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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. 

While I do have 2 other OSINT courses on Udemy at the moment, I came to realize that there may be certain situations that an investigator is unable to use a Linux machine (which is preferred to be honest). That is why I decided to make the Windows edition to help out.

In this course we will be focusing on the Windows OS for OSINT, utilizing the various tools that are available to us, ways to minimize our risks using this OS, and more.

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

WARNING

If you have already enrolled in the OSINT For hackers, investigators, and everyone else or the OSINT Level 2 course that I have posted I do not recommend buying this course as it will be largely a repeat of what you already learned.

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

  • In this course you will learn the basics of open-source intelligence using a windows machine
  • Virtual osint machine
  • Best practices
  • The use of various osint tools

Syllabus

Introduction

Welcome to the course.

Just a quick disclaimer on the course.

We go over what you will need for this course.

Read more
Why OSINT

In this video we discuss the importance of OSINT

In this video we go over the basic methodology for OSINT

Mental Prep
Data collection
Bias
Mind Maps
Mindmaps
Sock Puppets
More sock puppets Gmail
Reporting
Report templates
Presentations
OSINT Proposal
What is a Virtual machine and why we need one?

What is a virtual machine?

ISO download can be found here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/evaluate-windows-10-enterprise

In this video we begin to setup our virtual machine

Business searches

In this video we learn how to investigate a business.

In this video we dig through some resumes.

https://opencorporates.com/

Clustrmaps
Taking notes

A smile note taking program.

https://www.giuspen.com/cherrytree/

PSR
OBS
Securing your data

Creating a secure volume.

Sending files securely.

Basic security

All about VPNs

Testing our VPN

Using an alternative DNS.

All about anti viruses

Patch everything!

A fast way to install apps on Windows.

A secure way to store passwords and accounts.

Securely delete files.

Setting up Firefox

Work securely in your browser.

Screen capture

Script blocking

Website information lookup

Translation

Web page archives

A browser switcher

Enforce https

A way to download videos from online

Setting up the Chrome browser
Wayback Machine

Is it real or fake?

Image capture
Ublock
Translate
Netcraft
Https everywhere
More Chrome extensions
Maltego

How to install Maltego

How to run Maltego

Setting a new identity
Why a sock puppet

Generate fake images

Updated Data Fake Generator

Don't give out your real number!

An alternative to your cell.

Website OSINT

Website crawling

https://www.cyotek.com/downloads/info/setup-cyowcopy-1.7.0-build-600.exe

Get OSIRT

The OSINT browser

Another OSINT browser

Hunchly demo

Detect when a website changes

URLscan.io
start me
Domain Codex and Securitytrails
OSINT Rocks and OSINTQuest
OSINT Sites

OSINT tools for Europe

The OSINT framework, a collection of useful tools

Greynoise
Internet archives

Going back in time!

Going back with twitter archives

Manual backup to the Internet Archive
Google OSINT

Google advanced operators

More Google advanced operators

Setting up Google Alerts

Google maps
Google Trends

Save this course

Save OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence Windows edition to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Windows edition with these activities:
Review Networking Fundamentals
Refresh your understanding of networking fundamentals to better grasp the concepts of VPNs, DNS, and secure data transfer covered in the course.
Browse courses on Networking Fundamentals
Show steps
  • Review the OSI model and TCP/IP protocol suite.
  • Study common networking protocols and their functions.
  • Practice subnetting and IP addressing.
Create a Custom OSINT Tool List
Organize and categorize OSINT tools based on their functionality and application.
Show steps
  • Review the OSINT tools covered in the course.
  • Research additional OSINT tools online.
  • Categorize the tools based on their function (e.g., social media analysis, website analysis, etc.).
  • Create a list of tools with descriptions and links.
Review "Open Source Intelligence Techniques"
Deepen your understanding of OSINT methodologies and tools by studying a comprehensive guide.
View OSINT Techniques on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Experiment with the tools and techniques described in the book.
  • Relate the book's content to the course material.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Advanced Google Dorking Exercises
Master advanced Google dorking techniques to efficiently find specific information online.
Show steps
  • Review Google advanced operators.
  • Create a list of target keywords related to OSINT investigations.
  • Practice combining operators and keywords to refine search queries.
  • Analyze search results and identify relevant information.
Create a Tutorial on a Specific OSINT Tool
Reinforce your understanding of a specific OSINT tool by creating a tutorial for others to learn from.
Show steps
  • Choose an OSINT tool covered in the course.
  • Research the tool and its capabilities.
  • Create a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the tool.
  • Share your tutorial with others.
OSINT Investigation Project
Solidify your OSINT skills by conducting a real-world investigation using the tools and techniques learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Choose a target for your investigation (e.g., a person, company, or organization).
  • Gather information about your target using OSINT tools and techniques.
  • Analyze the data you have collected and draw conclusions.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings.
Review "The Web as a Forensic Resource"
Learn how to leverage the internet for forensic investigations and data collection.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Identify relevant techniques for OSINT investigations.
  • Apply the techniques to real-world scenarios.

