Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a valuable tool used by researchers, investigators, and analysts to gather information from publicly available sources. However, for someone new to the field, the terminologies and jargons used in OSINT can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore some of the main OSINT terminologies that one may come across in their research.
- Data Scraping: The process of extracting data from websites or digital sources using automated tools, commonly referred to as web scraping.
- Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT): The collection and analysis of information gathered from social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT): The collection, analysis, and visualization of geospatial information, including satellite imagery and maps.
- Human Intelligence (HUMINT): The collection and analysis of information gathered from human sources, such as interviews or informants.
- Dark Web: A part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is inaccessible without specific software, often used for illegal activities.
- Tor: An anonymous browser used to access the dark web.
- Metadata: Data that describes other data, such as the date and time a file was created, author name, and location data.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO): The practice of optimizing a website or content to rank higher in search engine results pages.
- Threat Intelligence: Information gathered to identify potential threats to an organization, including cyber-attacks, physical security breaches, and insider threats.
- Link Analysis: The process of visualizing relationships between pieces of information, such as connecting individuals or organizations to events or locations.
- Data Visualization: The representation of data in a visual format, including charts, graphs, and maps.
- Maltego: A data-mining tool used to visualize and analyze relationships between data points.
- Google Dorking: The use of advanced search techniques to uncover hidden information on the internet.
- Scrapinghub: A cloud-based data extraction platform for web scraping.
- Shodan: A search engine for internet-connected devices, including servers, routers, and cameras.
While this is not an exhaustive list, it provides a starting point for understanding some of the most commonly used terminologies in the world of OSINT. As with any field, OSINT terminology is continuously evolving and changing, and it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to conduct effective research.