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Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

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Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#21

Post by stackskipton »

ty6853 wrote: post #15
sodality2 wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yep. Their brand of ALPR cameras have spread like a plague very quickly all over the US

I noticed that in Abrego Garcia's recent indictment they were able to figure out he was in 2022 based on ALPR pulls that showed he was actually putzing around Texas. My understanding was most ALPRs were being stored for no more than 30 days but apparently that isn't the case, since it appears they did not start to build the trafficking case until this year.

Government run ones had limited time due to civil liberties concerns. However, since it’s a private company…

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#22

Post by striking »

weinzierl wrote: post #17
fsflover wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This looks like security (or privacy) nihilism: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27897975

The security nihilism is thinking you'd need special hardware to stalk someone, when a malicious app on the victims phone does the job.

Then can you explain why special hardware still keeps showing up in victims' cars?

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#23

Post by Spooky23 »

ty6853 wrote: post #15
sodality2 wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Yep. Their brand of ALPR cameras have spread like a plague very quickly all over the US

I noticed that in Abrego Garcia's recent indictment they were able to figure out he was in 2022 based on ALPR pulls that showed he was actually putzing around Texas. My understanding was most ALPRs were being stored for no more than 30 days but apparently that isn't the case, since it appears they did not start to build the trafficking case until this year.

There's networks of these things, so you can't trust what is said. The host agency may keep for 30 days, but exchange data with third parties, through organizations like NLETS, private collaborations and informal exchange. I'd assume with NLETS searches that the Feds have an overwatch capability and spy on the spies so to speak.

This stuff started with "drug corridors". Police and Feds can and do track vehicles on the I-95 corridor from Maine (and Plattsburgh to NYC) down to Miami as early as 12 years ago. NYT covered it a few years back -- basically they get multiple LPR hits and are usually able to do facial recognition on front seat passengers. If you driving Florida->NYC and stop for a cheesesteak in Philly, you may get some attention up the road.

There's also a growing network of commercial LPR services. Most tow trucks, many parking garages and some delivery vehicles scan and correlate license plates -- repo guys can find wanted cars in hours these days. Also, most traffic cams are saving 24x7 video with LPR.

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#24

Post by anigbrowl »

weinzierl wrote: post #17
fsflover wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This looks like security (or privacy) nihilism: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27897975

The security nihilism is thinking you'd need special hardware to stalk someone, when a malicious app on the victims phone does the job.

IT's easy to replace a phone, a car not so much

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#25

Post by timewizard »

JohnMakin wrote: post #10
weinzierl wrote: post #9

These efforts are commendable, but by and large I think our location data is just a commodity by now and it is best not to assume you can reliably hide your location permanently and reliably without spending a lot of effort. Not that I'd find that idea pleasant, I just think the ship has sailed.

This isn't a generic data privacy counter-measure or concern. This is specifically targeted against stalking, which is pretty much one of only a few cases where this kind of thing would be used against you. Specifically the case where the perpetrator will place a device in or on the victim's car.

Knowing where you are is useful.

Knowing where you _aren't_ is equally useful.

I can imagine half a dozen ways to use this data against you in all kinds of settings. Sales, divorce, employment, espionage against your employer, burglary, and basic blackmail.

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#26

Post by cogman10 »

weinzierl wrote: post #19
salawat wrote: post #12

Earlier quoted context omitted.

That ship is more than capable of being put back in a bottle with enough political will. We just need to come together enough to get the message heard.

Sure. But hardware trackers is the least of our problems. We'd need a hard crackdown on location privacy in mobile operating systems and the app ecosystem. Good luck with mobilizing enough "political will" when the economic interests of a whole industry is affected.

I don't think the economics are a problem. I think it'll be the fed they call in to testify that will shed crocodile tears about how some murdering pedophile was brought to justice using this data.

Very similar to how we lost a ton of civil liberties because shows like 24 bombarded the country with ideas that the only way to stop terrorism was torture.

Unfortunately, a good number of people will happily sacrifice liberties that will be abused simply because it might catch a single bad guy.

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#27

Post by roywiggins »

weinzierl wrote: post #17
fsflover wrote: post #11

Earlier quoted context omitted.

This looks like security (or privacy) nihilism: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=27897975

The security nihilism is thinking you'd need special hardware to stalk someone, when a malicious app on the victims phone does the job.

I figure it's probably about 1000x easier to gain sufficient access to someone's car to put a tracker on it than their phone

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#29

Post by 77pt77 »

goda90 wrote: post #2

Better hope your stalker isn't friends with a law enforcement officer either: https://deflock.me/

Do you know if they also monitor bluetooth devices?

Like all cars have one and if should be detectable.

Also, most recent cars have DCM which are always sending data, including position to the car maker.

Re: Detection of hidden cellular GPS vehicle trackers

#30

Post by BurningFrog »

salawat wrote: post #12
weinzierl wrote: post #9

These efforts are commendable, but by and large I think our location data is just a commodity by now and it is best not to assume you can reliably hide your location permanently and reliably without spending a lot of effort. Not that I'd find that idea pleasant, I just think the ship has sailed.

That ship is more than capable of being put back in a bottle with enough political will. We just need to come together enough to get the message heard.

I doubt it. The tech keeps becoming cheaper and easier.

When it's only governments and major corporations that can do something, political will can probably stop it.

When every tech hobbyist with $100 to spare can build their own, I don't know how it can be policed.

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