Career center

Learners who complete OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence Windows edition will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Intelligence Analyst
An Intelligence Analyst gathers information from various sources and analyzes it to provide insights. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to an Intelligence Analyst, as it focuses on open-source intelligence techniques using Windows. The course helps an Analyst understand how to use virtual machines, secure data, and utilize various open-source tools for investigation. Learning about website crawling, domain analysis and tools such as Maltego could be helpful too. By mastering these techniques, an Intelligence Analyst can enhance their ability to collect, analyze, and report on critical information.
Private Investigator
As a Private Investigator, you conduct investigations for clients on personal, financial, and legal matters. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to a Private Investigator, as it helps build a foundation in open-source intelligence gathering and analysis. This course helps you understand tools and techniques to investigate people and businesses, using the approaches of both hackers and investigators. With expertise in virtual machine setups, secure data handling, and open-source tools, the Private Investigator can greatly improve their effectiveness.
Investigative Reporter
An Investigative Reporter conducts in-depth investigations into various topics. The OSINT Windows edition course is helpful to an Investigative Reporter, as it provides open-source intelligence techniques using a Windows machine. The course is helpful for using virtual machines, securing data, and open-source tools for investigations. Sections on website crawling, domain analysis, and internet archives contribute to the ability of the Investigative Reporter to uncover information.
Fraud Investigator
The work of a Fraud Investigator involves investigating fraudulent activities. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to the Fraud Investigator, as it helps build a foundation in open-source intelligence gathering and analysis. The course covers the usage of tools and techniques to investigate people and businesses, mimicking the approaches used by both hackers and investigators. Virtual machine setup, secure data handling, and the application of tools are helpful. By understanding these OSINT methods, a Fraud Investigator can improve their ability to detect and prevent fraud.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on current events. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable for a Journalist. The course provides techniques for open-source intelligence gathering, using a Windows machine. A Journalist can learn to use virtual machines, secure data, and utilize open-source tools to investigate topics. Sections on website OSINT, Google OSINT, and data verification are helpful. By understanding these OSINT methods, a Journalist can improve their ability to gather information and report on stories.
Background Investigator
A Background Investigator conducts thorough background checks on individuals for employment, security clearances, or other purposes. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to a Background Investigator, as it provides a solid understanding of open-source intelligence techniques using a Windows machine. The course enables one with tools and methodologies to investigate individuals and verify information. The course's sections on business searches, sock puppets, securing data, and setting up browsers are helpful. Mastering these OSINT techniques, a Background Investigator can enhance their ability to gather accurate and comprehensive information.
Competitive Intelligence Analyst
A Competitive Intelligence Analyst gathers and analyzes information about competitors to help their organization gain a competitive edge. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to a Competitive Intelligence Analyst, as it provides skills in open-source intelligence techniques using a Windows machine. The course teaches how to use virtual machines, secure data, and utilize open-source tools for investigation of businesses and industries. Sections on website OSINT, domain analysis, and internet archives are helpful. By understanding these OSINT methods, a Competitive Intelligence Analyst can enhance their ability to gather data and insights.
Due Diligence Analyst
The Due Diligence Analyst performs investigations to verify facts. The OSINT Windows edition course is useful for a Due Diligence Analyst. The course teaches open-source intelligence techniques for Windows. A Due Diligence Analyst will find the course's coverage of virtual machines, data security, and open-source tools for performing business searches and tracking potential risks is helpful. Skills learned in this course help the Due Diligence Analyst verify information.
