Rayhunter is a Rust tool for detecting IMSI catchers, also known as cell-site simulators or stingrays, on mobile devices.
The tool addresses the problem of identifying unauthorized cellular surveillance equipment that impersonates legitimate cell towers to intercept communications. Rayhunter was originally designed to run on the Orbic RC400L mobile hotspot but has expanded through community contributions to support additional devices. It works by analyzing cellular signals to detect the presence of these simulators while being engineered to minimize false positives and remain accessible to users regardless of technical skill level.
The tool suits anyone concerned about cellular surveillance in their environment, from security researchers to privacy-conscious individuals. It is particularly valuable for those who can dedicate a compatible mobile hotspot device to the detection task. The project emphasizes ease of installation and use as core design principles, making it approachable for non-technical users. Community efforts have expanded device support beyond the original Orbic hotspot, broadening its applicability.
The project receives issue reports from both core team members and external users, indicating real-world adoption without creating an unsustainable support burden. Maintainers typically respond to new issues and pull requests within a day, demonstrating active engagement with the community. Development work centers on bug fixes, enhancements, and installer-related improvements, reflecting a focus on stability and accessibility.
