---
name: offensive-osint-methodology
description: "Structured OSINT methodology framework: target definition, source selection, collection workflows, data correlation, timeline reconstruction, and reporting. Use to guide systematic OSINT campaigns or teach OSINT methodology."
category: security
triggers:
  - "osint methodology"
  - "offensive osint methodology"
  - "recon"
  - "recon attack"
  - "recon exploitation"
  - "osint methodology methodology"
tools:
  - file_read
  - file_glob
  - file_grep
  - file_write
  - file_edit
  - dir_list
  - shell_execute
  - web_fetch
  - web_search
  - delegate
---

# SKILL: OSINT Methodology

## Metadata
- **Skill Name**: osint-methodology
- **Folder**: offensive-osint-methodology
- **Source**: https://github.com/SnailSploit/offensive-checklist/blob/main/osint-method.md

## Description
Structured OSINT methodology framework: target definition, source selection, collection workflows, data correlation, timeline reconstruction, and reporting. Use to guide systematic OSINT campaigns or teach OSINT methodology.

## Trigger Phrases
Use this skill when the conversation involves any of:
`OSINT methodology, open source intelligence, target profiling, data correlation, OSINT workflow, intelligence collection, OSINT campaign, recon methodology`


## Full Methodology

# OSINT Methodology

## OpSec

### Create a Sock Puppet

- Fake account that cannot be linked to you
- Build a posting history (post stuff, etc.)
- Resources
  - [Effective Sock Puppets](https://medium.com/@unseeable06/creating-an-effective-sock-puppet-for-your-osint-investigation-95fdbb8b075a)
  - [Ultimate Guide to Sock Puppets](https://osintteam.blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-sockpuppets-in-osint-how-to-create-and-utilize-them-effectively-d088c2ed6e36)
  - [Fake Name Generator](https://www.fakenamegenerator.com/)
  - [This Person does not Exist](https://thispersondoesnotexist.com/)
  - Use separate browser profiles or isolation tools (e.g., **Firefox Multi‑Account Containers**) for any sock‑puppet activity.
  - Acquire disposable VoIP/SMS numbers (e.g., **Burner**, **Silent Link**) to satisfy platform verification without exposing real phone numbers.
  - Audit every browser extension before installation; supply‑chain attacks on popular add‑ons have targeted investigators since 2024.
  - Use dedicated browser profiles/containers per case and persona; avoid logging into personal accounts.
  - Prefer hardware‑backed passkeys for critical accounts; store recovery codes offline.
  - Maintain a minimal chain‑of‑custody: timestamp actions, hash key artifacts, and record tool versions per case.

## Cryptocurrency Investigation

### Transaction Analysis

- Track transaction flows between wallets
- Identify clusters of related addresses
- Monitor large transfers and whale activity
- Use block explorers to trace fund movements
- Tools:
  - Cielo: Multi-chain wallet tracking (EVM, Bitcoin, Solana, Tron)
  - TRM: Create relationship graphs for addresses/transactions
  - Arkham: Multichain explorer with entity labels, graph creation, and alerts
  - MetaSleuth: Transaction visualization for retail users
  - Range: CCTP bridge explorer
  - Socketscan: EVM bridge explorer
  - Pulsy: Bridge explorer aggregator
  - Chainalysis: **Horizon 2.0** cross‑chain tracing suite (paid)
  - Elliptic: **Lens** visual link explorer (launched Dec 2024)
  - Most compliance suites now provide **real‑time bridge‑risk scoring** dashboards (e.g., TRM, Chainalysis)

