Cyber Skyline Live - Open Source Intelligence Basics - March 17, 2022

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques to gather key information online. Drawing from insights shared by Franz Payer, CEO of Cyber Skyline, this guide aims to enhance your skills in leveraging online search tools effectively. Whether you're preparing for a cybersecurity competition or simply want to improve your investigative abilities, these steps will help you navigate the world of OSINT.

Step 1: Understanding Open Source Intelligence

• Define OSINT: Open Source Intelligence involves collecting and analyzing publicly available data from various sources to gather useful information.
• Importance of OSINT: It plays a crucial role in cybersecurity, law enforcement, and competitive intelligence, helping you make informed decisions based on accessible information.

Step 2: Identifying Information Sources

• Utilize various online platforms such as:
  • Search engines (Google, Bing)
  • Social media (Twitter, LinkedIn)
  • Public records (government databases, registries)
  • Forums and community boards (Reddit, specialized forums)
• Keep in mind the credibility and reliability of each source to ensure the quality of the information gathered.

Step 3: Crafting Effective Search Queries

• Use specific keywords related to your topic of interest.
• Incorporate search operators to refine results:
  • Quotes for exact phrases: "cybersecurity best practices"
  • Minus sign to exclude terms: OSINT -tools
  • Site-specific searches: site:gov cybersecurity
• Experiment with variations to uncover different aspects of your topic.

Step 4: Analyzing Collected Data

• Evaluate the relevance and accuracy of the information gathered.
• Cross-reference facts with multiple sources to verify authenticity.
• Look for patterns or connections that could lead to deeper insights.

Step 5: Documenting Your Findings

• Organize your data in a structured format (e.g., spreadsheets, documents).
• Use headings, bullet points, and tables to make information easily accessible.
• Maintain records of sources for future reference and validation.

Step 6: Ethical Considerations in OSINT

• Respect privacy and legal boundaries when gathering information.
• Avoid using data for malicious purposes or violating terms of service of platforms.
• Always attribute sources when sharing findings publicly.

Conclusion

Open Source Intelligence is a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your research and investigative capabilities. By understanding OSINT, identifying reliable sources, crafting effective search queries, analyzing data, and documenting findings ethically, you can leverage the vast amount of information available online. As you continue to practice these skills, consider engaging in competitions like the National Cyber League to further hone your abilities in a practical environment.