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OSINT

Open-Source Intelligence

4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 4,499 ratings
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Jeff Minakata

In this course you will be learning about OSINT (Open-source intelligence) from a hacker's point of view. Tools, techniques, setting up a virtual lab, and how to protect yourself. This is a comprehensive course that will be using free open source tools to investigate people and companies. No matter if you are totally new to the fascinating world of OSINT and hacking or have some experience, this course will walk you through how both hackers and investigators use these tools and why. 

Read more

In this course you will be learning about OSINT (Open-source intelligence) from a hacker's point of view. Tools, techniques, setting up a virtual lab, and how to protect yourself. This is a comprehensive course that will be using free open source tools to investigate people and companies. No matter if you are totally new to the fascinating world of OSINT and hacking or have some experience, this course will walk you through how both hackers and investigators use these tools and why. 

This course is designed to be beginner friendly and also help educate experienced individuals alike with a easy to follow and practical approach.  Your safety is also important as we explore the use of sock puppets, a Linux virtual machine and more.

Worried about out of date content? I have gone through updating the content as things change, become obsolete, I find new cool tools, or techniques. These updates are free along with the bonus content.

Get stuck or have a question? Always feel free to send me a message and I will do my best to help you out.

FYI, a reminder: I not anyone that is a part of DGS has any affiliation with any of the vendors, software manufactures, or programmers in this course.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • By the end of the course you will have a good understanding of osint, how to perform it, the tools necessary
  • How your own information online could be used against you.
  • You will learn linux basics, and how to setup your own virtual lab.
  • Various tools and the use cases for each

Syllabus

Introduction

An introduction to the course, myself, and expectations for OSINT

  • The tools presented in this course are free and open-source
  • All of the information that we gather and analyze are from publicly available sources
  • While OSINT is also used by hackers, OSINT in itself is not illegal (check with your local laws). We are not exploiting systems or people to obtain this information.
  • I am not responsible for misuse of the information or techniques demonstrated in this course.
  • I am not responsible for for lost, corrupted, or otherwise altered/damaged files, software or hardware.
  • This course is presented on a "As is" basis.
Read more

What will you need for this course?

What is virtualization? We discuss what virtualization is and why you would want to use it.

In this video we will be going over some basic Linux terminal commands. While knowing terminal commands is not necessary for OSINT per se, it is useful o have a basic understanding of them.

There may be times where we need to conceal our real identity or just need a burner telephone number, text message, and/or email. Sudo to the rescue! This is currently a iOS only app.

Using a temporary email solution instead of your burner email.

In this video we talk about handling data and some tips on how not to become overwhelmed.

These are a couple templates for a OSINT report. There is a technical report and a executive report template. Feel free to modify them to fit your needs.

In this video we look at some options to keep your data and yourself secure.

In this video we will be looking at some advanced search techniques using Google.

In this video we will be looking at Google maps and how it can be used in OSINT

In this video we talk about doing a reverse image search with Google.

Google and Twitter alerts

In this video we explore other reverse image options

In this video we will be looking at some techniques to perform reverse email searches on our target.

Currently Behindemail is no longer in service.

In this video we will be looking at reverse number lookups.

https://platform.sensity.ai/deepfake-detection

In this video we look at some techniques and websites to perform OSINT on businesses.

https://www.blackbookonline.info/index.html

Cibib is now xlek, thank you Everand for the heads up.

In this video we take a look at the breach site Dehashed.

In this video we learn about have i been pwned and how it can help in OSINT

In this video we are looking at webmii.com to search a person's internet footprint.

In this video we look at some resume finders and how they can be applied to OSINT

In this video we talk a look at how family trees can be applied to OSINT and some sites.

In this section we will be looking at Spiderfoot, a program designed to crawl websites and harvest information.

https://sf-1485db5.hx.spiderfoot.net/

https://github.com/laramies/metagoofil

The internet never forgets... In this video we will be looking at some options to retrieve lost pages from the internet.

In this video we will be talking about the darkweb, what it is, navigating it, tips and a demonstration.

What is the dark web, how to get there. Mobile, Onions, and Tor

In this video we take a look at the tool SafeSurf that can be used to analyze news photos to make sure they are legitimate.

In this video we will be looking at different options to save videos and images from our targets.

