Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
Master the art of gathering, analyzing, and utilizing publicly available information for security research, investigations, and threat intelligence.
What is OSINT?
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the collection and analysis of information gathered from public sources to produce actionable intelligence.
- Legal: All information is publicly available and legally accessible
- Ethical: No hacking, social engineering, or unauthorized access required
- Powerful: Can reveal extensive information about targets
- Applications: Cybersecurity, investigations, threat assessment, competitive intelligence
Privacy Note: Always respect privacy laws and ethical boundaries. Use OSINT responsibly and only for legitimate purposes.
Web Intelligence
Information from websites and online platforms:
- Company websites
- News articles
- Blog posts
- Forums and communities
- Archive sites
Social Media Intelligence
Data from social networking platforms:
- LinkedIn profiles
- Twitter/X posts
- Facebook pages
- Instagram content
- TikTok videos
Technical Intelligence
Infrastructure and technical data:
- DNS records
- WHOIS information
- IP addresses
- SSL certificates
- Metadata
Essential OSINT Tools
Search & Discovery:
- Google Dorking: Advanced search operators
- Shodan: Internet-connected device search
- Censys: Internet-wide scanning data
- Have I Been Pwned: Data breach search
- Wayback Machine: Historical website data
Social Media Tools:
- Social Searcher: Real-time social media search
- TweetDeck: Twitter monitoring
- Instagram OSINT: Osintgram, Instalooter
- Facebook Graph Search: Advanced FB searching
Technical Reconnaissance:
- Nmap: Network discovery and scanning
- theHarvester: Email, subdomain harvesting
- Recon-ng: Web reconnaissance framework
- Maltego: Link analysis and data mining
- SpiderFoot: Automated OSINT collection
People Search:
- Pipl: Deep web people search
- TruePeopleSearch: US people finder
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator: Professional profiles
- Hunter.io: Email finder
OSINT Methodology
1
Planning
- Define objectives
- Identify targets
- Set boundaries
- Legal considerations
2
Collection
- Gather data
- Use multiple sources
- Document findings
- Maintain OPSEC
3
Analysis
- Verify information
- Cross-reference
- Identify patterns
- Draw conclusions
4
Reporting
- Create reports
- Visualize data
- Present findings
- Archive evidence
Common OSINT Techniques
- Check data breaches (HaveIBeenPwned)
- Search for associated accounts
- Google the email address
- Use email permutation tools
- Check social media associations
- WHOIS lookup for registration details
- DNS enumeration for subdomains
- Check SSL certificate information
- Wayback Machine for historical data
- Technology stack identification
- Reverse image search (Google, TinEye, Yandex)
- EXIF data extraction
- Geolocation from landmarks
- Social media cross-searching
- Facial recognition searches
OSINT Framework
Comprehensive collection of OSINT tools organized by category:
- Username search tools
- Email verification
- Domain research
- IP address tools
- Social network resources
Training Resources
Learn and practice OSINT skills:
- Trace Labs: Missing person CTFs
- OSINT Dojo: Training platform
- Sector035: Weekly OSINT news
- Bellingcat Toolkit: Investigation tools
- SANS SEC487: OSINT certification
OSINT Best Practices
Operational Security (OPSEC):
- Use VPN or Tor for anonymity
- Create sock puppet accounts
- Use virtual machines for isolation
- Avoid using personal devices/accounts
- Be aware of your digital footprint
Data Handling:
- Document everything with timestamps
- Verify information from multiple sources
- Archive evidence properly
- Respect privacy and legal boundaries
- Secure sensitive findings appropriately
Remember: The goal of OSINT is to gather intelligence ethically and legally. Always consider the implications of your research and use findings responsibly.