Law Enforcement Officer
The Law Enforcement Officer is responsible for enforcing laws, investigating crimes, and maintaining public order. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable, as it provides skills in open-source intelligence techniques usable on a Windows machine. The course helps the officer understand how to use virtual machines, secure data, and utilize open-source tools for investigations. Sections on business searches, website OSINT, and internet archives are relevant. The Law Enforcement Officer can enhance their ability to gather data and insights to solve cases.
Cybersecurity Analyst
The Cybersecurity Analyst protects computer systems and networks from threats. The OSINT Windows edition course may be useful to a Cybersecurity Analyst. The course helps one understand the techniques used by hackers and investigators. The course covers how to set up a virtual lab, secure data, and use open-source tools. Concepts such as VPNs, alternative DNS, and secure password storage could be useful in securing systems. Learning about various tools and methods used in OSINT, a Cybersecurity Analyst will be better equipped to identify vulnerabilities and protect against attacks.
Due Diligence Consultant
The Due Diligence Consultant assists organizations in assessing risks associated with potential transactions, investments, or partnerships. The OSINT Windows edition course can be valuable to this Consultant. The consultant can benefit from a foundation in open-source intelligence gathering. The course covers virtual machines, data security, and open-source tools for investigation. Sections on business and website searches are helpful for risk assessment. Understanding these OSINT methods helps a Due Diligence Consultant gather information and analyze risks.
eDiscovery Analyst
The eDiscovery Analyst is responsible for identifying, collecting, and preserving electronically stored information (ESI) in legal cases. The OSINT Windows edition course is valuable to an eDiscovery Analyst, as it provides a foundation in open-source intelligence gathering and analysis techniques. The course teaches skills in setting up a safe virtual environment, securing data, and utilizing open-source tools for investigating digital footprints. Given the reliance on digital evidence in modern legal proceedings, an eDiscovery Analyst can use skills in data security, and internet archiving.
Risk Analyst
A Risk Analyst identifies and assesses potential risks to an organization. The OSINT Windows edition course may be useful to a Risk Analyst, as it provides a comprehensive overview of open-source intelligence techniques that can be used to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. The course covers the use of virtual machines, data security, and open-source tools for investigation. The sections on business searches and securing your data can be particularly beneficial. By learning these OSINT techniques, a Risk Analyst enhances their ability to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Digital Marketing Analyst
The Digital Marketing Analyst analyzes online marketing campaigns and strategies. The OSINT Windows edition course may be useful to a Digital Marketing Analyst, as it provides a foundation in open-source intelligence gathering and analysis. The course helps the analyst understand tools and techniques to investigate people and businesses. Setting up a virtual machine, securing data, and utilizing tools for research are useful. The Digital Marketing Analyst will be more effective at gathering competitive intelligence and improving marketing strategies.
Market Researcher
A Market Researcher gathers and analyzes data on consumer behavior, market trends, and competitor activities. The OSINT Windows edition course may be useful to a Market Researcher, as it provides tools and techniques for gathering open-source information. The course covers setting up virtual machines, securing data, and using various OSINT tools for investigation. Sections on website OSINT, Google OSINT, and competitor analysis assist a Market Researcher in collecting information and understanding market dynamics. By mastering these techniques, a Market Researcher can improve their ability to identify trends and gain insights.

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 Windows edition.
Comprehensive guide to open-source intelligence techniques. It covers a wide range of topics, including online investigations, social media intelligence, and data analysis. This book valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about OSINT and is commonly used by industry professionals.
Explores how the internet can be used as a resource for forensic investigations. It covers topics such as web scraping, social media analysis, and online data collection. This book useful reference tool for investigators and security professionals.

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