#SQL Database Course

[education43]

What Are the Qualifications for a Data Scientist?

In today's data-driven world, the role of a data scientist has become one of the most coveted career paths. With businesses relying on data for decision-making, understanding customer behavior, and improving products, the demand for skilled professionals who can analyze, interpret, and extract value from data is at an all-time high. If you're wondering what qualifications are needed to become a successful data scientist, how DataCouncil can help you get there, and why a data science course in Pune is a great option, this blog has the answers.

The Key Qualifications for a Data Scientist

To succeed as a data scientist, a mix of technical skills, education, and hands-on experience is essential. Here are the core qualifications required:

1. Educational Background

A strong foundation in mathematics, statistics, or computer science is typically expected. Most data scientists hold at least a bachelor’s degree in one of these fields, with many pursuing higher education such as a master's or a Ph.D. A data science course in Pune with DataCouncil can bridge this gap, offering the academic and practical knowledge required for a strong start in the industry.

2. Proficiency in Programming Languages

Programming is at the heart of data science. You need to be comfortable with languages like Python, R, and SQL, which are widely used for data analysis, machine learning, and database management. A comprehensive data science course in Pune will teach these programming skills from scratch, ensuring you become proficient in coding for data science tasks.

3. Understanding of Machine Learning

Data scientists must have a solid grasp of machine learning techniques and algorithms such as regression, clustering, and decision trees. By enrolling in a DataCouncil course, you'll learn how to implement machine learning models to analyze data and make predictions, an essential qualification for landing a data science job.

4. Data Wrangling Skills

Raw data is often messy and unstructured, and a good data scientist needs to be adept at cleaning and processing data before it can be analyzed. DataCouncil's data science course in Pune includes practical training in tools like Pandas and Numpy for effective data wrangling, helping you develop a strong skill set in this critical area.

5. Statistical Knowledge

Statistical analysis forms the backbone of data science. Knowledge of probability, hypothesis testing, and statistical modeling allows data scientists to draw meaningful insights from data. A structured data science course in Pune offers the theoretical and practical aspects of statistics required to excel.

6. Communication and Data Visualization Skills

Being able to explain your findings in a clear and concise manner is crucial. Data scientists often need to communicate with non-technical stakeholders, making tools like Tableau, Power BI, and Matplotlib essential for creating insightful visualizations. DataCouncil’s data science course in Pune includes modules on data visualization, which can help you present data in a way that’s easy to understand.

7. Domain Knowledge

Apart from technical skills, understanding the industry you work in is a major asset. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or e-commerce, knowing how data applies within your industry will set you apart from the competition. DataCouncil's data science course in Pune is designed to offer case studies from multiple industries, helping students gain domain-specific insights.

Why Choose DataCouncil for a Data Science Course in Pune?

If you're looking to build a successful career as a data scientist, enrolling in a data science course in Pune with DataCouncil can be your first step toward reaching your goals. Here’s why DataCouncil is the ideal choice:

Comprehensive Curriculum: The course covers everything from the basics of data science to advanced machine learning techniques.

Hands-On Projects: You'll work on real-world projects that mimic the challenges faced by data scientists in various industries.

Experienced Faculty: Learn from industry professionals who have years of experience in data science and analytics.

100% Placement Support: DataCouncil provides job assistance to help you land a data science job in Pune or anywhere else, making it a great investment in your future.

Flexible Learning Options: With both weekday and weekend batches, DataCouncil ensures that you can learn at your own pace without compromising your current commitments.

Conclusion

Becoming a data scientist requires a combination of technical expertise, analytical skills, and industry knowledge. By enrolling in a data science course in Pune with DataCouncil, you can gain all the qualifications you need to thrive in this exciting field. Whether you're a fresher looking to start your career or a professional wanting to upskill, this course will equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to succeed as a data scientist.

Explore DataCouncil’s offerings today and take the first step toward unlocking a rewarding career in data science! Looking for the best data science course in Pune? DataCouncil offers comprehensive data science classes in Pune, designed to equip you with the skills to excel in this booming field. Our data science course in Pune covers everything from data analysis to machine learning, with competitive data science course fees in Pune. We provide job-oriented programs, making us the best institute for data science in Pune with placement support. Explore online data science training in Pune and take your career to new heights!

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[attitudetallyacademy]

Web Development Roadmap for Students to Get Hired Fast

Introduction

In today’s digital era, web development is a career with vast opportunities and rapid growth. If you're a student eager to build a strong foundation and get hired quickly in this competitive industry, having a clear roadmap is crucial. This guide will walk you through essential steps and skills to master, helping you transition from a beginner to a confident web developer ready for the job market.

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Web Designing and Development

Before diving into coding, it's important to understand the fundamentals of web designing and development. Enroll in a web designing course or web designing coaching institute to gain hands-on experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. These core technologies are the building blocks of any website and are crucial to becoming a skilled web developer.

Many students prefer web designing classes or web designing training institute to get structured learning with expert guidance. This foundational knowledge will help you understand how websites are built and styled.

Step 2: Master Frontend and Backend Development

Once comfortable with the basics, focus on frontend development, where you create the visible parts of a website users interact with. Skills like responsive design and working with frameworks such as React or Angular are highly valued.

Simultaneously, learning backend development — which deals with servers, databases, and application logic — is important. Consider joining a web development course or web development training institute to explore server-side languages like Node.js, PHP, or Python.

For a more comprehensive skill set, look into a full stack web development course in Yamuna Vihar or full stack web development training. Full stack developers, who handle both frontend and backend tasks, are in high demand.

Step 3: Explore UI/UX Design Fundamentals

Understanding user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design can set you apart from other developers. This knowledge helps you build websites that are not only functional but also user-friendly and visually appealing.

Enroll in ui/ux courses with certificate in Yamuna Vihar or user interface design course to get started. These courses cover UX design fundamentals and offer certifications that add value to your portfolio.

You can also find ui ux design certification and ui ux designing coaching centre in Yamuna Vihar to deepen your skills in this area.

Step 4: Gain Practical Experience and Build a Portfolio

Theory is important, but practical experience is key to getting hired fast. Work on real projects, either through internships or freelance gigs, to apply your knowledge.

Look for web development coaching centre or web development classes that emphasize project work and portfolio development. A strong portfolio showcasing websites or applications you’ve built will impress potential employers.

Step 5: Learn Programming Languages like Python and Java

For backend and full stack roles, programming languages like Python and Java are essential. Join a python programming course or java full stack developer course to build proficiency.

These courses often offer python certification course or full stack developer certification , which help validate your skills to recruiters.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews and Stay Updated

Landing your first job requires interview preparation. Practice coding problems, understand common interview questions, and be ready to explain your projects.

Stay updated with the latest technologies by attending workshops or joining web designing coaching centre in Uttam Nagarand full stack web development coaching institute.

Final Thoughts

Starting your journey with the right training at reputed institutes, such as web designing coaching in Yamuna Vihar or full stack developer training , is vital. Combining technical skills with UI/UX knowledge and real-world experience dramatically increases your chances to get hired quickly.

Remember, consistency and continuous learning are key in the fast-evolving web development industry. Follow this roadmap, practice regularly, and soon you’ll be ready to take on exciting opportunities in web development.

If you're looking for quality web development training or web designing course in Uttam Nagar, focus on institutes that offer practical projects, updated curriculum, and placement assistance to boost your career growth effectively.

Suggested Links: –

Oracle Database Administration

MY SQL Training

PHP Development

[sizzlingcreatorcycle]

Learn SQL Easily with Takeoff Upskill and Build Your Data Skills

SQL (Structured Query Language) is one of the most important skills for anyone working with data. At Takeoff Upskill, we offer a comprehensive SQL course that makes learning this valuable skill easy and accessible. Whether you are a beginner or someone looking to enhance your database knowledge, this course is designed to meet your needs.

