IMSI Catchers (Fake Cell Towers)
Devices such as the StingRay IMSI catcher act like real cell towers to trick phones.
Nearby phones connect automatically because they think the tower is safe.
Once a phone connects, the person using the device can do several things:
- Identify the IMSI (subscriber identity) of phones nearby
- Track devices moving through an area
- Sometimes intercept calls or texts (depending on network security)
These devices are often used during police investigations, protests, or big public events.
Note on 5G:
5G makes these attacks much harder by hiding your real identity and needing stronger authentication.
However, it does not completely prevent them.
Attackers can still make phones switch to 4G or 2G, where these attacks can work again.
Some helpful helpdesk commands for people that are new in tech and just starting their first job.
ipconfig /all
• Shows detailed network configuration for all adapters.
• Includes MAC address, IP address, DNS servers, DHCP info, and more.
nslookup
• Queries DNS servers to resolve domain names to IP addresses.
• Useful for diagnosing DNS issues.
ping
• Sends ICMP packets to a target to test connectivity.
• Helps determine if a device or website is reachable.
netstat
• Displays active network connections, listening ports, and routing tables.
• Great for spotting suspicious connections or checking what ports are open.
arp
• Shows the ARP table (IP-to-MAC address mappings).
• Useful for diagnosing local network issues.
net use
• Manages network connections to shared resources.
• Example: map a network drive or disconnect one.
net user
• Displays user accounts or modifies them.
• Example: shows details for a specific user.
net user username /domain
• Queries user information from the domain controller (in a domain environment).
whoami
• Shows the currently logged-in user and security groups.
tasklist
• Lists all running processes on the system.
taskkill
• Terminates a running process by name or PID.
• Example:
logoff
• Logs the current user out of Windows.
shutdown /r
• Restarts the computer.
• = reboot after shutdown.
sfc /scannow
• Runs System File Checker to scan and repair corrupted Windows system files.
dir
• Lists files and folders in the current directory.
cd
• Changes the current directory.
mstsc
• Opens Remote Desktop Connection (RDP client).
systeminfo
• Shows OS version, install date, system model, uptime, hotfixes, and more.
wmic bios get serialnumber
• Retrieves the device serial number.
wmic csproduct get name
• Shows the computer model.
driverquery
• Lists installed drivers and their status.
hostname
• Displays the computer’s hostname.
#itsupport #helpdesk #desktopsupport #servicedesk #careers #networkadmin #network #itsupportspecialist #cmd #commandline
Probably one of my most favorite cmd commands for active directory is net user username /domain
This is one of the first commands I learned while working helpdesk. I love this command because I can check when was the password changed and when does it expired.
I can also see what groups does marc belong too and if he has a home directory.
The real reason why I like this is command is because you can see when a password expires.
During my time working Executive IT Support. I would check the Ceo password and make sure that it doesn't expired while he goes on vacation.
The worst thing that can happen is that the password expires and the customer can't login to their machine or vpn or anything in general.
The only way to login and correct an expired password is if the helpdesk team changes the password. That is the reason why I like this command. Last thing I need is for an executive or a customer password to expired in the middle of vacation or travel.
Other awesome commands are ipconfig, ping, net use, gpupdate /force, gpresult /r.
What are some of your favorite commands working IT Support/Helpdesk?
Happy Wednesday!
#itsupport #itsupportspecialist #helpdesk #systemadmin #cyber #desktopsupport #servicedesk #careers #careeradvice #cmd #commands
The roar of fans, the sound of drums, the thrill of goals, and the joy of music. Pepeta Iwake Fest will be a spectacle of energy.Mumias Sports Complex
#PepetaIwake#IwakeFest
Meet Betty Mwende, our student in the Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Technology program, and a @MastercardFdn Scholar here @ExperienceUSIU.
Betty is breaking barriers in #STEM, and is a shinning example of how Kenyan women are leading the way in closing the gender gap in tech. Read more about her journey in tech, as featured in the @DailyNation.
Here's the link: https://t.co/h4jQc9d7bc
📸 Courtesy: Betty Mwende
#ExperienceUSIU #EducationToTakeYouPlaces #JouneyOfDiscovery
I was with Pavel at his mansion in Dubai a week before my incarceration in 2022.
We were eating a meal prepared by his team of chefs.
I told him they were coming for me.
He paused.
Waiting for the starters to be taken away and the mains to be brought.
A full 2mins later he replied:
“They’re coming for everyone”
Build yourself brother.
I did thousands of pushups on sleepless nights.
Pushups never abandon you.
They are loyal.
They are always there.
Train your body to protect your mind.
Your day will come.
#FreePavel
He flew the King of Saudi Arabia.
Then the Rolling Stones.
And soon enough?
He was flying kilos of cocaine for a guy named Pablo Escobar.
Buckle up and get comfortable for a doozy:
The hard-to-believe, Narcos-like story of the one, the only...
Al Dellentash: