Stop Geo-Data Theft From Your iPhone

In April 2011 security researchers discovered that Apples iOS devices had the ability to record and track the movements of its users using the built in GPS, along with cell tower and WiFi hotspot information.

To make matters worse, the information is stored in a file that is both unprotected and unencrypted, making it pretty easy for anyone with access to your phone to see your location history. Fortunately, with just a little work it’s possible to make that data a little more secure and private.

Password Protect It

  1. Connect your device to your computer and open iTunes.
  2. Go to the ‘Devices’ menu, and select your device.
  3. In the ‘Options’ screen find a check box labelled ‘Encrypt iPhone backup’
  4. Provide a password when prompted and you’re all done.

Clear the GeoLocation History

  1. It is possible to remove old location history if you want to, although this doesn’t stop more history being created.
  2. Again, connect your phone to your computer and open iTunes.
  3. Open the preferences menu, and select the devices tab.
  4. You will now see displayed a list of device backup files, clear out the old ones to remove your location history.

Use an App

This tip only works with jailbroken iPhones, but if you have jailbroken yours, there’s a cool little App called ‘Untrackerd’ that will delete all your location information for you every few mimutes. Asimple search on Google should find it for you.