Our SQL course starts with the basics, such as understanding databases, tables, and data types. You will learn how to create, read, update, and delete data using SQL commands. The course also covers advanced topics like joining multiple tables, writing complex queries, and optimizing database performance. These skills are essential for roles like data analyst, software developer, and database administrator.

The training at Takeoff Upskill is practical and hands-on. We provide real-world examples and exercises that help you understand how SQL is used in businesses. By the end of the course, you will be confident in writing queries, managing data, and solving database challenges. Our experienced trainers guide you every step of the way, ensuring you gain a strong foundation.

[gpsinfotechme-blog]

SQL with TALAND

[scoopen]

Master Database Power BI with Expert Training in Pune

Unlock the full potential of data analytics with Scoopen's comprehensive Power BI course in Pune. Our specialized training program seamlessly integrates SQL and Power BI, empowering you to harness the power of databases for insightful data visualization and analysis.

In today's data-driven world, proficiency in SQL and Power BI is indispensable for professionals seeking to excel in analytics, business intelligence, and data visualization domains. Our tailored curriculum is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in this competitive landscape.

Through our hands-on approach, you'll delve deep into the intricacies of database management, SQL querying, and Power BI visualization techniques. Our experienced instructors will guide you through real-world case studies and practical exercises, ensuring you gain practical expertise that you can immediately apply in your professional endeavors.

At Scoopen, we understand the importance of personalized learning experiences. That's why our classes are kept small to facilitate interactive sessions and one-on-one guidance. Whether you're a beginner or looking to enhance your existing skills, our course caters to individuals of all proficiency levels.

By enrolling in our Power BI and SQL course in Pune, you'll:

Master the fundamentals of database management and SQL querying

Learn advanced data visualization techniques using Power BI

Gain hands-on experience with real-world projects and case studies

Receive personalized mentorship from industry experts

Join a vibrant community of like-minded professionals passionate about data analytics

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your career prospects and become proficient in database Power BI. Take the first step towards unlocking new opportunities and sign up for our course today!

Click here to Book your slots now!

[coreai-5]

Embark on a journey through the intricate realm of SQL functions as we unravel the mysteries behind their execution order. In this enlightening guide, we meticulously explore the sequence in which 7 crucial SQL functions operate, providing a crystal-clear understanding for both beginners and seasoned developers.

Delve into the fundamental aspects of SQL as we break down the intricacies of functions such as SELECT, FROM, WHERE, GROUP BY, HAVING, ORDER BY, and LIMIT. Gain profound insights into the logical flow that governs their execution, empowering you to optimize query performance, streamline data retrieval, and enhance your overall database management skills.

Enroll Now

[abhi-marketing12]

Learn mastering in SQL Course with Certification.

Like this and comments on

[tutort-academy]

7 Epic Platforms to Level Up Your SQL Game!!!!

If you're looking to level up your SQL skills, you're in the right place. SQL is a fundamental language for data professionals, and mastering it can open up opportunities in data science, data analysis, and other data-related roles.

But how do you go from learning SQL to becoming proficient in it?

The answer is simple: practice, practice, practice.

In this article, we'll explore the 7 best platforms to practice SQL and sharpen your data skills.

1. HackerRank: Coding Challenges for SQL Enthusiasts

HackerRank is a leading platform for coding challenges, and it offers a comprehensive SQL practice suite. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced SQL user, HackerRank has a wide range of questions to suit your skill level. You can filter the questions by difficulty (easy, medium, or hard) or by topic (select queries, joins, aggregations, etc.). Additionally, HackerRank offers Skills Certification Tests that allow you to test your SQL skills in a timed assessment format. With a free account, you can access the entire collection of practice questions and assessments.