In this video we look at Tinfoleak that is preinstalled on CSI Linux for Twitter OSINT

In this video we talk about getting a user's Facebook ID number

In this video we talk about downloading Facebook videos

In this video we talk about how to bypass a Youtube login to view a video.

https://projects.propublica.org/parler-capitol-videos/

https://intelx.io/?did=814b39fe-ad98-45a1-9f44-0346bc9f9b94

https://github.com/soxoj/maigret

https://citizenevidence.amnestyusa.org/

In this video we take a look at the OSINT Framework site.

In this video we take a look at Maltego, a OSINT investigator's and hacker's best friend.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers setting up a virtual lab with CSI Linux, which is a security-focused distribution, providing a safe environment for practicing OSINT techniques
Explains Linux basics and terminal commands, which are useful for OSINT even if not strictly necessary, making the course accessible to those with limited experience
Teaches how to use sock puppets and temporary communication methods to conceal identity, which is valuable for protecting oneself online and conducting investigations discreetly
Discusses data handling and provides OSINT report templates, which are essential for organizing findings and presenting them in a clear and professional manner
Explores advanced search techniques using Google, reverse image searches, and geolocation, which are crucial for uncovering hidden information and tracking down targets
Includes modules on social media OSINT, covering platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others, which are valuable for gathering intelligence from online communities

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Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
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Reviews summary

Practical osint tools and techniques

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical introduction to OSINT from a cybersecurity perspective. Students particularly appreciate the hands-on approach, including guidance on setting up a virtual lab environment like CSI Linux, and the demonstrations of various OSINT tools and techniques. Many find it suitable for beginners looking to get started in the field. The instructor is noted for keeping the content updated and being responsive to questions. While it covers a wide range of topics, some more experienced users feel it could benefit from greater depth on advanced techniques, and a few tools or links shown may occasionally be outdated despite updates. Overall, it's seen as a valuable resource for learning the fundamentals and practical application of OSINT.
Covers many different OSINT areas.
"The course touched on many different areas of OSINT, from social media to the dark web and website analysis."
"It provides a broad look at the various ways OSINT can be performed."
"I liked that it covered people, businesses, and websites, giving a wide perspective."
Instructor keeps material relatively current.
"It's great that the instructor updates the course regularly with new tools and methods."
"The recent updates on tools and techniques were very useful and relevant."
"Knowing the content is actively maintained is a big plus for a rapidly changing field like OSINT."
Provides a solid foundation for newcomers.
"This course was a perfect starting point for me to learn about OSINT."
"As a complete beginner, I found the material accessible and well-explained."
"It gave me a good overview of the OSINT landscape and key concepts."
"The course is great for someone with zero prior knowledge of OSINT."
Guidance on setting up VM is appreciated.
"The instructions for setting up the CSI Linux VM were clear and easy to follow."
"Setting up the virtual lab environment was crucial for practice and well-explained."
"I liked having a safe, isolated environment provided to practice the tools shown."
Hands-on tool demonstrations are useful.
"Seeing the tools like Maltego and Spiderfoot in action was really helpful."
"The demos for using CSI Linux were excellent and easy to follow."
"I appreciated the hands-on approach to learning the tools and techniques demonstrated."
"The sections showing specific tools and how to use them provided practical value."
May not be deep enough for experienced users.
"For someone with some prior knowledge or experience, some sections felt a bit basic."
"I wished there were more complex scenarios or advanced techniques covered in more detail."
"It's great for the fundamentals, but intermediate users might find it lacks depth on specific tools or strategies."
Some tools/links shown are no longer active.
"While updates are mentioned, I found that some of the tools or links provided no longer seem to work."
"I ran into issues with a few of the older methods shown in certain videos."
"It requires some external research to find working alternatives for some deprecated tools."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence with these activities:
Review Linux Terminal Commands
Reinforce your understanding of basic Linux terminal commands, which are helpful for navigating the virtual lab environment used in the course.
Browse courses on Terminal Commands
Show steps
  • Review a Linux command cheat sheet.
  • Practice using common commands like 'ls', 'cd', 'mkdir', and 'rm'.
  • Experiment with command options and flags.
Create a Personal OSINT Toolkit
Organize and expand on the tools and resources covered in the course to create a personalized OSINT toolkit.
Show steps
  • Review the OSINT tools and resources presented in the course.
  • Categorize the tools based on their function (e.g., search engines, social media analysis, reverse image search).
  • Add additional tools and resources that you find useful.
  • Create a document or spreadsheet to organize your toolkit.
Review: Open Source Intelligence Techniques
Expand your knowledge of OSINT techniques by reading a comprehensive guide.
View Open Source Intelligence Techniques on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "Open Source Intelligence Techniques" by Michael Bazzell.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the tools and techniques covered in the course.
  • Take notes on new tools or methods you discover.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Advanced Google Dorking Practice
Improve your Google dorking skills through targeted practice exercises.
Show steps
  • Review the advanced search operators covered in the course.
  • Create a list of specific search objectives (e.g., find email addresses, identify file types).
  • Craft Google dorks to achieve each search objective.
  • Analyze the search results and refine your dorks as needed.
Create a OSINT Tool Review
Deepen your understanding of OSINT tools by creating a review of a specific tool covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose an OSINT tool from the course materials.
  • Research the tool's features, capabilities, and limitations.
  • Write a detailed review of the tool, including examples of its use.
  • Share your review with other students in the course forum.
OSINT Investigation Project
Solidify your OSINT skills by conducting a comprehensive investigation on a chosen target.
Show steps
  • Define the scope and objectives of your investigation.
  • Gather information using various OSINT tools and techniques learned in the course.
  • Analyze the collected data and identify key findings.
  • Document your investigation process and results in a detailed report.
Review: The Web as a Forensic Resource
Explore the legal and ethical considerations of OSINT by reading a book on web forensics.
View Textbook of Adolescent Psychiatry on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of "The Web as a Forensic Resource" by Richard Redding.
  • Focus on chapters related to data collection, preservation, and analysis.
  • Consider the legal and ethical implications of each technique.

