Learn to Investigate¶
OSINT — Open Source Intelligence¶
OSINT means finding and analysing information that's publicly available.
No hacking required.
It's used in threat intelligence, investigations, journalism, fraud detection and security research.
| Technique / Tool | What it does |
|---|---|
| Google Lens / Reverse Image Search | Find where an image appears elsewhere online |
| TinEye | Reverse image searching |
| Sherlock | Search for a username across many platforms |
| ExifTool | Examine metadata stored in files and images |
| GeoGuessr | Useful practice for visual geolocation |
| Google search operators | Narrow searches using site:, "exact phrase", filetype: and similar operators |
Try this on yourself¶
Search your own name and usernames like a stranger would.
What can you find?
- Old accounts
- Old usernames
- Public photos
- Forgotten profiles
- Information you've posted publicly
- Things you didn't realise were visible
That's one of the best introductions to OSINT because you're investigating a target you are actually authorised to investigate:
yourself.
Looking at publicly available information doesn't automatically mean you're entitled to use it however you want. Don't use OSINT to stalk, harass, impersonate or target people.