#504: How to Track the People Tracking YOU

Aug 18, 2025

Matt Edmondson, creator of the surveillance detection tool "Chasing Your Tail," shares his insights from 22 years as a federal agent. He breaks down how this innovative tool uses Raspberry Pi to detect Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals, helping you identify if you're being followed. Matt discusses the technical details behind Kismet and the importance of open-source tech in cybersecurity. He shares real-world applications, including successful search and rescue operations, showcasing how you can create your own tracking system for under $100.

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ANECDOTE

Why The Project Started

Matt built the original device to avoid surprise visits from his boss by detecting Wi‑Fi and Bluetooth signals.
That simple need evolved into a tool used for protecting informants and giving people peace of mind.

ANECDOTE

Real-World Uses Grew Quickly

A government acquaintance asked Matt to build a tool after his agency had nothing to protect a confidential informant.
The project grew far beyond expectations and reached search-and-rescue and ER staff use cases.

INSIGHT

Flip Detection Into Location Mapping

Adding GPS lets you flip detection into mapping where followers spend time and potentially find their workplaces.
Post-processing can query Wigle to convert observed SSIDs into likely physical locations.

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Big thanks to ThreatLocker for sponsoring my trip to Black Hat 2025. To start your free trial with ThreatLocker please use the following link: https://www.threatlocker.com/davidbombal Discover “Chasing Your Tail,” an open-source surveillance detection tool you can build with a Raspberry Pi. In this exclusive Black Hat interview, creator Matt explains how it tracks Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even tire sensors to spot if you’re being followed, then flips the script to map where your followers spend time. Learn the origins of this tool, from avoiding surprise visits to protecting informants and aiding search & rescue. We cover the tech stack (Kismet, Python, GPS integration), real-world success stories, and how you can set it up yourself for under $100. Perfect for security pros, privacy advocates, and tech enthusiasts. // Matt Edmondson SOCIALS // SANS: https://www.sans.org/profiles/matt-ed... LinkedIn: / matt-edmondson-759aab2b X: https://x.com/matt0177 Matt’s Block: https://www.digitalforensicstips.com/ // GitHub Code REFERENCE // https://github.com/ArgeliusLabs/Chasi... // David's SOCIAL // Discord: discord.com/invite/usKSyzb Twitter: www.twitter.com/davidbombal Instagram: www.instagram.com/davidbombal LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/davidbombal Facebook: www.facebook.com/davidbombal.co TikTok: tiktok.com/@davidbombal YouTube: / @davidbombal Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/3f6k6gE... SoundCloud: / davidbombal Apple Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... // MY STUFF // https://www.amazon.com/shop/davidbombal // SPONSORS // Interested in sponsoring my videos? Reach out to my team here: sponsors@davidbombal.com // Menu // 0:00 - Coming up 0:35 - Chasing your tail update // How it started 03:27 - Threatlocker sponsored segment 03:45 - What's in the box and how it works 07:37 - "It's basically free to build it" // Components used 09:20 - What coding language it runs on 11:25 - Unique network IDs in real life 12:47 - Tracking MAC addresses 14:51 - How to know who is tailing you 15:36 - How the device have helped people 16:49 - Tracking Bluetooth 18:23 - Reach out to Matthew Edmondson 19:04 - Black Hat Arsenal explained 19:52 - Conclusion Please note that links listed may be affiliate links and provide me with a small percentage/kickback should you use them to purchase any of the items listed or recommended. Thank you for supporting me and this channel! Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only.