Device tracking software

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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.

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

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