PwnallthethingsJan 3, 2023

So this is interesting. Remember the couple of cases of people shooting at four electrical substations near Tacoma in Washington State, seemingly without obvious reasons on Christmas?

Well, two people just got arrested for it. And it's an interesting story.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/press-release/file/1560621/download

Show threadPwnallthethingsJan 3, 2023
First, they got caught because they brought their phones. The phones gave the Feds their subscriber accounts, which also matched a vehicle registered to one of them that was visible from a distance on a CCTV.
Show threadPwnallthethingsJan 3, 2023
But the big question was always *why*? Was this some form of domestic terrorism? Some coordinated activity? What on Earth could it be?
Show threadPwnallthethingsJan 3, 2023
Turns out (at least this time) it's simple burglary. They cut the power by attacking the substations, and then went to a local business, drilled out a lock, and stole from a cash register.
Show threadJack MottJan 3, 2023
@Pwnallthethings I feel like I should offer consulting services for crime. I don't even have any crime experience but I could help a lot.
Show threadJack MottJan 3, 2023
@Pwnallthethings so two free tips:
1. don't bring your cell phone, even if it is off
2. if you attack a power substation it should be to facilitate at least 2 million in profit
Show threadOdinshorrorJan 3, 2023
@jackmott @Pwnallthethings I’m glad they were caught but it’s unfortunate that the cell phone tactics used to catch them is made public. And the same goes for how Ukraine is locating Russians via cell phone tracking. Hate to see bad people get smarter on how to not get caught.
Show threadThomas H Jones IIJan 3, 2023

@odinshorror @jackmott @Pwnallthethings

You make the bold assumption that people learn from others' mistakes. In both situations, the traceability of cellular devices has long been known, yet not widely internalized by those with the most to lose by not staying radio dark.

Show threadOdinshorror
@ferricoxide @jackmott @Pwnallthethings I find it incredible that most people don’t think about this. Even the Idaho killer aside from his “familial” dna being found, they tracked his cell to the location of the 4 murders. And he was studying to be a criminologist or something like that.
Jan 3, 2023 at 11:59pmMastodon for iOS
Show threadJack MottJan 4, 2023
@odinshorror @ferricoxide @Pwnallthethings it helps that most smart people do white collar crime