Expensive watches and your pictures. Hidden GPS data

[DK-3400]

Many of us are a bit concerned about the security of our watches.
Many of us also enjoy taking photos of our watches as well!
What many of you might not be aware of, is that if you are using a smartphone to take your pictures, chances are you might also be giving away our address to potential thieves (no reason to wave around the address where your watch is being kept to everyone).

Smartphones (and some digital cameras also) includes the GPS data of the picture in the EFIX data in the picture itself.

I've not really considered it until i looked at some of my own pictures, and just for the fun of it, started to check the photos being posted here.

This is one example of many many pictures i found on the site, a lot in the WRUW threads!
I've hidden the GPS data. If i press "find", Google maps will show me the location with a couple of centimeters accuracy
On Mac you just use Preview and hit CMD+I



This is just a heads up, so that you keep it in mind, if you are showing of your $1 billion Patek collection using a smartphone

[kilyung]

Good reminder to turn off Geotagging.

[gulfstream69xr7]

If a real thief wants to find out where you live, it will take them seconds to track you down through your login.

My property is gated, security system, cameras and intercom, one guard dog, firearms and a safe.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by gulfstream69xr7

If a real thief wants to find out where you live, it will take them seconds to track you down through your login.

My property is gated, security system, cameras and intercom, one guard dog, firearms and a safe.

Yep, I know you're in Medford, NJ.

[floater156]

This has crossed my mind as well, especially in threads asking where people store their Rolexes and people are responding, "On my nightstand" "In my closet!" etc...

I only own one nice watch and it's on my wrist at all times so I'm not worried, plus, it's insured.

[themast]

Very good point.

Many people like to share and that is OK but we always have to keep in mind security and privacy. Often people give away personal info without even understanding they are doing it.

[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by gulfstream69xr7

If a real thief wants to find out where you live, it will take them seconds to track you down through your login.

My property is gated, security system, cameras and intercom, one guard dog, firearms and a safe.

Good for you. ps: to a determined pro none of that means anything particularly if they just catch you pulling outside of your gated community in Medford, NJ.

Now for the rest of us, thx for the reminder op. Excellent tip.

[handsfull]

Great info share DK.

Never ever rely on security systems. A recent dual homicide here in MN just proved that point....the ex-husband gained entry into the house weeks after the 'best' alarm system was (poorly) installed by ADT. The intruder simply cut the phone wire and disabled it. Alarm went off after he left the house. :(

Do what you need to do to be self reliant....true security is being well trained/armed - both mentally and physically.

[Grumpy Badger]

Thanks for the heads-up.
I'm not at all tech-savvy so never even think about things like this...

Mind you, 'twould be a brave thief to try for my watch. My house is more isolated than Bond's in Skyfall and I'm better armed!

[gulfstream69xr7]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

Good for you. ps: to a determined pro none of that means anything particularly if they just catch you pulling outside of your gated community in Medford, NJ.

Now for the rest of us, thx for the reminder op. Excellent tip.

I don't live in a gated community. My own driveway is gated. If you get past the gates, there is an underground driveway alarm. My home and property are covered by cameras and I spec'ed and installed my own security system that can be monitored from anywhere, and cannot be simply "disabled".

My dog is trained to bark aggressively if someone manages to get close to the home. If someone actually manages to gain entry into the home he will immediately be silent, and attack their hands.

This is not to say that my home is thief proof.

As was already pointed out, a professional thief can likely get past anything.

The key is deterrence.

There is no anonymity on the internet.

Disabling the geo function on a phone will do little to stop a professional thief from locating you if you are posting on an internet forum.

Now, if you are professional thief who browses this forum looking for people to rob, whose house are you more likely to rob?

(A) Someone who thinks they are safe because they have turned off the the location function of their phone.

or (B) The guy who's property is very well posted, has a gated driveway, a pretty stout security system, a guard dog, and a safe?

[Bangel]

Thanks for the information DK-3400.

[joe100]

There are even people on here who post pictures of their cars with license plates fully visible. If that's not bad enough, a few have even posted photos of their homes. So you bought a new house? Why compromise your security just to brag. Such a bad idea.

[Watchflair]

Jeez such a discusion lol. Do what you can to deter and have insurance. That's all you can do. If someone wants to break into your house, odds are they are going to.

[stockae92]

To the OP: thanks, good advise.

i have always turned off my location services

[wristybusiness]

great advice!
thanks for the helpful post

[bayerische]

No worries over here.

[watchf]

Thanks, good information to know.

[Frosty]

Good info!

[rodrob59]

This is especially good advise if you post photos on other social media outlets. If you post photos of your daily life, your movements can be tracked. Hey, just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you.

[brkanand]

Technology always has been a double edged knife.

[looking to buy]

I for one am a firm believer in tin foil hats. I have always used them and have never had a problem.

tin-foil-hat.jpg

[TuonoRider]

Funny how if 10 to 15 years ago, if the government forced you to wear a tracking device we would have had a revolution. Now, we willingly sign-up, spend several hundred dollars on the tracking device and pay $100+ per month for said tracking device to work. lol

Just remember, you only need to right one time for all the paranoia to pay off.

That being said, love my new Galaxy S3... :)

[joeychitwood]

I don't take any photos with GPS tags. However, even if I did, no one in their right mind would come up here, especially in the winter, for any reason.