# Systemd timers ## Theory Timers are **systemd** unit files whose name ends in *.timer* that control *.service* files or events. Timers can be used as an alternative to [cron](/redteam/privilege-escalation/linux/scheduled-tasks/cron-jobs.md). ## Practice We can enumerate Systemd timers as follow ```bash systemctl list-timers --all NEXT LEFT LAST PASSED UNIT ACTIVATES Mon 2019-04-01 02:59:14 CEST 15h left Sun 2019-03-31 10:52:49 CEST 24min ago apt-daily.timer apt-daily.service Mon 2019-04-01 06:20:40 CEST 19h left Sun 2019-03-31 10:52:49 CEST 24min ago apt-daily-upgrade.timer apt-daily-upgrade.service Mon 2019-04-01 07:36:10 CEST 20h left Sat 2019-03-09 14:28:25 CET 3 weeks 0 days ago systemd-tmpfiles-clean.timer systemd-tmpfiles-clean.service 3 timers listed. ``` --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://red.infiltr8.io/redteam/privilege-escalation/linux/scheduled-tasks/systemd-timers.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.