The OSINT Newsletter - July 2023 OSINT Review
The OSINT Newsletter - July 2023 OSINT Review
An overview of research in open source intelligence from July 2023
Welcome to the July 2023 OSINT review issue of the OSINT newsletter. I'm thrilled to announce that we now have over 4600 subscribers, and our community is thriving. This month’s issue looks at new case studies, tools, tactics, and techniques for open source intelligence. Keep reading for new email OSINT methods, geolocation tips, aviation OSINT, and other trending topics.
If you’re not already subscribed, consider subscribing for free or supporting this publication to help keep it alive.
OSINT News
From Pentesting to OSINT, Leveraging China's Sources of Information
In this blog post, the author highlights the comprehensive nature of their 'Chinese OSINT Investigator' course and its unique features compared to other Chinese OSINT courses in the market. They discuss various aspects of the course, including scenario-based learning, case studies, examples, guides, and visual aids. Drawing from their 10+ years of experience in penetration testing, the course aims to help learners overcome linguistic barriers and become proficient in conducting source development.
Using digital evidence to prosecute war crimes
This article discusses the use of digital evidence in prosecuting war crimes, particularly focusing on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) investigation in Ukraine. The author highlights the significance of digital documentation, including satellite imagery, geolocation analysis, photographs, and mobile device videos, as powerful supplements to eyewitness accounts. They mention a case involving the use of visual digital evidence in prosecuting Ahmad al-Faqi al-Mahdi for directing the destruction of UNESCO heritage sites in Timbuktu.
WhatsApp adding Twitter-like ability to follow with new 'channels' feature
WhatsApp is adding a new feature called "channels" that will allow users to follow accounts outside their personal contacts. This is similar to the "follow" feature on Twitter, where users can subscribe to accounts that they are interested in. Channels on WhatsApp will be separate from private chats, and will behave similarly to news feeds on other social media platforms.
Users will be able to search for channels to follow, and channel owners will be able to invite people to join using direct links. Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, said that channels will allow users to receive updates from their favorite sports teams, government officials, and other authorities. Among those who have already signed up for channels are football giants Manchester City and Barcelona. The new feature is currently being tested in a limited number of countries, but it is expected to be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks.
The Missing Semester of Your OSINT Education
The article "The Missing Semester of Your OSINT Education" by VEEXH discusses the importance of incorporating data analysis, programming, machine learning, and storytelling into open-source intelligence (OSINT) education. The author argues that these skills are essential for effectively collecting, evaluating, and analyzing publicly available information.
Data analysis can be used to identify patterns and trends in data, which can be helpful for understanding the context of OSINT findings. Programming can be used to automate tasks, such as scraping websites or crawling social media accounts. Machine learning can be used to build models that can predict future behavior or identify potential threats. Storytelling can be used to communicate OSINT findings in a clear and concise way.
The author concludes by arguing that by incorporating these skills into OSINT education, we can produce more effective OSINT practitioners who are able to make a real difference in the world.
Unmasking GhostEzra: How OSINT Investigators Reveal Hidden Identities
Logically, a team of investigators, uses Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to uncover the truth behind online identities and networks. In this video, they explain how they used OSINT to unmask GhostEzra, a mysterious figure behind a dangerous Telegram account.
The process began with gathering initial information about GhostEzra, such as their online posts and images. Logically then cross-referenced this data with other sources, such as online platforms and services. They also investigated associations and patterns in GhostEzra's online activity.
This process eventually led Logically to the true identity of GhostEzra. They were able to do this by combining the information they had gathered with their knowledge of OSINT techniques.
OSINT Community
Sentinel Hub Webinar: Open Source Intelligence - OSINT
This webinar demonstrates how to identify the time and location of events (geolocation and chronolocation) using multiple sources of publicly available information. The webinar was presented on June 20, 2023 by Eliot Higgins, founder and creative director of Bellingcat, a non-profit organization that uses OSINT to investigate conflict and other global issues.
Tactical OSINT Analyst shares a method for validating email addresses using Google Calendar.
wojciech releases a new update to a robust tool he is building for real-time situational awareness and monitoring. I remember when Kamerka came out and it’s come a long way.
This tutorial is part 18 of the OSINT At Home series and provides a simple and easy-to-follow guide on how to track planes and flights using a number of tools, including FlightRadar24. The tutorial covers the following topics:
How to identify where a plane is going based on an image
How to identify the model and airline of a plane seen on Google Maps or Google Earth
How to find out when a satellite image was taken using ApolloMapping
How to save KML and KMZ information of flights from FlightRadar, to load it in Google Earth
The tutorial also includes a case study on the identification of planes that were destroyed on the apron of Khartoum International Airport in April 2023 during clashes between Sudanese military and RSF. This case study demonstrates how flight tracking can be used to verify and identify aircraft, which can be important for journalists, researchers, and hobbyists.
This is the end of the free subscription to The OSINT Newsletter. To see practical applications of OSINT tactics and techniques, please consider supporting this publication with a paid subscription.
If you enjoy this publication, consider sharing it with your colleagues. Here’s an easy way to do it.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to