The OSINT Newsletter - Issue #57
An introduction to investigating IP addresses for open source intelligence
👋 Welcome to the 57th issue of The OSINT Newsletter. This issue features OSINT news, community insights, tactics, techniques, and tools to enhance your investigative skills. My aim with this newsletter is to advance the OSINT field, cultivate more proficient investigators, and highlight the ethical applications of open source intelligence.
🪃 If you missed the last newsletter, here’s a link to catch up.
📰 OSINT UK launches new OSINT community
If you’re in the United Kingdom, or you just want to get more involved in the OSINT community, consider checking out the newly launched OSINT UK community.
Analyst note: Other communities like OSINT FR and OSINT BR have been excellent platforms to network with other OSINT enthusiasts. OSINT UK will likely have more English-speaking content which makes it appealing to people in the US, too.
🎩 H/T: Nathaniel Fried
📰 A guide to investigating digital ad libraries
Digital investigators should know how to search digital ad libraries by geography, date, advertiser, ad format, and category. Craig goes through this extensively in his lastest newsletter issue.
Analyst note: Mastering digital ad libraries is essential for OSINT analysts to uncover advertising strategies and track influence operations.
🎩 H/T: Craig Silverman
Read more on Digital Investigations…
📰 OSINT Exercise #027
The latest #OSINT Exercise #027 presents a straightforward challenge for both beginners and experts in the field, aiming to sharpen analytical skills. Keep an eye out for the solution and full walkthrough on YouTube to learn new techniques and verify your findings.
Analyst note: Engaging with this exercise and following the YouTube walkthrough helps maintain a high level of analytical proficiency and keeps you updated on best practices in the field.
🎩 H/T: Sofia Santos
🔧 XposedOrNot
Understanding the exposure of an email address in data breaches is crucial for digital safety, and XposedOrNot serves as an alert system for such events. Investigators can integrate this platform into their workflow to proactively safeguard their assets and those of their subjects from compromised security.
Analyst note: Integrating XposedOrNot into your workflow, like using HaveIBeenPwned, helps proactively safeguard assets and subjects from compromised security by alerting you to email address exposures in data breaches.
🎩 H/T: 0xtechrock
📰 How To Find Phone Number Information Use Truecaller API | mobile Number Osint | Ethical Hacking
Exploring the capabilities of the Truecaller API, OsintBlackEagle Sec demonstrates how it can be employed to unearth valuable intel about phone numbers. Integrating this approach into your OSINT toolkit can enhance the depth of your phone number investigation, revealing associated identities and additional contact details.
Analyst note: Truecaller API enhances phone number OSINT by revealing valuable intel, including associated identities and additional contact details. This is crucial for thorough investigations, helping to verify identities and uncover connections.
🎩 H/T: BlackEagle Sec
📰 Geolocating a Gang Leader Wanted by the FBI: An OSINT Explainer
Benjamin Strick's piece on tracking down a gang lord illustrates the power of OSINT in aiding law enforcement efforts. His analysis demonstrates how digital footprints can lead to the physical location of individuals attempting to remain hidden.
Analyst note: This is an excellent example of how an elusive target can be collected on with patience, persistence, and proper technique.
🎩 H/T: Benjamin Strick
🥸 Can Google track me just by my IP and browser fingerprint?
Even with a privacy-focused Android ROM and Mull browser, Google can track you via IP and browser fingerprint. Regular IP changes and no Google account offer some cover but not complete anonymity. WireGuard adds privacy, but interactions with Google services still risk exposure. Tor is the best option for online anonymity.
Analyst note: VPNs often anonymize, to an extent, an IP address when browsing the web; however, neglecting to mask your browser fingerprint can reduce your privacy. Separate, physical hardware combined with digital solutions will also be the best option.
🌟 Sponsor: Authentic8
Free OSINT guide for email investigations
OSINT expert Nihad Hassan created an in-depth guide on email methodology for OSINT investigations. Learn how to unlock a treasure trove of information about a target entity, hunt emails across search engines and social media, and find and verify addresses.
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