#### Layer 2 / Rollup Analysis

- **zkSync Era / Polygon zkEVM**: Zero-knowledge proofs hide transaction details on L2; only deposit/withdrawal bridge events visible on L1. Use [zkSync Era Block Explorer](https://explorer.zksync.io/) and [PolygonScan zkEVM](https://zkevm.polygonscan.com/).
- **Arbitrum / Optimism**: Transactions batched and compressed; L2 state reconstructed from L1 calldata. Use [Arbiscan](https://arbiscan.io/) and [Optimistic Etherscan](https://optimistic.etherscan.io/). Check [L2Beat](https://l2beat.com/) for risk framework and technology stack.
- **StarkNet**: Cairo VM with STARK proofs; different address derivation. Use [Voyager](https://voyager.online/) or [StarkScan](https://starkscan.co/).
- **Base / Blast / Scroll**: OP Stack or ZK-rollups; similar challenges to above.
- **Privacy protocols on L2**:
  - Aztec Network: Programmable privacy with noir circuits; limited block explorer visibility.
  - Railgun: Privacy system for DeFi on Ethereum/Polygon/BSC; shielded pools obscure sender/receiver/amount.
  - Privacy Pools: Proposed Tornado Cash successor with association sets; not yet deployed at scale.
- **Challenges**:
  - Bridge mixers (Hop Protocol, Across, Stargate) create synthetic liquidity pools that break direct tracing; funds enter/exit via pool swaps.
  - Cross-rollup transfers further obfuscate trails; requires tracking via bridge contracts and relayer infrastructure.
  - Many L2s lack mature analytics tools; explorers show transactions but relationship graphs are sparse.
- **Methodology**:
  - Start with L1 bridge events (deposits/withdrawals); these anchor L2 activity to known addresses.
  - Use L2-specific explorers to trace activity within the rollup.
  - For privacy protocols, focus on timing analysis, deposit/withdrawal clustering, and off-chain metadata (transaction memos, Tornado Cash-style notes).

#### Cautions (bridges and heuristics)

- Bridges/mixers/wrappers introduce mint/burn semantics; avoid assuming 1:1 flows without on‑chain proofs.
- MEV/sandwich and aggregator paths can create false "direct" trails; validate with multiple datasets.
- Cross‑label sanity: vendor labels can disagree; treat labels as hypotheses, not ground truth.
- **L2 finality**: Optimistic rollups have 7-day challenge periods; zkRollups finalize faster but proofs can be batched/delayed.

### Wallet Profiling

- Analyze wallet age and activity patterns
- Check for connections to known entities
- Monitor balance changes over time
- Identify associated exchange accounts

### Exchange Investigation

- Track deposits/withdrawals
- Monitor trading patterns
- Identify linked accounts
- Check for regulatory compliance

### NFT Investigation

- Track ownership history
- Monitor sales and transfers
- Analyze metadata and hidden content
- Identify connected wallets and marketplaces

## Image Analysis

- Contextual Analysis
  - Use multiple reverse image search engines to find matches or similar images:
    - [Google Images](https://images.google.com/) / **Google Lens** (note: Google Lens now requires authentication for some features; use incognito/sock-puppet account)
    - [Yandex Images](https://yandex.com/images/)
    - [Bing Image Match](https://www.bing.com/images/)
    - [TinEye](https://tineye.com/)
    - [Copyseeker](https://copyseeker.com/) AI‑based reverse‑image search engine
    - [Perplexity Pro](https://www.perplexity.ai/) with image upload: AI-powered contextual analysis and web search
  - Use browser extensions for quick searches:
    - [RevEye Reverse Image Search](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/reveye-reverse-image-sear/kejaocbebojdmebagkjghljkeefgimdj)
    - [Search by Image](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/search-by-image/cnojnbdhbhnkbcieeekonklommdnndci) (multi-engine support)
  - Change search terms and time to narrow down the possible results
  - You can leverage [FakeNews Debunker Extension](https://chromewebstore.google.com/detail/fake-news-debunker-by-inv/mhccpoafgdgbhnjfhkcmgknndkeenfhe) as well
  - [Picarta](https://picarta.ai/) might help with geolocation as well
  - Check for embedded metadata (EXIF data) that may contain geolocation or device information:
    - [ExifTool](https://exiftool.org/)
    - [Jeffrey's Image Metadata Viewer](http://exif.regex.info/exif.cgi)
    - [EXIF Viewer Pro](https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/exif-viewer-pro/mmbhfeiddhndihdjeganjggkmjapkffm)
- Foreground
  - Signs, license plates, clothing styles, vegetation, and weather conditions.
- Background
  - Landmarks, unique buildings, mountains, bodies of water, and infrastructure.
- Map Markings
  - Flora and fauna types, which can indicate geographic regions.
  - Seasonal indicators like snow, foliage, or daylight hours.
- Trial and Error
  - Manually compare features from the image with maps and street views.
  - Use platforms like `Google Street View`, `Bing Streetside`, and `Yandex Panorama` to virtually explore locations.
  - Employ [Overpass Turbo](https://overpass-turbo.eu/)
  - Use Snap Map public stories for area‑based context pivots.
  - Consider Google Earth Studio for stabilized timelapse and bearing estimation.
- Pull Text from Image
  - you can use google or Yandex OCR to pull text from image
  - you can also search that text alongside your image for better results
  - Transcript extraction for video (YouTube): fetch captions to improve keyword and entity search.

