IMSI Catcher: Locating Targets using SDR IMSI Catcher
What’s an IMSI Catcher?
IMSI stands for International Mobile Subscriber Identity and is a unique number that identifies a cell phone SIM card in GSM mobile phone systems. For maintaining network security, IMSI numbers are generally broadcast only when a connection to a new cell tower is created by the phone handsets. Basically, IMSI-Catchers allow the Law Enforcement Agencies (LEA) to identify your location or to look out who is in each & every geographic area and at what time. They can also be used to intercept cellphone conversations, data, and text messages with the up-gradation of the system with a Decryptor unit and a trans-receive unit.
IMSI Catcher – Know more via Sunartek!
Sunartek’s IMSI Catcher is designed to covertly collect basic identities such as IMEI & IMSI of 2G, 3G,4G and 5G mobile phones working within its coverage area without the knowledge of the service providers and the phone users. This will enable the agencies to identify the presence of the target in their area of operation.
The use of SDR (Software Defined Ratio) based receivers by Sunartek enables the use of a single system across 2G/3G/4G technologies. This IMSI catcher can be programmed to any network (2G/3G/4G/5G) frequency on the go, just by the click of a mouse…!
The system scans the environment to search and identify all the networks in the vicinity and capture the signatures of all calls going on in the area. It then creates a fake cell tower (2G/3G/4G/5G, based on the operator selection) with the best operational parameters picked up from the network.
Sunartek’s SDR – IMSI Catcher: Main capabilities
The advanced IMSI Catcher system from Sunartek is designed to detect the presence of various handsets with an output power that is extended up to 100W for extensive ranges of up to 5 kilometers. Also, when it comes to location finding, Sunartek’s IMSI catcher system can force a targeted smartphone to respond either with its precise location via GPS or with the signal strengths of the mobile phone’s adjacent cell sites, facilitating triangulation established on the identified locations of these sites. Apart from the above, it displays potential targets on maps as well. The target location is displayed in a radius of maximum probability corresponding to system position on a map (offline or online) based on TA/RTT data.
Further, it can also be used in conjunction with Sunartek’s handheld direction finder which comes as optional. The system can secretly locate a target utilizing its active base-station technology with a distinct localization attribute where it incorporates sending a silent command to the target’s handset and making it transmit continuously.
What’s more? With the help of an integrated Wi-fi adaptor, the system can be controlled remotely and extract or capture IMSI numbers from nearby smartphones, allowing to track and monitor people wirelessly. Moreover, it can also be conveniently integrated based on multiple operational scenarios on vehicles or backpacks or static deployment. It holds the ability to operate independently from any telecommunications network provider and does not need the SIM of any service provider. The addition of a deciphering unit enables the system to be upgraded to intercept calls and SMSs.
Built with military grade-casing, Sunartek’s IMSI Catcher system with advanced technology is capable to work in rough conditions & terrains as well. Lastly, the system possesses the ability to be integrated with Sunartek’s OSINT (Open source intelligence) solution which altogether proves to be advantageous for accurate social media profiling (via any social media channels like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp, etc.) & enhanced locating and tracking the progression of the suspected target by gaining just the mobile number and cell data of the individual.