Hand holding smartphone displaying red location pin with communication icons in background

Your Phone Can Be Tracked – And It’s Easier Than You Think

July 21, 2025

Is Your Phone a Security Hole in Your Factory?

You wouldn't leave the plant doors unlocked overnight, right? But every time you carry your mobile into the office, the shop floor, or that all-hands meeting, you might be walking in with an open back door—one that doesn't squeak, doesn't alert, and doesn't need a crowbar. It just needs a tap.

These days, your phone holds everything: supplier e-mails, CAD attachments, access to remote systems, and—let's be honest—a few passwords you probably shouldn't have saved. And tracking a phone? Easier than you'd think. Cheap software. No tech degree needed. Some of it's marketed as "child safety apps," but let's not kid ourselves—it's surveillance, plain and simple.

How It Happens

Here's how someone could be snooping on your device:

  • Spyware apps that silently log calls, texts—even flick your camera on.

  • Phishing links in an innocent-looking email or text that install trackers.

  • Old permissions from apps you don't use anymore but never uninstalled.

  • Stalkerware, disguised as a calculator or note-taking app, watching quietly in the background.

This isn't James Bond stuff. It's available on the internet for less than a Friday night takeaway.

Why It Matters for Manufacturers

In our world—where uptime is sacred and downtime costs real money—your phone isn't just personal kit. It's a mobile control centre. If someone gets into it, they could:

  • Access remote plant systems.

  • Peek at client contracts or bid documents.

  • Lift passwords or credentials for SCADA or MES systems.

  • Hijack access to e-mail or VPN tunnels meant for secure diagnostics.

The average data breach for a UK SME? About £100,000+. That's a new CNC lathe… gone. And often, by the time you spot it, the damage is already baked into Monday's schedule.

Red Flags to Watch For

You don't need to be paranoid—but you should be alert. Signs your phone might be under surveillance include:

  • Fast battery drain even when idle.

  • Random data spikes or overheating.

  • Strange noises on calls.

  • Unknown apps or settings you didn't install.

  • Frequent crashes or delays.

Any one of these alone might not mean much. But a couple together? Worth investigating.

What You Can Do About It

If you're starting to wonder whether your phone's a bit too "connected," here's a solid checklist:

  1. Run a mobile security scan. Use a trusted app (not some ad-laden junk) to scan for spyware.

  2. Check your app permissions. Do those games need camera access? No, they don't.

  3. Update your OS. Patches fix known vulnerabilities. Old software is hacker candy.

  4. Factory reset (if necessary). If it's truly compromised, sometimes a clean slate is the only way.

  5. Lock it down. Face ID, PINs, and two-factor authentication on everything business-critical.

A Final Word from the Workshop

Here's the truth: cybercriminals love a soft target. And in a lot of factories, the softest spot is the device in your pocket.

We help Staffordshire manufacturers button up the loose ends—phones included. If you're not sure whether your devices are secure, let's talk. We'll give you a straight-up security audit. No jargon. No pressure. Just real insight into where you stand and what to do next.

Book your free 15 Minute call. Or give us a bell at 01543 548101.

You've already got enough moving parts to manage. Let's make sure your phone isn't one of them.