### Image Forensics

- Analyze images for signs of manipulation or to uncover hidden details.
- Tools
  - [Forensically](https://29a.ch/photo-forensics/)
  - [FotoForensics](http://fotoforensics.com/)
  - [Bellingcat Photo Checker](https://photo-checker.bellingcat.com/)
  - [Sensity AI Deepfake Monitor](https://platform.sensity.ai/)
  - [Exposing.ai](https://exposing.ai/) facial‑dataset search
  - C2PA verification: [Adobe Content Credentials Verify](https://verify.contentauthenticity.org/) and `c2patool`
- Techniques
  - Error Level Analysis (ELA)
  - Metadata examination
  - Clone detection
  - Noise analysis

### Mountain Geolocation

- Use tools to identify mountain peaks and match them with the image.
- Tools
  - [PeakVisor](https://peakvisor.com/)
  - [Peakfinder](https://www.peakfinder.org/)
  - [PeakLens](https://peaklens.com/) AR mountain identifier
- Methodology
  - Align the silhouette of mountains in the image with the 3D models in the tools.
  - Adjust parameters like viewing angle and elevation.

### Fire Identification

- Identify fires, deforestation, or environmental changes.
- Tools
  - [NASA FIRMS](https://earthdata.nasa.gov/earth-observation-data/near-real-time/firms)
  - [Sentinel Hub Playground](https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/sentinel-playground/)
  - [Global Forest Watch](https://www.globalforestwatch.org/)
  - [Copernicus EFFIS](https://effis.jrc.ec.europa.eu/) EU wildfire monitoring portal

### Track and Find Planes

- Use [Apollo Hunter](https://imagehunter.apollomapping.com/) to find exact satellite image time
- Then use [FlightRadar](https://www.flightradar24.com/) to track that plane that you found
- Verify the size and plane features
- [ADS-B Exchange](https://www.adsbexchange.com/) – unfiltered global flight data