2. SQLPad: Practice SQL with Real-World Scenarios

SQLPad is another excellent platform for practicing SQL. It provides practice questions in three broad areas: single-table operations, multi-table operations, and window functions. Each category includes questions of varying difficulty levels, allowing you to gradually progress from basic concepts to more advanced topics. SQLPad also offers industry-specific SQL coding questions, which can help you prepare for real-world scenarios. While some features require a paid account, you can access a selection of questions with a free account.

3. StrataScratch: Learn SQL with Real Company Interview Questions

StrataScratch is a popular platform that offers a vast collection of SQL interview questions. What sets StrataScratch apart is its focus on real company interview questions. You can filter the questions by topics, difficulty levels, and even specific companies. This platform provides a coding workspace that supports PostgreSQL, MySQL, and Microsoft SQL Server. If you're comfortable with Python, you can use the pandas library to solve the questions. With a free account, you can access a substantial number of questions and solutions.

4. DataLemur: Master SQL with Curated Interview Questions

DataLemur is a platform that specializes in curated SQL interview questions. Its collection includes questions that have appeared in interviews at top tech companies like LinkedIn, Tesla, Microsoft, and Walmart. With over 40 interview questions, DataLemur covers various SQL topics, including conditional aggregation, string and window functions, and cumulative sums. This platform can help you familiarize yourself with the types of questions commonly asked in SQL interviews.

5. LeetCode: Sharpen Your SQL Skills with Coding Challenges

LeetCode, a popular platform for coding challenges, also offers a diverse collection of SQL questions. You can find SQL problems of different difficulty levels and topics on LeetCode. The platform allows you to filter the questions by company tags, so you can practice questions asked by specific companies like Google, Amazon, Facebook, and more. While some features require a premium account, you can access a subset of the questions with a free account.

6. Mode: Learn and Practice SQL in a Structured Curriculum

Mode is a comprehensive platform that offers a structured curriculum for learning and practicing SQL. Its SQL tutorial covers three levels: basic, intermediate, and advanced. Each level includes multiple lessons with practice questions. Mode's curriculum covers a wide range of SQL topics, including select statements, joins, aggregate functions, subqueries, and window functions. This platform is an excellent choice if you prefer a guided learning experience with a well-organized curriculum.

7. SQLZoo: Learn SQL with Interactive Lessons and Assessments

SQLZoo is a learning and practice platform for SQL that offers interactive lessons and assessments. Its bite-sized lessons cover various SQL topics, starting from basic select statements to more advanced concepts like window functions. Each lesson includes short practice exercises to reinforce your learning. SQLZoo also provides dedicated assessments with more involved SQL questions to test your skills. This platform is ideal for hands-on learners who prefer interactive learning experiences.

Get Started with Tutort Academy Data Science Courses With Tutort Academy's data science courses, you can learn SQL and other essential data skills from industry experts and gain the confidence to excel in your data career.

Conclusion

Practicing SQL is crucial for improving your data skills and acing SQL interviews. The 7 platforms mentioned in this article offer a variety of practice questions and coding challenges to help you sharpen your SQL skills. From HackerRank's coding challenges to SQLPad's real-world scenarios and Tutort Academy's comprehensive data science courses, you have plenty of options to choose from. So, start practicing SQL today and take your data skills to the next level!

[onlineitsolutions12]

learn sql server online course

elevate your skills with accredited sql server online course. gain expertise and earn a valuable certificate. start learning today!

sql database training courses ,learn sql online course ,sql server database training ,sql server complete course ,online sql training and certification ,

[technicalfika]

Unlocking Your Future: How to Become an SQL Engineer at Top Tech Companies

As a college student with aspirations of landing your dream job at a top tech giant company, becoming an SQL Engineer can open the doors to a data-driven and fulfilling career. SQL (Structured Query Language) is an essential skill in the tech industry, enabling professionals to manage and analyze vast amounts of data efficiently. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key steps to…

[lazeecomet]

