OSINT Frameworks & Portals
OSINT Framework
The definitive interactive mind-map of OSINT tools, organized by investigation type and target data.
CommanderGirl's OSINT List
A highly-curated start.me page of OSINT tools, links and resources from a trusted investigator.
Nixintel's OSINT Resource List
Comprehensive OSINT resource collection maintained by investigative journalist Nixintel.
OSINT Handbook 2020
Comprehensive PDF handbook on OSINT methodology, tools, and best practices by I-Intelligence.
IntelTechniques Links
Michael Bazzell's curated OSINT search tools — the gold standard for investigators.
Awesome OSINT (GitHub)
Massive community-maintained list of OSINT tools, resources, and techniques on GitHub.
Courses & Training
| Course | Provider | Level | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Fundamentals | TCM Security | Beginner | Paid | TCM Academy |
| IntelTechniques OSINT Training | Michael Bazzell | Intermediate | Paid | IntelTechniques |
| SANS FOR578 — Cyber Threat Intelligence | SANS Institute | Advanced | Paid | SANS |
| Trace Labs OSINT Training | Trace Labs | Beginner–Intermediate | Free | Trace Labs |
| OSINT Combine Free Courses | OSINT Combine | Beginner | Free | OSINT Combine |
| Bellingcat Online Investigation Workshop | Bellingcat | Beginner–Intermediate | Free | Bellingcat |
| First Draft Verification Handbook | First Draft News | Beginner | Free | First Draft |
| Cybrary OSINT Courses | Cybrary | All levels | Freemium | Cybrary |
Essential Books
Open Source Intelligence Techniques
Michael Bazzell's bible for OSINT investigators. Covers tools, methodology, and practical workflows. Updated yearly.
Extreme Privacy
Michael Bazzell's guide to removing your digital footprint and protecting personal information from OSINT.
The Art of Invisibility
Kevin Mitnick's guide to digital privacy and protecting yourself from surveillance in the modern world.
Social Engineering: The Science of Human Hacking
Christopher Hadnagy's definitive guide on human-based intelligence gathering and social engineering.
Hunting Cyber Criminals
Vinny Troia's book on tracking cybercriminals using open source intelligence techniques.
The OSINT Handbook
By I-Intelligence — a practical 140-page guide covering the OSINT cycle from tasking to reporting.
YouTube Channels & Videos
🎥IntelTechniquesMichael Bazzell's OSINT video tutorials
🎥TCM SecurityOSINT fundamentals course content
🎥Null ByteHacking, OSINT & security tutorials
🎥OSINT DojoOSINT tutorials and challenge walkthroughs
🎥Trace LabsOSINT for missing persons CTF team
🎥HackerSploitLinux security & OSINT tools
🔍BellingcatInvestigative journalism & OSINT
🎧Darknet DiariesTrue cyber crime & intelligence stories
Podcasts
🎙️Privacy, Security & OSINT ShowMichael Bazzell's weekly podcast
🎙️Darknet DiariesTrue stories from the dark side of the internet
🎙️Risky BusinessInformation security news & interviews
🎙️OSINT PodcastWeekly OSINT news and discussions
🎙️The Tradecraft Intelligence PodcastIntelligence tradecraft & OSINT techniques
🎙️Smashing SecurityCybersecurity news & privacy
CTF Challenges & Practice Labs
Trace Labs Search Party CTF
OSINT CTF competitions using real missing persons cases. Develop skills while helping others.
OSINT Dojo
Progressive OSINT challenges designed to teach new techniques step by step.
Hack Investigator
OSINT practice challenges with walkthrough guides for beginners.
TryHackMe OSINT Path
Guided learning path covering OSINT fundamentals with hands-on labs in browser.
CTFtime
Global CTF competition calendar. Many events include OSINT challenge categories.
OhShINT GitBook
Free OSINT challenge writeups and learning resources compiled by the community.
Communities & Forums
💬Trace Labs DiscordOSINT community for missing persons work
💬OSINT Dojo DiscordChallenges, discussion & help
🤖r/OSINTOSINT subreddit community
🤖r/investigativeosintInvestigative OSINT techniques
🐦#OSINT on X/TwitterCommunity hashtag for OSINT tips
💼OSINT LinkedIn GroupsProfessional OSINT networking
🔍Bellingcat CommunityInvestigative journalism & OSINT
🐦@osintcurio_usDaily OSINT news & tools on Twitter
Certifications
| Certification | Issuer | Focus | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOSI — GIAC Open Source Intelligence | GIAC / SANS | OSINT methodology, tools, and techniques | ~$949 |
| GCTI — GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence | GIAC / SANS | Threat intelligence lifecycle | ~$949 |
| CISA — Certified Intelligence & Security Analyst | ISACA | Broad intelligence & security analytics | Paid |
| eJPT — eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester | INE / eLearnSecurity | Includes recon & OSINT components | ~$200 |
| Maltego Certified Analyst | Maltego | Maltego platform proficiency | Paid |
Notable OSINT Experts & Researchers
👤Michael BazzellAuthor of OSINT Techniques, Privacy & Security Podcast
👤Sector035Week in OSINT author, researcher
👤NixintelInvestigative journalist & OSINT trainer
👤BellingcatOpen-source investigation organization
👤Amir RamirezOSINT trainer & practitioner
👤SinwindieMaltego expert & OSINT developer
👤@osintcurio_usOSINT news & tips aggregator
👤G0dukDark web OSINT researcher
Blogs & Newsletters
🌐BellingcatInvestigative journalism & OSINT how-tos
📰Week in OSINTWeekly OSINT news digest by Sector035
📝IntelTechniques BlogMichael Bazzell's OSINT updates
🔍Nixintel BlogDeep OSINT technique articles
🔗OSINT Combine BlogTool tutorials and OSINT workflows
🗝️Key Findings BlogPractical OSINT technique breakdowns
🔐SecurityTrails BlogDNS & domain OSINT guides
📡OSINT CuriousOSINT webcast & blog