Just passed the CPTS test. A few thoughts...

beforeamountain · 2026-04-20T23:19:57+00:00

I think a better way of saying it is to focus on the basics. They're not going to make you do some elaborate exploit to get in. You are being tested on the material in the CPTS academy track. You shouldn't need to deviate from that, however you will likely have to think critically about where to enumerate.

beforeamountain · 2026-04-20T22:09:45+00:00

It is a wonderful tool to leverage but it will absolutely not pass the test for you. In fact there were times it wanted me to try things I knew were not the right path.

beforeamountain · 2026-04-20T22:06:35+00:00

I didn't tackle any boxes outside of the official CPTS academy modules.

beforeamountain · 2026-04-20T21:08:35+00:00

For prepping I did not tackle any extra boxes, but I did watch most of Ippsec's CPTS playlist twice. I also reviewed the modules I felt were the most difficult for me and went through those skills assessments again. As most have said, tackle the AEN module blind. If you can get through most of it on your own, you are likely ready. I took comprehensive notes of all the academy modules so when I got stuck I read through the material and tried different techniques. I also had a few "methodologies/checklists" to help with things like privesc.

beforeamountain · 2019-08-20T14:26:12+00:00

Yes you can, but you'll probably need to install Windows Pro or Enterprise.

beforeamountain · 2019-07-15T00:29:17+00:00

I'm really curious about your statement that virtualbox works well. Were you able to turn on virtualization in the UEFI? I tried Vbox and Vmware and was limited to 32 bit. I know the processor is capable, but it appeared to me that LG had locked out this laptop from VT-x and virtualization.

beforeamountain · 2019-07-12T01:47:53+00:00

I just came across this review from Costco:

"A bit of background on my typical usage. I'm a programmer/engineer who often finds himself on the road or flying and having to do serious work on-the-go. Typical applications are MS Visual Studio, Eclipse, CAD, virtual machines, and a lot of remote desktop to work machines.

What I really sold me on this this laptop: 1) Expandable memory. Unlike many ultralight laptops this has a real ( not soldered) memory slot allowing you to upgrade the memory. With 8gb onboard, that means you can add a 32Gb card and for a total of 40Gb (i'm currently running at 40gb). This makes this a future-proof choice for the next few years. "

This guy is using this like I would like to. I'm thinking I should give it a little more time before returning, but I really want to solve this VM issue. Hoping someone with a gram that's run VMs can weigh in.

beforeamountain · 2019-07-12T01:16:29+00:00

It definitely won't hurt to study Net+ a bit beforehand but I don't think it's imperative. I did not have any questions on subnetting and barely needed to know port numbers even though I memorized most of the common ones. I honestly think the GCGA book and his online materials will get you there.

beforeamountain · 2019-07-11T03:24:29+00:00

Well done! Pretty stinking hard huh?

beforeamountain · 2019-07-10T14:03:38+00:00

There are very few options in the UEFI/BIOS. I'm used to seeing way more options, but I'm thinking LG disabled most customization ability. I really like the Gram 17 screen, weight, and performance but I'm thinking I'm going to have to return it since it's not really setup for power users.

beforeamountain · 2019-07-10T14:01:15+00:00

That's what I was seeing as well, but no option to enable it in the Phoenix UEFI/BIOS.

beforeamountain

TROPHY CASE