Tile trackers are a stalker’s dream

You know those little Tile tags you can stick on your keys, wallet or backpack so you never lose them again? Handy, right? 

Here’s the dark side: Researchers just discovered they’re shockingly easy for stalkers to abuse and the company behind them, Life360, has known about this for months and hasn’t done enough to fix it. 

If you depend on Tile trackers, you need to know this important information. Your personal security could be at risk.

Security researchers at Georgia Tech found that Tile tags constantly broadcast a static, unencrypted signal called a MAC address. That signal never changes, which means if someone catches it once, they can track you anywhere. 

They don’t need to hack anything. No alerts. No warnings. Just you, being followed by who knows who.

It gets worse. Tile offers an “anti-theft mode” that actually disables its anti-stalking features. Read that again: The safety tool turns off the safety tool. Jeez.

Apple’s AirTags, on the other hand, rotate their ID signals and alert people nearby if an unknown tag is moving with them. Tile does none of that.

While Apple stores encrypted location data only you can see, researchers say Tile’s data could be stored in clear text. This means Life360, the parent company, might be able to access it all, too. That’s a big red flag.

These security flaws were reported to Life360 last November, and it took them months to even acknowledge it. They say they’ve “made improvements” but haven’t shared any real details. 

Sorry, but vague promises don’t cut it when your tech could be in the hands of some creep or worse who could use it to stalk someone back to their home.

Tile trackers are most often used with Android devices. Want to see if there is a Tile tracker secretly slipped in your car or bag? First, download the Tile app (even if you don’t own one).

⚠️ Problem: This only works once every 24 hours and won’t detect trackers that have anti-theft mode turned on, a feature stalkers can use to disable detection. As I mentioned, this is a huge privacy flaw.

If you are using Tile, stop. It’s just not safe. There are better options like Pebblebee.

If someone wants to track you and they can tie that tracker to your name, address or phone number, you’re in trouble. They know exactly where you are and how to find you. 

That’s why it’s critical to get your personal data off those sleazy people-search sites and data broker databases. The best way to scrub your personal data off the internet is to use Incogni, a sponsor of my radio show. 

It removes your personal info from over 400 sites where bad actors and weirdos (or nosy exes) might go digging. 

It’s the digital equivalent of going unlisted, and in a world of Bluetooth trackers, that’s becoming a must. Incogni has made over 1,750 requests on my behalf and put me on close to 100 data suppression lists. 

This means once I am out of the people-search sites and data brokers, these shady companies cannot add me back in. 

✅ You ought to check Incogni out. Save 60% using promo code KIM60. If you’re not happy, it comes with a 30-day money back guarantee. But I know you’ll be just as thrilled as I am.

The bottom line: Life360 dropped the ball. Until they lock down Tile's privacy, stay alert, check for unknown devices near you and take back control of your data. Because that little tag near you might not be yours, and you deserve to know.

Photo credit(s): ChatGPT

This is a paid advertisement for Incogni.

This newsletter and its content are intended for informational purposes only. They are provided without warranty of any kind. You shouldn’t construe anything provided here as legal, health, medical, technical, tax, investment, financial or any other kind of advice.

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