Holes in 4G and 5G networks could let hackers track your location An attacker can track a smartphone's location and snoop on phone calls thanks to newly discovered flaws in 4G and even 5G protocols, according to a group of researchers. They note that their discoveries, are particularly concerning since the 5G standard was specifically developed to better protect against these types of attacks. (Wired)
Could always just turn off the cellular data feature on the phone. I mean, what is so bloody important that you HAVE to have access to the Internet on the go when yer out running errands or whatever?
OMG they could no that I go to work and the gym, can't see any upside for a hacker to track me unless they want to be really really bored, so I'll ignore and carry on. You realise, if you've got an Android phone, google track everywhere you go, you can turn it off and see where you've been.
Turning off cellular data is not an option. In this age, people turn on their data 24/7. Receiving messages, calls, and updates via apps (internet connected). I am not sure if it is a good or a bad thing to be able to track someone. - A husband could track his wife's whereabouts. - A gang member could track a rival gang's children location before kidnapping them. - A criminal could track you and follow you and do whatever he wants (rob and so on especially if he knows that you are rich). - Police could track the criminals. - Most importantly I could track my friends location when he says that he is on the way.
This is why you turn your location off. There is no justification really to have it turned on unless you want your privacy violated.
Signals with your mobile signatures are routed at nearest cellullar towers whenever your mobile is turned on, and has nothing to do with "location data" on your phone (ie. GPS, network endpoints, etc.). The only opt-out is turning mobile OFF, preferably remove battery. If you can send/receieve calls and SMS, your data is transmitted and location determined near real-time. Information is POWER, my late teacher used to say.
Just because it could be done, doesnt mean anyone is going to do it, none of above list would have the skills or hardware. Maybe MI5 could track you, i reckon they can anyway. Private Dick, if a tech savvy very very, could use it to find cheating husband/wife out. 99.999% of us will never have an issue, move on!