SOCIAL MEDIA OSINT (private accounts)

Summary

The video delves into open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques used for gathering information about individuals, even with private social media accounts. It illustrates methods like reverse image searches and Google Dorking to track public interactions and documents associated with a target. The tutorial highlights tools for social media intelligence, such as face recognition software and advanced search features on various platforms. A strong disclaimer emphasizes the legality of gathering information while warning against unethical use. Ultimately, the video serves as a primer for viewers interested in the depth of information available online.

Takeaways

• 🔍 OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) allows gathering information about individuals, even from private accounts.
• 📸 A practical example involves using reverse image search to identify locations in photos posted on social media.
• 🌐 Yandex is highlighted as a more effective image search tool compared to Google for OSINT investigations.
• 💬 Google search operators can help locate public posts that a user has commented on or been tagged in.
• 📄 Searching for public documents (PDF, Excel, Word) associated with a person's name can yield valuable insights.
• 🗺️ Including location keywords in searches can help discover additional social media profiles and personal details.
• 👤 Facial recognition tools like face check.id can identify individuals online through their profile pictures.
• 📧 Email addresses can be used to uncover associated social media accounts via platforms like epos or haveinpon.com.
• 🛠️ Intel techniques.com provides a variety of tools for conducting OSINT on social media platforms.
• ⚖️ While gathering publicly available information is legal, it should not be used for unethical purposes.

Q & A

What is open source intelligence (OSINT)?

Open source intelligence (OSINT) is a technique used to gather information from publicly available sources, often utilized by hackers and law enforcement to track down targets or gather data.

How can a reverse image search help in OSINT investigations?

A reverse image search can help identify the location of a photo by finding similar images on the internet, but its effectiveness may be limited if distinctive features in the image are overlooked.

What tool is mentioned for removing window frames from images?

The tool mentioned for removing window frames from images is Cleanup.pictures, which helps in preparing images for better reverse image searches.

What is the significance of using Yandex for image searches?

Yandex is highlighted as a Russian search engine with superior image searching capabilities compared to Google, often yielding better results in locating images and associated buildings.

What is the 'Pyon' search operator and how is it used?

'Pyon' is a special search operator used in Google searches to find public posts on Instagram by entering 'Pyon' followed by 'instagram.com' and the username, helping to locate posts the subject has interacted with.

How can specific file types aid in OSINT investigations?

Using search operators like 'filetype' allows investigators to search for documents (PDF, Excel, Word) that might contain a person's name, revealing valuable information such as court records, resumes, or contact details.

What additional insights can be gained from a subject's social media profile?

A subject's social media profile can provide insights into their interests, such as their occupation or hobbies, which can lead to discovering additional profiles on platforms like GitHub or DeviantArt.

What facial recognition tool is mentioned in the script?

The tool mentioned for facial recognition is FaceCheck.ID, which helps to locate a person's online presence using their profile picture.

What can you do if you find a subject's email address?

If you find a subject's email address, you can use websites like Epos or Have I Been Pwned to discover associated social media accounts, providing further avenues for investigation.

Where can one find more OSINT tools for social media platforms?

Additional OSINT tools for multiple social media platforms can be found on the website IntelTechniques.com, which offers a range of resources for investigators.