license is against the law.