OSINT stands for Open Source Intelligence, which refers to any information that can legally be gathered from free, public sources about an individual or organization. In practice, that tends to mean information found on the internet, but technically any public information falls into the category of OSINT whether it’s books or reports in a public library, articles in a newspaper or statements in a press release.
OSINT also includes information that can be found in different types of media, too. Though we typically think of it as being text-based, information in images, videos, webinars, public speeches and conferences all fall under the term.
—SentinelOne, “What is Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)?”
OSINT Framework is focused on gathering information from free tools or resources. The intention is to help people find free OSINT resources.
—OSINT Framework
The Certified in Open Source Intelligence (C|OSINT) program is the first and only globally recognized and accredited board certification on open source intelligence.
—Listed in DHS, CISA, NICCS Education and Training Catalog.
Intelligence collected from public information online could be impacting traditional warfare and altering the calculus between large and small powers.
Open Source Intelligence May Be Changing Old-School War Read More
The page-turning inside story of the global team wielding the internet to fight for facts and combat autocracy-revealing the extraordinary ability of ordinary people to hold the powerful to account.
We Are Bellingcat: Global Crime, Online Sleuths, and the Bold Future of News Read More
The data detectives at Bellingcat showed 60 Minutes how social media is providing evidence of alleged Russian war crimes and other atrocities.
How Bellingcat is using TikTok to investigate the war in Ukraine Read More
Painstaking new techniques for archiving social media posts could provide crucial evidence in future prosecutions.
The Race to Archive Social Posts That May Prove Russian War Crimes Read More
With more videos and images coming to light each day, Bellingcat and members of its Global Authentication Project have begun to log and map these incidents on an interactive TimeMap.
Hospitals Bombed and Apartments Destroyed: Mapping Incidents of Civilian Harm in Ukraine Read More
From Sergei Skripal to Alexei Navalny, Russia’s attempts to silence its enemies have been forensically exposed. At the centre of these revelations has been investigative unit Bellingcat
How Bellingcat uncovered Russia’s secret network of assassins Read More
With vast amounts of data becoming available to intelligence analysts, new tools will help them sift and interpret it all—but they will introduce new risks, too.
As Russia Plots Its Next Move, an AI Listens to the Chatter Read More
It takes five minutes to put a name to a soldier’s face using little more than a screenshot, but there’s a catch.
Online Sleuths Are Using Face Recognition to ID Russian Soldiers Read More
While the Russian invasion rages on the ground, companies that operate data-collecting satellites find themselves in an awkward position.
High Above Ukraine, Satellites Get Embroiled in the War Read More
From high-resolution satellite images to TikTok videos, governments no longer control information from the front lines.
How Open-Source Intelligence Is Helping Clear The Fog Of War In Ukraine Read More
Images of crimes against humanity are in danger of being lost. Fortunately, best practices exist, and the international community needs to implement them.
What Russia Is Doing to Ukraine Must Be Preserved—Not Just Seen Read More
As troops amass on Ukraine’s border, civilians capture it all on camera. Online sleuths are now unpacking the details.
If Russia Invades Ukraine, TikTok Will See It Up Close Read More
Roman Dobrokhotov has been playing a dangerous game for a Russian reporter: identifying agents of the GRU military intelligence agency.
The Russian Sleuth Who Outs Moscow’s Elite Hackers and Assassins Read More