OSINT: How to Find, Use, and Control Open-Source Intelligence

This article introduces OSINT (open-source intelligence), outlining its definition and best practices for conducting lawful, ethical investigations. It highlights useful tools (e.g., search engines, social media, ExifTool, TraceLabs’ OSINT VM, OSINT Framework), offers practical tips (goal-setting, multi-source verification, OPSEC via VPNs and sock puppets, documentation, collaboration, continual learning), and provides guidance on limiting one’s own exposure (privacy settings, cautious sharing, monitoring online presence, minimizing public data, strong passwords and MFA).