The Story of KLogs: What happens when an Mechanical Engineer codes

Since i no longer work at Wearhouse Automation Startup (WAS for short) and havnt for many years i feel as though i should recount the tale of the most bonkers program i ever wrote, but we need to establish some background

WAS has its HQ very far away from the big customer site and i worked as a Field Service Engineer (FSE) on site. so i learned early on that if a problem needed to be solved fast, WE had to do it. we never got many updates on what was coming down the pipeline for us or what issues were being worked on. this made us very independent

As such, we got good at reading the robot logs ourselves. it took too much time to send the logs off to HQ for analysis and get back what the problem was. we can read. now GETTING the logs is another thing.

the early robots we cut our teeth on used 2.4 gHz wifi to communicate with FSE's so dumping the logs was as simple as pushing a button in a little application and it would spit out a txt file

later on our robots were upgraded to use a 2.4 mHz xbee radio to communicate with us. which was FUCKING SLOW. and log dumping became a much more tedious process. you had to connect, go to logging mode, and then the robot would vomit all the logs in the past 2 min OR the entirety of its memory bank (only 2 options) into a terminal window. you would then save the terminal window and open it in a text editor to read them. it could take up to 5 min to dump the entire log file and if you didnt dump fast enough, the ACK messages from the control server would fill up the logs and erase the error as the memory overwrote itself.

this missing logs problem was a Big Deal for software who now weren't getting every log from every error so a NEW method of saving logs was devised: the robot would just vomit the log data in real time over a DIFFERENT radio and we would save it to a KQL server. Thanks Daddy Microsoft.

now whats KQL you may be asking. why, its Microsofts very own SQL clone! its Kusto Query Language. never mind that the system uses a SQL database for daily operations. lets use this proprietary Microsoft thing because they are paying us

so yay, problem solved. we now never miss the logs. so how do we read them if they are split up line by line in a database? why with a query of course!

select * from tbLogs where RobotUID = [64CharLongString] and timestamp > [UnixTimeCode]

if this makes no sense to you, CONGRATULATIONS! you found the problem with this setup. Most FSE's were BAD at SQL which meant they didnt read logs anymore. If you do understand what the query is, CONGRATULATIONS! you see why this is Very Stupid.

You could not search by robot name. each robot had some arbitrarily assigned 64 character long string as an identifier and the timestamps were not set to local time. so you had run a lookup query to find the right name and do some time zone math to figure out what part of the logs to read. oh yeah and you had to download KQL to view them. so now we had both SQL and KQL on our computers

NOBODY in the field like this.

But Daddy Microsoft comes to the rescue

see we didnt JUST get KQL with part of that deal. we got the entire Microsoft cloud suite. and some people (like me) had been automating emails and stuff with Power Automate

This is Microsoft Power Automate. its Microsoft's version of Scratch but it has hooks into everything Microsoft. SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Excel, it can integrate with all of it. i had been using it to send an email once a day with a list of all the robots in maintenance.

this gave me an idea

and i checked

and Power Automate had hooks for KQL

KLogs is actually short for Kusto Logs

I did not know how to program in Power Automate but damn it anything is better then writing KQL queries. so i got to work. and about 2 months later i had a BEHEMOTH of a Power Automate program. it lagged the webpage and many times when i tried to edit something my changes wouldn't take and i would have to click in very specific ways to ensure none of my variables were getting nuked. i dont think this was the intended purpose of Power Automate but this is what it did

the KLogger would watch a list of Teams chats and when someone typed "klogs" or pasted a copy of an ERROR mesage, it would spring into action.