## Video Analysis

- Find context regarding the video
  - Signs, banners, and billboards.
  - Architectural styles and building materials.
  - Road markings and traffic signs.
  - License plates
  - Clothing styles and local customs.
  - Search for video snippets on platforms like YouTube, Twitter, or TikTok.
- Metadata Extraction
  - [YouTube Data Viewer](https://citizenevidence.amnestyusa.org/)
  - ExifTool: Extract metadata from downloaded video files.
- Platform-Specific Techniques
  - TikTok and Instagram
    - APIs change often; prefer platform exports when available
    - Sample cadence: 1–4 h for fast‑moving topics; keep a fixed persona and capture logs
    - Analyze user profiles for location tags; examine comments and hashtags for clues
  - **Bluesky AT Protocol**
    - Resolve handles via `https://bsky.social/xrpc/com.atproto.identity.resolveHandle?handle=<handle>` to get DID
    - Extract full identity document: `https://plc.directory/<did>` (returns PLC operations, handle history, PDS endpoint)
    - Real-time firehose: Use [Firesky](https://firesky.tv/) for live keyword/hashtag monitoring across entire network
    - Analytics: [SkyView](https://bsky.jazco.dev/) for follower graphs, post engagement, network analysis
    - Archive early: AT Protocol allows post deletion and handle migration; capture DIDs and post CIDs
    - Labelers and moderation: Check user's selected labelers (affects content visibility); different from centralized moderation
    - PDS (Personal Data Server): Users can self-host; identify via DID document to understand data custody
  - **Mastodon / Fediverse**
    - Instance matters: `@user@mastodon.social` vs `@user@infosec.exchange` - different jurisdictions, moderation policies, logging practices
    - WebFinger for discovery: `https://<instance>/.well-known/webfinger?resource=acct:<user>@<instance>` returns ActivityPub actor URL
    - Cross-instance search: [FediSearch](https://fedisearch.skorpil.cz/) aggregates public posts; not all instances are indexed
    - Instance enumeration: [Fediverse Observer](https://fediverse.observer/), [Fediverse.party](https://fediverse.party/) for instance lists, stats, software versions
    - Graph analysis: Follower/following lists are public by default; export via API for network mapping
    - Privacy considerations: Some instances (e.g., Pixelfed, PeerTube) federate differently; check instance software type
    - Archive via API: ActivityPub objects are JSON-LD; capture `id`, `published`, `content`, `attributedTo` fields
    - Deleted content: Federation is asynchronous; deletions may not propagate immediately; check caches and relay instances
- Auditory Clues
  - Languages or dialects spoken.
  - Background noises (train horns, call to prayer, wildlife).
  - Tools
    - [Audacity](https://www.audacityteam.org/): Audio editing software
    - [Sonic Visualiser](https://www.sonicvisualiser.org/): Visualize audio data
    - [SoundCMD](https://soundcmd.com/) crowd‑sourced sound‑matching engine
  - Methodology
    - Create spectrograms to identify unique sound patterns.
    - Use **Shazam** or **SoundHound** to identify music tracks.
- Extract Key Frames
  - Use tools like [FFmpeg](https://ffmpeg.org/) or [VLC Media Player](https://www.videolan.org/vlc/) to capture frames.
  - Extract frames at regular intervals or when significant changes occur.
  - Stitch frames together if the camera pans to create a panoramic image.
  - Create a panorama if the camera pans across a scene.
- Analyze frames using the same techniques as in image geolocation.
  - When possible, obtain the original upload (avoid re‑encodes) to retain metadata and audio clarity.
  - Decode platform snowflakes (e.g., Discord, Twitter/X) to infer server‑side timestamps for events.
  - **Threads by Instagram**: Similar to Instagram API limitations; use web scraping or official exports where available.
  - **Video stabilization**: Use FFmpeg `deshake` or Blender VSE to stabilize panning/shaky footage for better landmark identification.

## Chronolocation and Time Analysis

### Shadow Analysis

- Use shadows to estimate the time of day and date when the image or video was captured.
- Methodology
  - Determine the length and direction of shadows in the image.
  - Identify objects casting the shadows (e.g., poles, buildings).
- Calculate Sun Position
  - Use the object's height and shadow length to calculate the solar elevation angle.
  - Determine the azimuth (sun's compass direction).
- Tools
  - [SunCalc](https://www.suncalc.org/)
  - [ShadeMap](https://shademap.app/) – interactive 3‑D shadow simulator
  - Bellingcat **Shadow‑Finder** micro‑tool
    - Input location coordinates.
    - Adjust dates and times to match shadow lengths and directions.
  - **SunCalc.net**: Similar tool with additional features.
  - NOAA Solar Calculator for precise solar angles by date/time.
  - Use UTC consistently across all notes and screenshots.
  - OSM map‑compare sites and EOX Cloudless layers to cross‑check base imagery.

### Astronomical Calculations

- For night images, use celestial bodies to determine time and location.
- Tools
  - [Stellarium](https://stellarium.org/): Planetarium software
  - SkyMap: Mobile app for stargazing.
  - [MoonCalc](https://www.mooncalc.org/)
- Methodology
  - Identify visible stars, constellations, or the moon phase.
  - Use software to simulate the sky at different times and locations.
  - Match the celestial arrangement in the image to a specific date and time.

### Satellite Imagery Time

- Use historical satellite imagery to determine changes over time.
- Tools
  - **Google Earth Pro**:
    - Use the historical imagery slider to view images from different dates.
  - [Sentinel Hub EO Browser](https://apps.sentinel-hub.com/eo-browser/)
    - Access Sentinel and Landsat data.
    - Create TimeLapse animations.
- Methodology
  - Enter the location coordinates.
  - Select appropriate satellite datasets (Sentinel-2, Landsat 8).
  - Analyze changes in the environment to narrow down dates.
  - Record coordinates in WKT and hash cached tilesets for reproducibility where feasible.

