Like Stingray, a “dirtbox” or Digital Receiver Technology (DRT) is a cell-site simulator or IMSI catcher that intercepts information from mobile phones. IMSI, or International Mobile Subscriber Identity, is a 15-digit number stored in a SIM card that identifies a mobile phone user on a cell network.
DRT technology can intercept data, calls, and text messages from hundreds of cell phones simultaneously, as well as jam device transmissions. DRT acts as a fake cellphone tower, but is much more powerful than Stingrays: “It’s like a StingRay on steroids.” DRTs are made by a Boeing subsidiary, Maryland-based Digital Receiver Technology.
Dirt boxes can be used in air or on the ground.
Source: bloomberg.com
2003-era dirt box. Source: electrospaces.net
2016-era dirt box. Source: thehackernews.com