OSINT Learning Resources
Explore tools, techniques, and methodologies for gathering Open Source Intelligence effectively and ethically.
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Understanding the core concepts, sources, and ethical considerations of OSINT.
What is OSINT? Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the collection and analysis of data gathered from open, publicly available sources to produce actionable intelligence.
Core Concepts
- Sources: Recognizing diverse public sources like social media, websites, government databases, news articles, forums, academic publications, geospatial data, etc.
- Key Principles: Adhering to principles of accuracy, relevance, timeliness, legality, and ethics throughout the process.
- Intelligence Cycle: Understanding the structured process: Planning & Direction, Collection, Processing, Analysis & Production, Dissemination.
- Legality & Ethics: Operating within legal boundaries, respecting privacy, and adhering to ethical guidelines and terms of service.
Key tools used for gathering and analyzing information from various open sources.
Social Media Analysis
Maltego
Visual link analysis tool often used for mapping relationships and connections found in social media and other OSINT sources.
Social-Searcher
Free social media search engine allowing users to search for content in social networks in real-time and providing deep analytics data.
TweetDeck (X Pro)
Dashboard application for management of Twitter (X) accounts. Useful for real-time monitoring of specific topics, users, or hashtags.
Sherlock
Command-line tool to hunt for social media accounts by username across many sites.
View RepoGeospatial Intelligence (GEOINT)
Google Earth
Virtual globe, map and geographical information program. Useful for visualizing locations and analyzing satellite imagery.
Sentinel Hub
Cloud API for satellite imagery, providing access to Sentinel, Landsat, and other earth observation data.
OpenStreetMap
Collaboratively created free editable map of the world. Valuable source of detailed map data.
Search & Metadata Extraction
Google Dorking
Using advanced search operators in Google (or other search engines) to find specific information not easily found with simple queries.
ExifTool
Platform-independent Perl library plus a command-line application for reading, writing and editing meta information in a wide variety of files.
Shodan
Search engine for Internet-connected devices. Useful for finding exposed infrastructure related to a target.
Search Query Parser
ADD DESCRIPTION HERE (Library for parsing search engine query strings, useful for OSINT automation).
Structured approaches and techniques for effective OSINT gathering and analysis.
- Advanced Search Techniques: Utilizing specific search engine operators (Google Dorking), regular expressions, and specialized search engines.
- Source Evaluation & Verification: Critically assessing the reliability and potential bias of sources, and cross-referencing information from multiple sources.
- Visual Analysis: Techniques for analyzing images and videos, including reverse image searches, geolocation, and metadata examination.
- Systematic Documentation: Carefully documenting sources, findings, analysis steps, and confidence levels for reporting and reproducibility.
- OSINT Frameworks: Utilizing established frameworks (like the OSINT Framework website) to discover tools and structure investigations. OSINT Framework
Certifications focused on validating OSINT skills and knowledge.
Certified Cyber Intel Pro (CCIP)
Focuses on foundational cyber intelligence concepts, including OSINT gathering. (Offered by McAfee Institute).
GIAC GOSI
Validates a practitioner's ability to collect information using open sources and publicly available information. (Associated with SANS SEC487).
Certified OSINT Analyst (COA)
Focuses on advanced OSINT analysis and tradecraft. (Offered by Treadstone 71 - verify current status/provider).
Influential books covering OSINT techniques, privacy, and related concepts.
OSINT Techniques
By Michael Bazzell. A comprehensive guide covering numerous OSINT tools and methods. Regularly updated.
Hiding from the Internet
By Michael Bazzell. Focuses on removing your personal information online, understanding the defensive side of OSINT.
The Art of Invisibility
By Kevin Mitnick. Explores techniques for maintaining privacy and anonymity in the digital age.