it extracted the robot name from the message and timestamp from teams

it would lookup the name in the database to find the 64 long string UID and the location that robot was assigned too

it would reply to the message in teams saying it found a robot name and was getting logs

it would run a KQL query for the database and get the control system logs then export then into a CSV

it would save the CSV with the a .xls extension into a folder in ShairPoint (it would make a new folder for each day and location if it didnt have one already)

it would send ANOTHER message in teams with a LINK to the file in SharePoint

it would then enter a loop and scour the robot logs looking for the keyword ESTOP to find the error. (it did this because Kusto was SLOWER then the xbee radio and had up to a 10 min delay on syncing)

if it found the error, it would adjust its start and end timestamps to capture it and export the robot logs book-ended from the event by ~ 1 min. if it didnt, it would use the timestamp from when it was triggered +/- 5 min

it saved THOSE logs to SharePoint the same way as before

it would send ANOTHER message in teams with a link to the files

it would then check if the error was 1 of 3 very specific type of error with the camera. if it was it extracted the base64 jpg image saved in KQL as a byte array, do the math to convert it, and save that as a jpg in SharePoint (and link it of course)

and then it would terminate. and if it encountered an error anywhere in all of this, i had logic where it would spit back an error message in Teams as plaintext explaining what step failed and the program would close gracefully

I deployed it without asking anyone at one of the sites that was struggling. i just pointed it at their chat and turned it on. it had a bit of a rocky start (spammed chat) but man did the FSE's LOVE IT.

about 6 months later software deployed their answer to reading the logs: a webpage that acted as a nice GUI to the KQL database. much better then an CSV file

it still needed you to scroll though a big drop-down of robot names and enter a timestamp, but i noticed something. all that did was just change part of the URL and refresh the webpage

SO I MADE KLOGS 2 AND HAD IT GENERATE THE URL FOR YOU AND REPLY TO YOUR MESSAGE WITH IT. (it also still did the control server and jpg stuff). Theres a non-zero chance that klogs was still in use long after i left that job

now i dont recommend anyone use power automate like this. its clunky and weird. i had to make a variable called "Carrage Return" which was a blank text box that i pressed enter one time in because it was incapable of understanding /n or generating a new line in any capacity OTHER then this (thanks support forum).

im also sure this probably is giving the actual programmer people anxiety. imagine working at a company and then some rando you've never seen but only heard about as "the FSE whos really good at root causing stuff", in a department that does not do any coding, managed to, in their spare time, build and release and entire workflow piggybacking on your work without any oversight, code review, or permission.....and everyone liked it

[attitudetallyacademy]

Build a Strong Backend: Why Web Developers Should Focus on MySQL Early

Introduction

When it comes to web development, most beginners are fascinated by the visual aspects of websites—the buttons, layouts, and animations. But behind every great website lies a powerful backend, and one of the most essential components of this backend is the database. Among the many database management systems out there, MySQL stands out as the most widely used and beginner-friendly option. If you're planning to enroll in a web development course in Yamuna Vihar or web development training in Uttam Nagar, it’s important to understand why you should prioritize learning MySQL early in your journey.

What is MySQL and Why is it So Important?

MySQL is an open-source relational database management system. It is used to store, organize, and retrieve data for web applications. It powers some of the world’s biggest platforms including Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. For any student taking web designing classes in Yamuna Vihar or web development coaching in Uttam Nagar, learning MySQL is a non-negotiable step.

Why? Because it’s the heart of how web apps interact with data. Whether it’s a login system, product catalog, or a content management system—MySQL is what makes these features function.

Early MySQL Skills = Long-Term Benefits

Students who start learning MySQL early gain a significant advantage:

Better understanding of backend logic

You’ll start understanding how data flows between the front-end and backend, giving you a complete picture of web development.

Stronger foundation for full-stack development

If you're aiming to become a full-stack developer, learning MySQL early prepares you for advanced backend frameworks like Node.js, Django, or Laravel.

Boost your job-readiness

Recruiters and companies look for developers who can handle the full development cycle—especially those with MySQL and database management experience.

If you’re taking a full stack web development course in Yamuna Vihar or searching for the best full stack developer course with placement in Uttam Nagar, you’ll notice MySQL is an integral part of the curriculum.

