Category: OSINT Lessons
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OSINT Lessons from the Van:
How Integrity and Observation Reveal Hidden Truths Sometimes, the quietest moments are the most revealing; things are often hidden in plain sight.I remember sitting in a surveillance van with a colleague — someone I once called a friend. The target was a man known for his violent past and links to explosives. But what made…
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OSINT Workflow: MasteringThe Power of a Structured Investigation
When it comes to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Workflow, structure isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the difference between chaos and clarity. For more information, check out the OSINT GUIDE here With so much information available online — social media activity, public records, domain data, business registries, and digital footprints — it’s easy to get…
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OSINT Techniques and Who Can Benefit from Them
OSINT techniques — short for Open-Source Intelligence techniques — are among the most valuable investigative tools of the digital age. They turn everyday, publicly available information into meaningful intelligence that helps people make smarter, safer, and more informed decisions. Yet, despite their power, they aren’t reserved for intelligence agencies or cybersecurity specialists. Almost anyone, in…
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How to Find People Online Using OSINT (Step-by-Step)
Finding people online using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) involves utilising publicly available information to identify, verify, and understand a person’s professional presence—without breaching privacy or violating terms of service. Done right, it’s ethical, legal, and beneficial for due diligence, journalism, recruitment, and safety. Find out more in Shadows of Information Quick Ethics & Legal Guardrails Your…
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Building a Safe Investigation Environment: Virtual Machines, VPNs, and Browser Hygiene
Before diving into any Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigation, one rule stands above all others: protect yourself first.Every search, click, and download leaves a trace — and poor preparation can expose your real identity, device, or even network. To conduct research safely and ethically, you need a secure investigation environment — one that isolates your activities,…
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Getting Started with Google Dorks: A Beginner’s Guide to Smarter Searches
Google is mighty — but most people only scratch the surface. Google dorking (also known as advanced Google searching) utilises search operators to locate specific content more quickly and accurately. For OSINT practitioners, researchers, and anybody who wants to search smarter, learning a handful of operators unlocks a huge productivity boost. This guide explains what…
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Why OPSEC Is ImportantWhat Is OPSEC? The Importance of Operational Security in the Digital Age
Understanding OPSEC: Why Operational Security Matters More Than Ever In a world where information moves faster than ever before, Operational Security (OPSEC) has become a vital practice for anyone who values privacy, safety, or the success of their work.From intelligence professionals to journalists, investigators, business owners, and everyday social-media users — everyone leaves a trail…