With the new tools and capabilities available on the Internet, the OSINT domain is flourishing using novel resources. russo-Ukrainian war, russian hacker meddling with American elections and the Israeli-Gaza conflict have shown the value of open source intelligence for the public good to separate fakes and facts. Want to become an OSINT expert yourself? Let’s settle on the basics with X-Ray Contact to kick off your OSINT training.
Learn the Purpose: Understand OSINT
The first step is obviously figuring out what exactly you are diving in. People study OSINT to gather data, insights, and intelligence using open sources, such as websites, social media, archives, public records and other publicly accessible databases of information. It is not about hacking others’ devices or unlawfully getting access to the social media chat history. Therefore, it is essential to draw the line between interest in OSINT and enthusiasm for hacking.
Recommended Resources for Learning
Don’t waste resources that will give you only basic knowledge and tips you can Google in a few minutes yourself. Here are resources we advise based on hands-on OSINT experience:
Our Selected Osint Courses
- Courses by the Basel Institute on Governance. This resource might be one of the most comprehensive and practical out of all those available for free online. Basel Institute is a reputable world-known educational organization, so it would be a waste not to take insights from their experts. This e-learning course not only provides a solid theory overview but also allows to study OSINT mysteries that are similar to real-life investigations. The goal of this training is to give you a sense of how real-life investigations go through: collecting cues, finding traces of the culprits with minimal evidence, learning common strategies based on case studies.
- The OSINT Curious Project. Dive deep into their lectures and webinars for free on YouTube to study OSINT field. Even though the team is no longer active, their archive blog holds up to this day as a source of knowledge for amateurs. The OSINT Curious Project not only overviewed open source intelligence gathering for the most popular social media like Instagram and Facebook but also delved into the fundamentals of working with Linux. Also, pay attention to the OSINT Curious Interview series, where the team talks with real OSINT pros about their experience and hands-on knowledge. These podcasts might help you figure out whether you are genuinely interested in pursuing a career in OSINT realistically.
- Dark Web Academy Course. OSINT investigations often require getting into the most obscure corners of the Internet to find the needed data. This free OSINT training teaches how to use the Deep Web safely as part of open source investigations. Even though this course has a rather niche theme, it will be an invaluable source to prepare for real OSINT that may lead you to resources hidden from the general user base.
The Best OSINT Training Methods
Get Hands-On Experience With X-Ray Contact
Try doing a person of interest investigation of you or someone you know as part of your training. X-Ray Contact data aggregator is a valuable starting point for collecting primary data about the person, such as learning real name, social media, photo, geolocation and more, based on minimal input information. The process goes as follows:
- First, go to the X-Ray Contact and click on the tab “Search.”
- Insert any information you already have on a person, like a social media link, name or photo.
- Wait while X-Ray Contact scans databases in case there is a match.
- Study OSINT results that X-Ray Contact generates and apply them to learn even more data from other sources.
Test Your Skills in Capture the Flag (CTF) OSINT Challenges
Study OSINT in real conditions with online CTF games wired to test the skills of both amateurs and pros who want to participate. Platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe offer realistic scenarios where you can use your OSINT knowledge to solve mysteries and find hidden information. It’s a great way to see how your OSINT training is applicable to a real task.
What Mistakes to Avoid When Learning OSINT
- Verify All Data. One of the key takeaways of OSINT training is being able to discern what findings are correct and useful. Always cross-check data from multiple sources to ensure its accuracy.
- Pay Attention to Operations Security (OPSEC). Learn OPSEC basics to avoid revealing too much about your methods, tools or findings that could compromise your own security or undermine your investigation.
- Respect Legal Boundaries and Ethics. All things available freely online are the target of OSINT, but it does not include penetrating systems and hacking accounts.
Conclusion
Yes, the OSINT field is complex and nuanced, but even free sources available online can be enough to onboard you on the journey. Use our pro advice to master OSINT techniques in no time.