How MySQL Complements Front-End Skills

Even if your primary interest lies in UI/UX or front-end design, having a grip on MySQL sets you apart. For example:

UI elements like dropdowns or search bars often fetch real-time data from the backend via SQL queries.

Dynamic websites that display user data or product recommendations rely heavily on MySQL databases.

If you're already exploring UI UX free online courses with certificates in Yamuna Vihar or a user interface design course in Uttam Nagar, pairing that with MySQL will make your portfolio completer and more impressive.

Key Concepts You Should Learn in MySQL

Here are some essential MySQL concepts every web developer should master:

Database creation and table structures

SQL queries: SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE

Joins and relationships

Data normalization

Indexing for performance optimization

These concepts are often covered thoroughly in a web development training institute in Yamuna Vihar or web development coaching center in Uttam Nagar.

Real-World Applications of MySQL

Whether you're developing an e-commerce website, a social media platform, or a blog, MySQL will help you:

Store user credentials securely

Handle product inventories

Maintain order history

Run analytics on user behavior

Students attending web designing coaching in Yamuna Vihar or web development classes in Uttam Nagar often work on real-time projects that require database connectivity, making MySQL a practical tool rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion: Start with MySQL to Stay Ahead

Web development is not just about what users see—it's also about how websites work behind the scenes. MySQL teaches you the logic and structure that bring data-driven websites to life. So, if you’re currently enrolled in or planning to join a web designing course in Yamuna Vihar or a web development course in Uttam Nagar, make sure MySQL is at the top of your learning list.

Whether your goal is to become a full stack developer, build your own website, or master UI/UX design, understanding databases like MySQL will take your skills to the next level.

Suggested Links:

Oracle Database Administration

MY SQL Training

PHP Development

[coffee-dad-studies]

Hey, look who's back. Crazy that it took almost four months to get a resolution (or even a response).

So! Between the day they restricted this blog (12/05/24) and today (03/26/25), I have passed these courses:

systems security

scripting & programming

cloud security management

information security management

cryptography

penetration testing

database foundations

I've earned these certifications:

ISC2 Systems Security Certified Practitioner

CompTIA PenTest+

Thirty-five days or so until the end of my current term, with one course--SQL--and a capstone project to go.

[gpsinfotechme-blog]

SQL with TABLEAU

[mariacallous]

The flood of text messages started arriving early this year. They carried a similar thrust: The United States Postal Service is trying to deliver a parcel but needs more details, including your credit card number. All the messages pointed to websites where the information could be entered.

Like thousands of others, security researcher Grant Smith got a USPS package message. Many of his friends had received similar texts. A couple of days earlier, he says, his wife called him and said she’d inadvertently entered her credit card details. With little going on after the holidays, Smith began a mission: Hunt down the scammers.

Over the course of a few weeks, Smith tracked down the Chinese-language group behind the mass-smishing campaign, hacked into their systems, collected evidence of their activities, and started a months-long process of gathering victim data and handing it to USPS investigators and a US bank, allowing people’s cards to be protected from fraudulent activity.

In total, people entered 438,669 unique credit cards into 1,133 domains used by the scammers, says Smith, a red team engineer and the founder of offensive cybersecurity firm Phantom Security. Many people entered multiple cards each, he says. More than 50,000 email addresses were logged, including hundreds of university email addresses and 20 military or government email domains. The victims were spread across the United States—California, the state with the most, had 141,000 entries—with more than 1.2 million pieces of information being entered in total.

“This shows the mass scale of the problem,” says Smith, who is presenting his findings at the Defcon security conference this weekend and previously published some details of the work. But the scale of the scamming is likely to be much larger, Smith says, as he didn't manage to track down all of the fraudulent USPS websites, and the group behind the efforts have been linked to similar scams in at least half a dozen other countries.

