What Are Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Tools?
Open Source Intelligence software, abbreviated as OSINT software, are tools that allow the collection of information that is publicly available or open-source. The goal of OSINT software is mainly to learn more about someone or a business.According to former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, over 99% of the internet’s data cannot be accessed by major search engines. That includes public data that OSINT software can help you gather.
More advanced OSINT software will help you combine multiple data points n order to cross-reference information – and to gain a source of truth.
Top Features of OSINT Tools
Broadly speaking, there are then two key features to consider when choosing your OSINT software:- Passive: The most common way of digging for information. An investigator will enter the data they already have into a passive OSINT tool, and gain extra information. This is akin to fishing with a wide net.
- Active: A more focused way of acquiring data based on information that may be initially hidden. For instance, befriending a target’s acquaintance on Facebook to learn more about them in the long run. Going back to the fishing analogy, this is more like spearfishing. While you don’t need specific software for active tactics, you will find that many tools can help your strategy.
- published or broadcast (news, media, online posts, etc.)
- available by public request (e.g., government census information)
- available by subscription or purchase (paywalled publications, whitepapers)
- publicly searchable (clear web)