Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

Price
Net: €
VAT: €

Price
Price on Request

Duration
5 days

For companies and job seekers:
this course is 100% fundable!
 

Location

Course Language
English

Training Solutions
Online Live

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Behind nearly every security incident, fraud attempt, or social engineering attack lie digital traces in the public domain. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) combines traditional research with modern analytical methods to turn scattered information into actionable insights. Search engines, social media, databases, and public records become essential tools for cybersecurity and threat intelligence.

Key Topics

  • Strategic Information Gathering on the Internet
  • Analysis of information on individuals, companies, and infrastructure
  • Use of specialized OSINT tools and platforms
  • Domain, DNS, and network research
  • Identifying social engineering and attack vectors
  • Validation and verification of data sources
  • Legal and organizational requirements

Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of IT, information security, or research methods, as well as confidence in using web-based applications.

Target Audience
Security analysts, SOC teams, IT departments, data protection and compliance officers, law enforcement agencies, and organizations with heightened security requirements.

Information gathering is increasingly becoming the foundation of modern security strategies. Those who use open sources professionally can identify risks earlier and make decisions based on reliable data.

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Course Content
  • What is OSINT?
  • Scope and Applications
  • OSINT Compared to Threat Intelligence and Reconnaissance
  • Ethical and Legal Aspects of OSINT
  • OSINT Methods and Frameworks (OSINT Framework, IntelTechniques)
  • Configuring a Secure OSINT Environment
  • Using Virtual Machines (Kali Linux, Tails, Whonix)
  • Tools for Data Privacy and Anonymity (VPNs, Tor, ProxyChains)
  • Essential OSINT browser extensions and plugins
  • Effective Search Engine Techniques (Google, Bing, Yandex, DuckDuckGo)
  • Google Hacking Database (GHDB) for Advanced Search Queries
  • Extracting Data from Cached and Archived Pages (Wayback Machine)
  • Searching for hidden and unindexed content
  • Analysis of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)
  • Extraction of metadata from posts and profiles
  • Automated collection of social media data
  • Analysis of social connections and network mapping
  • Searching for Email Addresses
  • Tracking Usernames Across Platforms
  • Analysis of email headers to trace the source
  • Identifying fake or disposable email addresses
  • WHOIS Queries and DNS Exploration
  • Analysis of subdomains and server infrastructure
  • Identification of web technologies (Wappalyzer, WhatWeb)
  • Monitoring of website changes and data breaches (Wayback Machine, Visualping)
  • Understanding the Dark Web and the Deep Web
  • Securely Accessing .onion Sites with Tor
  • Searching Marketplaces and Forums on the Dark Web
  • Search Engines on the Dark Web and Information Gathering
  • Reverse Image Search Techniques
  • Extraction of Metadata from Images
  • Location identification using OpenStreetMap, Google Earth, and Sentinel Hub
  • Satellite and aerial imagery for OSINT investigations
  • Extraction of Metadata from Video and Audio Files
  • Reverse search using video frames
  • Identification of background noise and locations based on audio sources
  • Fact-checking and verification of multimedia content
  • Research into public records and data breaches
  • Tracking online identities and digital footprints
  • Analysis of behavioral patterns and social engineering risks
  • Gathering information about threat actors
  • Identification of Actors and Groups in the Field of Cyber Threats
  • Monitoring of data breaches and data leaks
  • Investigation of malware and cybercrime (VirusTotal)
  • OSINT for incident response and threat hunting
  • Organization and Documentation of OSINT Findings
  • Preparation of actionable OSINT reports
  • Ensuring the anonymity of investigators and maintaining OPSEC
  • Automation of OSINT data collection

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Publicly available data plays an important role in cybersecurity, investigations, compliance, journalism, due diligence, fraud prevention, and corporate security. Recruitment, brand monitoring, and risk management also benefit from structured research and reliable sources of information.
  • A basic understanding of how to use search engines, web services, and digital platforms is usually sufficient. Experience with IT security, data protection, or research methods is helpful. Knowledge of Python or automation can open up additional opportunities, but is not required.
  • The process involves search operators, metadata analysis, WHOIS queries, DNS searches, and platforms such as Maltego, Shodan, and SpiderFoot. Combining these various sources yields significantly more precise results than traditional search engine queries.
  • This method is used particularly frequently in cybersecurity, threat intelligence, compliance, incident response, and corporate security. It is also used for candidate screening, supplier evaluations, and research on companies or digital identities.
  • Typical tasks include analyzing vulnerabilities, identifying digital traces, and reviewing company information. Risks can also be assessed prior to investments, partnerships, or security projects.
  • The volume of publicly available data is constantly growing and provides valuable insights into risks, threats, and markets. Structured analyses improve the information landscape and support informed decision-making in day-to-day work.
  • A key challenge is the quality and reliability of the information. Data may be outdated or manipulated. That is why source validation, cross-checking, and thorough documentation are among the most important best practices.
  • Skills in information gathering are particularly in demand in cybersecurity, compliance, and corporate security. The ability to efficiently research, assess, and analyze data expands the range of opportunities in many roles.
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