Gone Phishing

Chasing down the group didn’t take long. Smith started investigating the smishing text message he received by the dodgy domain and intercepting traffic from the website. A path traversal vulnerability, coupled with a SQL injection, he says, allowed him to grab files from the website’s server and read data from the database being used.

“I thought there was just one standard site that they all were using,” Smith says. Diving into the data from that initial website, he found the name of a Chinese-language Telegram account and channel, which appeared to be selling a smishing kit scammers could use to easily create the fake websites.

Details of the Telegram username were previously published by cybersecurity company Resecurity, which calls the scammers the “Smishing Triad.” The company had previously found a separate SQL injection in the group’s smishing kits and provided Smith with a copy of the tool. (The Smishing Triad had fixed the previous flaw and started encrypting data, Smith says.)

“I started reverse engineering it, figured out how everything was being encrypted, how I could decrypt it, and figured out a more efficient way of grabbing the data,” Smith says. From there, he says, he was able to break administrator passwords on the websites—many had not been changed from the default “admin” username and “123456” password—and began pulling victim data from the network of smishing websites in a faster, automated way.

Smith trawled Reddit and other online sources to find people reporting the scam and the URLs being used, which he subsequently published. Some of the websites running the Smishing Triad’s tools were collecting thousands of people’s personal information per day, Smith says. Among other details, the websites would request people’s names, addresses, payment card numbers and security codes, phone numbers, dates of birth, and bank websites. This level of information can allow a scammer to make purchases online with the credit cards. Smith says his wife quickly canceled her card, but noticed that the scammers still tried to use it, for instance, with Uber. The researcher says he would collect data from a website and return to it a few hours later, only to find hundreds of new records.

The researcher provided the details to a bank that had contacted him after seeing his initial blog posts. Smith declined to name the bank. He also reported the incidents to the FBI and later provided information to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).

Michael Martel, a national public information officer at USPIS, says the information provided by Smith is being used as part of an ongoing USPIS investigation and that the agency cannot comment on specific details. “USPIS is already actively pursuing this type of information to protect the American people, identify victims, and serve justice to the malicious actors behind it all,” Martel says, pointing to advice on spotting and reporting USPS package delivery scams.

Initially, Smith says, he was wary about going public with his research, as this kind of “hacking back” falls into a “gray area”: It may be breaking the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, a sweeping US computer-crimes law, but he’s doing it against foreign-based criminals. Something he is definitely not the first, or last, to do.

Multiple Prongs

The Smishing Triad is prolific. In addition to using postal services as lures for their scams, the Chinese-speaking group has targeted online banking, ecommerce, and payment systems in the US, Europe, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, according to Shawn Loveland, the chief operating officer of Resecurity, which has consistently tracked the group.

The Smishing Triad sends between 50,000 and 100,000 messages daily, according to Resecurity’s research. Its scam messages are sent using SMS or Apple’s iMessage, the latter being encrypted. Loveland says the Triad is made up of two distinct groups—a small team led by one Chinese hacker that creates, sells, and maintains the smishing kit, and a second group of people who buy the scamming tool. (A backdoor in the kit allows the creator to access details of administrators using the kit, Smith says in a blog post.)

“It’s very mature,” Loveland says of the operation. The group sells the scamming kit on Telegram for a $200-per month subscription, and this can be customized to show the organization the scammers are trying to impersonate. “The main actor is Chinese communicating in the Chinese language,” Loveland says. “They do not appear to be hacking Chinese language websites or users.” (In communications with the main contact on Telegram, the individual claimed to Smith that they were a computer science student.)

The relatively low monthly subscription cost for the smishing kit means it’s highly likely, with the number of credit card details scammers are collecting, that those using it are making significant profits. Loveland says using text messages that immediately send people a notification is a more direct and more successful way of phishing, compared to sending emails with malicious links included.

As a result, smishing has been on the rise in recent years. But there are some tell-tale signs: If you receive a message from a number or email you don't recognize, if it contains a link to click on, or if it wants you to do something urgently, you should be suspicious.