Device tracking software

Device tracking software is software installed in an electronic device that is capable of reporting the device's ___location remotely. Depending upon the software and the device on which it is installed, the software may obtain the ___location of the device by means of GPS, WiFi-___location, IP address, or accelerometer logs, and it may report the address by means of e-mail, SMS, or other means.

Some device tracking software is sold as part of a subscription to a staffed service that will assist the device's owner to update police officers with the device's ___location.

Device tracking software^[1] allows users to monitor and locate electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other connected devices.

Key features often include:

• Real-time ___location tracking
• Remote locking and wiping
• Geofencing alerts
• Usage monitoring

Common uses:

• Finding lost or stolen devices
• Parental controls
• Fleet management for businesses
• Employee monitoring

Some popular options:

• Find My (Apple devices)
• Google Find My Device (Android)
• Prey (cross-platform)
• Absolute (enterprise-focused)

Device tracking becomes significantly more challenging, and often nearly impossible, when the device's data connection is turned off.

This is because;

1. No GPS transmission: Without a data connection, the device can't send its GPS coordinates to tracking servers.
2. Cell tower triangulation fails: The device can't communicate with cell towers, preventing network-based ___location.
3. Wi-Fi positioning disabled: Without data, the device can't transmit information about nearby Wi-Fi networks.
4. IP tracking ineffective: No internet connection means no IP address to trace.
5. Background services halted: Tracking apps can't run or update in the background without data.
6. Remote commands blocked: Users can't send remote lock or wipe commands to a device without data.

In these cases, the last known ___location before data was turned off becomes crucial. Some tracking methods might still work if the device reconnects briefly, but continuous real-time tracking is essentially impossible without an active data connection.

See also

• Geolocation software
• Hybrid positioning system
• Mobile phone tracking
• Bringrr
• Skyhook Wireless
• Laptop theft
• Prey (software)

References

1. "Device Tracker | Mobile Computer Software | Zebra". Zebra Technologies. Retrieved 2024-07-04.