SAN ANTONIO -- A local cyber security expert says increasing your phone's security settings can be a major deterrent for stalkers.
"The human factor is probably the weakest link in cyber security nowadays," said Jacob Stauffer, vice-president of operations for San Antonio cyber security firm Infocyte.
"What it really boils down to is being aware of your security posture," he said.
Stauffer walked the I-Team through the best ways to protect yourself from being tracked using your phone's GPS. Make sure programs like "Share My Location" and "Location Services" are turned off.
A recent study from NPR stated that more than 85 percent of domestic violence shelters surveyed had victims who were tracked using GPS.
More than half those shelters now require visitors to disable GPS on their phones.
Stauffer said an additional concern is the ability for stalkers to control applications on a phone that allow them to control its microphone and camera.
Accessing information in this manner without a person's consent is illegal and violates federal wiretapping laws, according to Stauffer. Someone who suspects they are being tracked without his or her consent should reach out to police immediately.
