Amateur OSINT: A Beginner’s Guide to Open-Source Intelligence

In the digital age, information is everywhere. Whether it’s a social media post, a public document, or a company’s financial record, the sheer volume of available data can be overwhelming. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to the practice of collecting and analyzing publicly available information to gather valuable insights. Traditionally used by government agencies, OSINT is now widely embraced by businesses, journalists, ethical hackers, and even amateur enthusiasts looking to understand the world in a new way.

This blog is an introduction to amateur OSINT, offering a step-by-step guide to getting started, exploring the tools of the trade, and providing real-world examples to demonstrate the power of OSINT. By the end, you’ll have a foundation to begin your journey in the exciting and rapidly evolving field of open-source intelligence.

What is OSINT?

OSINT stands for Open-Source Intelligence, a practice involving the gathering and analysis of publicly accessible data. This data can come from a variety of sources:

• Social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are gold mines for user-generated content and profiles.
• Search engines: Tools like Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo index vast amounts of…