How to protect your family from abusers using Apple AirTags

Apple AirTag stalking is a growing problem – here are some of the best tips to avoid being tracked by stalkers and thieves who are using the latest Apple device to attack your family.

Breitbart News previously reported that criminals used an Apple AirTag tracker to steal vehicles. Suspects reportedly placed AirTags in “invisible” areas of vehicles, such as gas tank caps or various openings. Criminals were reportedly able, after tracking their target, to hack the ignitions of vehicles using an electronic device “commonly used by mechanics to reprogram factory settings” before stealing the vehicle from the owner’s driveway.

It was later reported that the perpetrators continued to use the devices to commit various crimes. A woman received an alert via her iPhone that AirTag was “seen in action with you”. Continuing to return home, fearing that someone would follow her, the woman spent the night elsewhere before searching for her vehicle. The Apple AirTag was found affixed to the inside of the wheel arch.

“There’s no doubt that Apple AirTags are used for harassment,” said Eva Halperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a San Francisco-based digital privacy group.

So how can you protect yourself from Apple AirTag tracking? There are several ways.

In a “Personal Safety Guide” posted on its website, Apple provided information on how people can check for an unknown AirTag nearby and what to do when they hear an AirTag alert or receive a notification. apple says:

To help prevent unwanted tracking, the Find My feature notifies you by sending a “Detected near you” message if an unknown AirTag or other Find Find accessory moves you over time.

If you see this message on your device, an AirTag or other Find My accessory separate from the registrant will travel with you and the owner will see its location. Perhaps the AirTag can be attached to the item you are checking out.

But what if you don’t have an iPhone that can automatically detect the nearest AirTag?

Android users can use the Android application called “Tracker Detect” released by Apple for Android users. Other third-party apps in the Google Play Store can also be used to search for nearby Bluetooth devices. Just search for “Bluetooth Browser” to find a range of recommended apps.

If you see a physically unnecessary AirTag nearby, you can disable it completely by removing the device’s battery cover. Just turn the back of the device counterclockwise and remove the battery, this will make the device can no longer track you.