Three things I’m currently trying to work on, but there never seems to be enough time.
- CSEC630 class work
- Python
- Malware Traffic Analysis exercises
over reaching again
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Author Archives: Chris J
Working through Violent Python
I’m working through Violent Python. I’m still working on the Automating Python stuff to, but that requires WingIDE and I only have 1 license for that. Which means run on a VM at home.
Violent Python suggested an IDE at the beginning, but the examples are written in a way (at least in the first 2 chapters) so I can SSH to my multi-purpose server and do everything via VIM and the CLI.
Automating OSINT Master Course
I’ve mentioned Justin Seitz’s Automating OSINT before, talking about the Python course. I recently signed up for the Master Course. I only had the money for it due to work reimbursing for me for UMUC CSEC620, and I decided to use a little of that money for self study, not just the next CSEC course.
SANS Forensics 578
Work recently sent me to SANS Forensics 578, Cyber Threat Intelligence. This was my first SANS class ever, and it was pretty good. The instance of the class I was sent to was presented by Jake Williams and Rebekah Brown. I think having both of them teach the class was great, because it gave more from the trenches view than having just one of them as an instructor.
UMUC CSEC620 class review
For those that don’t know, I’m working on my degree at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC). I just completed the second course in the Masters program I’m in. I just finished CSEC 620 “Human Aspects in Cybersecutiy: Ethics, Legal Issues, and Psychology”
Automating OSINT Python Course
A few months ago, a friend and co-worker asked if I had seen Automating OSINT. I hadn’t, so I went and checked it out and end up signed up for the free webinar. Turns out I had just missed the previous one by a few hours. And had some time to wait before the next one.
I’ve been wanting to expand beyond just bash scripting for most of my career. I tried learning Perl, and then I tried Python. The Google Python class, the MIT Python Class, Learn Python the Hardware, Think Python, Automate the Boring stuff with Python, and buying Python courses from Boing Boing. Problem is I never finished any of them. I think because I lose interest, and have other things to do.
Book Review: Mass Killers: How you Can Identify, Workplace, School, or Public Killers Before They Strike
I bought Mass Killers: How you can identify workplace, school, or public killers before they strike (Amazon affiliate link) in December of 2013. I think started to read it, and lost interest / had other things come up. I recently picked this book up to read not that long ago, and went through it. Mike Roche, did a good job of breaking the book up in to parts. He uses his history in Law Enforcement to cover Mass Shootings, the signs, and how HR / Senior Leadership should handle the events leading up to a shooting.
Rough Outline for Circle City Con
Just so people have an idea of what the class is going to cover:
1. Basic theory of electromagnetic radiation known as radio waves
2. Install SDR# software and configure Dongle on Windows to monitor broadcasts (FM radio, Ham Radio, Other bands).
3. ADBS (Track airplanes, basically how FlightAware does it, with remote sensors people run)
4. Frequency counting (finding what Freqs are popular in an area to do more of item 2).
5. Radio Directional Finding, using RTL-SDR dongles on a Raspberry Pi with a touchscreen and gui software.
5a. (for licensed HAMS) how to turn the Raspberry Pi in to a broadcasting radio
RTL-SDR for Circle City Con
Remember I said you only need 1 of these. These are how they came from Amazon (where I got them all), see last post for links.
RTL-SDR.com: Again I like this because it’s a metal case and came with 2 antenna.
The NooElec in the aluminum case. This is a bare USB stick put in to the block. The picture on Amazon is blue, but what I got was black with silver lettering (I like that look).
The Blue NooElec, like the one in the block case, it comes with a telescoping antenna.
Lastly the NooElec cheap option, with the stick antenna, that doesn’t collapse.
Parts list for Circle City Con’s SDR talk
I’ll be teaching an Introductory class at Circle City Con this year, on Software Defined Radio.
Introduction to Software Defined Radio with the RTL-SDR on Windows and the Raspberry Pi 2
4-hour introduction to Software Defined Radio, using the RTL2832U chipset, covering both Microsoft Windows and the Raspberry Pi. We will be going over how to track airplanes, scan radio frequencies to find people talking, and covering a little radio theory. Covering RTL-SDR due to the cost of equipment. A list can be provided to students prior to the course.
Here is the part list you’ll need if you’re taking the class (Note the links got to RTL-SDR.com, Amazon, or Ada Fruit, and I am not associated with either of them). If you can get parts elsewhere that is fine :
- A computer running Windows you are authorized to install software on. I discourage using your work computers.
- A R820T2 RTL2832U radio dongle. (Only need 1 of 4 listed the below, 4 listed for diff options).
- RTL-SDR Blog R820T2 RTL2832U Metal case (built in heat sink to prevent Frequency drift), and 2 telescoping antennas. Currently sold out, but should be back in stock soon.
- NooElec NESDR Mini+ Al: 0.5PPM TCXO RTL-SDR & ADS-B USB Receiver Set w/ Aluminum Enclosure & Antenna. I have not received mine yet, so do not now the antenna quality.
- NooElec NESDR Mini 2 SDR & DVB-T USB Stick
- NooElec NESDR Mini USB RTL-SDR & ADS-B Receiver Set The antenna it comes with isn’t that great.
- A Raspberry Pi 2 or 3 (the 3 were not out when I wrote the proposal, and I have yet to find one in stock).
- A way to power the Raspberry Pi, I suggest a USB Battery Pack.
- A way to interact with the Raspberry Pi
- USB to TTL Serial Cable for programming / setup
- A Rapsberry Pi Touch Screen
- Headphones / earbuds
All the RTL-SDR dong’es with antennas I’ve gotten so far have had magnetic mounts, and you need a ground plane for them to work right.