OSINT, or open source intelligence, involves collecting and analyzing publicly available information to address specific intelligence needs, as defined by the U.S. Department of Defense. It encompasses various sources, including physical media, government data, internet platforms, and commercial databases, providing crucial insights for both individuals and professionals. The document highlights the methods of OSINT gathering and its applications in ensuring safety, conducting due diligence, and analyzing market competition.

1. OSINT: OPEN
SOURCE
INTELLIGENCE
GATHERING
101

2. WHAT IS OSINT?
 OSINT stands for Open Source INTelligence
 According to The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), OSINT is "produced from publicly available
information that is collected, exploited, and disseminated in a timely manner to an appropriate audience
for the purpose of addressing a specific intelligence requirement.
 These methods allow for legal collection and analysis of individuals and organizations.
 OSINT gathering is the widely accepted first step in both security testing and penetration or hacking.

3. WHERE TO FIND OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE?
 Physical Media: magazine archives, printed
newspapers, radio recordings
 Public Government Data: (applicable to all
levels of government) gov’t reports, FOIA,
directories of contacts
 Internet media: social media, blogs, Youtube
 Commercial sources: software APIs, Open CV
 Google Patent Search
 Unsecured or open directories

4. BENEFITS OF OSINT
For Individuals
 Verify information prior to blind dates or
online dating sites
 Crime and safety information
 Travel safety
 New or recently enacted ordinances & laws
For Professionals
 Emerging technologies
 Due diligence on potential vendors
 Ensuring culture fit with potential hires
 Competitor markets
 Verified consumer contact information

5. TOOLS AND FRAMEWORKS TO IMPLEMENT OSINT
Online
 osintframework.com
 Shodan
 Natural language & geek language on search
engines
Operation Systems
 Security focused Linux Operation Systems
 Open source Chromium
 Locally run scripts from sites like github.com

6. UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS OF OSINT
Public Libraries
 Hold newspaper & magazine archives
 Free Access to commercial contact data sites
like reference USA
 Free access to academic journals and abstracts
Form an LLC or Unaccredited University
 Allowed to collect data within reason
 Free access to certain services for free with a
.edu email address
 Provide analysis services in exchange for
submitted data: see data.com’s old business
model