Career center

Learners who complete OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Law Enforcement Officer
Law Enforcement Officers are responsible for upholding the law, protecting the public, and investigating crimes. This OSINT course provides skills to gather intelligence, identify suspects, and build cases using publicly available information. The course material on reverse searches, social media investigations, and dark web exploration directly helps an officer collect evidence and solve crimes more efficiently.
See salaries and explore the career path for Law Enforcement Officer
Competitive Intelligence Analyst
A Competitive Intelligence Analyst researches and analyzes information about competitors to help businesses make strategic decisions. This OSINT course allows the Competitive Intelligence Analyst to better understand the competitive landscape and identify opportunities or threats. This can be done because the course provides tools to effectively gather and analyze information from various open sources, including websites, social media, and public records. These skills are key in this role.
See salaries and explore the career path for Competitive Intelligence Analyst
Background Investigator
Background Investigators conduct comprehensive background checks on individuals for employment, security clearances, or other purposes. This OSINT course offers techniques for conducting in-depth investigations using publicly available information and a virtual lab. The course's coverage of people searches, social media investigations, and reverse searches can help a Background Investigator gather relevant information and assess a candidate's suitability for a particular position.
See salaries and explore the career path for Background Investigator
Private Investigator
A Private Investigator gathers information for clients involved in legal, personal, or business matters. This OSINT course can equip a Private Investigator with the skills to effectively utilize open-source intelligence techniques. The course, including sections on social media investigations, reverse searches, and website investigations, provides methods for gathering valuable evidence and building a comprehensive case.
See salaries and explore the career path for Private Investigator
Intelligence Analyst
An Intelligence Analyst gathers information from various sources to provide insights and assessments on specific topics or threats. This OSINT course equips aspiring Intelligence Analysts with the skills to effectively leverage open-source intelligence techniques. The course's exploration of tools, virtual lab setup, and self-protection methods mirrors the analyst's need to access, verify, and protect sensitive information, with use cases.
See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Analyst
Journalist
Journalists investigate and report on current events and issues for the public. This OSINT course offers skills to verify information, identify sources, and uncover hidden connections. The course's coverage of advanced search techniques, social media investigations, and website analysis provides a Journalist with tools to conduct in-depth research and produce accurate, well-supported stories.
See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist
Fraud Investigator
A Fraud Investigator investigates fraudulent activities to protect individuals and organizations from financial loss. This OSINT course provides a practical toolkit for a Fraud Investigator, enabling them to uncover hidden information and trace fraudulent transactions in a virtual lab, using open-source tools. The course's lessons on reverse searches, people searches, investigating businesses, and property ownership directly enhance an investigator's ability to identify and track down perpetrators.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fraud Investigator
Cybersecurity Analyst
A Cybersecurity Analyst protects computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This OSINT course provides a valuable foundation for a Cybersecurity Analyst, offering insights into how hackers gather information and how to defend against such tactics. The course's coverage of virtualization, Linux, and open-source intelligence tools directly applies to threat hunting, vulnerability assessment, and incident response, ensuring a more secure digital environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst
Security Consultant
A Security Consultant advises organizations on how to improve their security posture. This OSINT course can provide an edge, teaching how to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats using open-source intelligence. The course content surrounding Linux, sock puppets, data collection along with note taking, and various tools for OSINT directly contributes to a Security Consultant's ability to provide informed recommendations. The Security Consultant will be able to create comprehensive security strategies.
See salaries and explore the career path for Security Consultant
Due Diligence Analyst
A Due Diligence Analyst assesses the risks and opportunities associated with potential business transactions or investments. This OSINT course may serve as an important tool for a Due Diligence Analyst, providing methods to verify information and uncover potential red flags using open-source intelligence. The course's sections on investigating businesses, property ownership, and reverse searches can help an analyst conduct thorough background checks and assess the credibility of individuals and organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Due Diligence Analyst
Research Analyst
A Research Analyst collects and analyzes data to provide insights and recommendations in various fields. This OSINT course may be useful for Research Analysts, offering skills to efficiently gather and analyze information from publicly accessible sources. The course material on advanced search techniques, data collection, and open-source intelligence tools enhances a Research Analyst's ability to conduct thorough research and identify key trends.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research Analyst
Market Researcher
Market Researchers analyze market trends and consumer behavior to provide insights for businesses. This OSINT course may provide a Market Researcher skills to gather competitive intelligence, identify emerging trends, and understand consumer preferences. This is done by learning about advanced search methods and techniques for investigating websites and social media platforms. This can lead to a competitive advantage.
See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher
Academic Researcher
Academic Researchers conduct research and publish scholarly articles in their respective fields. This OSINT course may prove useful for enhancing research capabilities through efficient open-source information gathering. The skills gained, such as using advanced search techniques, can help Academic Researchers gather more comprehensive data, identify relevant sources, and potentially uncover new insights for their research projects.
See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher
Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze large datasets to extract meaningful insights and build predictive models. Learning about advanced search techniques and data collection as part of this OSINT course may prove helpful for Data Scientists. It provides supplementary skills for gathering and preprocessing data from open sources. A Data Scientist is better able to enhance their datasets and improve the accuracy of their models.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate financial data and provide investment recommendations. This OSINT course may provide a Financial Analyst with tools to conduct due diligence on companies and individuals. The course discusses methods for investigating businesses, property ownership, and identifying potential risks. This information may prove valuable in making informed investment decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence.
Open Source Intelligence Techniques
Save
Comprehensive guide to open-source intelligence techniques. It covers a wide range of tools and methods for gathering and analyzing online information. It is commonly used by industry professionals. This book provides additional depth to the course by exploring advanced OSINT techniques and real-world case studies.
Open Source Intelligence Techniques
Paperback
Check
Open Source Intelligence Techniques
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Textbook of Adolescent Psychiatry
Save
Explores the use of the internet as a source of evidence in legal and investigative contexts. It provides a detailed overview of techniques for collecting and preserving online data. This book is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference. It adds breadth to the course by exploring the legal and ethical considerations of OSINT.
Textbook of Adolescent Psychiatry
Paperback
Check
Textbook of Adolescent Psychiatry
Kindle Edition
Check

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Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
10.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Jeff Minakata
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers setting up a virtual lab with CSI Linux, which is a security-focused distribution, providing a safe environment for practicing OSINT techniques
Explains Linux basics and terminal commands, which are useful for OSINT even if not strictly necessary, making the course accessible to those with limited experience
Teaches how to use sock puppets and temporary communication methods to conceal identity, which is valuable for protecting oneself online and conducting investigations discreetly
Discusses data handling and provides OSINT report templates, which are essential for organizing findings and presenting them in a clear and professional manner
Explores advanced search techniques using Google, reverse image searches, and geolocation, which are crucial for uncovering hidden information and tracking down targets
Includes modules on social media OSINT, covering platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and others, which are valuable for gathering intelligence from online communities
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