## Threat Actor Investigation

### Actor‑Centric Workflow

- Scoping
  - Define the actor hypothesis (e.g., APT28, APT29, Turla, Sandworm; APT10, APT41, Mustang Panda, Volt Typhoon).
  - Collect seed reports from CERTs and vendors; extract indicators and TTPs.
- Indicator harvesting
  - Parse IOCs (domains, IPs, hashes, JA3/JA4, user‑agents) from advisories and reports; normalize and de‑duplicate.
  - Validate IOCs with passive DNS, CT logs, sandbox submissions, and open telemetry where possible.
- Infrastructure mapping
  - Build pivots from CT logs (SANs, issuer, serials), shared hosting, name‑server reuse, registrar accounts, and HTML/page fingerprints.
  - Enrich with ASN/WHOIS history, RPKI/ROA status, geolocation, and hosting provider relationships.
- Artifact profiling
  - Extract PE/ELF metadata (PDB paths, compile timestamps, Rich headers, resources language, code‑signing certs).
  - Cluster with fuzzy hashes (SSDEEP/TLSH) and identify packers/loaders; search YARA and sandboxes for near‑matches.
- Social and procurement pivots
  - Pivot on developer handles, code snippets, academic theses, job posts, and procurement records that imply capability or mandate.
- Falsification and reporting
  - Weigh each linkage (weak/medium/strong); document alternatives; avoid single‑source attribution.
  - Map TTPs to MITRE ATT&CK and cite sources with exact sections/pages.

### Attribution Discipline

- Separate capability from intent and sponsorship; avoid mirror‑imaging.
- Use a rule‑of‑three: require at least three independent weak signals, or one strong + one weak, before asserting linkage.
- Prefer durable pivots (registrar accounts, code‑signing cert reuse, build path idioms) over ephemeral ones (resolving IPs).
- Clearly mark uncertainty levels and confidence (e.g., low/medium/high) and distinguish correlation from control.

### Russia‑Specific Pivots

- Corporate/people
  - EGRUL/EGRIP extracts (official registry; captcha‑gated) and Rusprofile/Kontur.Focus summaries for entities and directors.
  - Government procurement: `zakupki.gov.ru` (tenders, contractors), regional portals, and grant listings.
  - Job boards (e.g., `hh.ru`) for role requirements, tech stacks, and office locations.
- Infrastructure
  - RU WHOIS: `whois.tcinet.ru`; check registrar accounts, nserver patterns, and RU‑center usage.
  - Telegram is widely used; analyze channels, admins, cross‑posts, and bot ecosystems.
- Media/platforms
  - VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, Rutube, and regional news portals; search in Russian and transliterations.

### China‑Specific Pivots

- Corporate/people
  - National Enterprise Credit Info System (`gsxt.gov.cn`) for registered entities; cross‑check with Tianyancha/Qichacha (paid/freemium).
  - ICP filings (`beian.miit.gov.cn`) to link domains to legal entities via Unified Social Credit Codes (USCC).
- Infrastructure
  - CNNIC WHOIS and hosting footprints; common domestic clouds (Aliyun, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud) and registrar patterns.
- Media/platforms
  - Weibo, WeChat Official Accounts (via `weixin.sogou.com`), Zhihu, Bilibili, Douyin, Xiaohongshu; search in Chinese and Pinyin.

### Infrastructure & Internet Measurement

- Map IPs to ASNs (HE BGP Toolkit, RIPEstat, BGPView); observe peering and hosting ecosystems.
- Check CT logs (crt.sh) for certificate reuse and issuance cadence; pivot on subjects/issuers/serials.
- Use URLScan and similar crawlers to capture HTML fingerprints, favicons (mmh3), and script hashes for clustering.
- Monitor DNS over time (SecurityTrails PDNS, DNSDB) for subdomain churn and staging domains.

## People & Social Media Investigation

### Username Enumeration

- Tools:
  - [WhatsMyName](https://whatsmyname.app/)
  - [NameCheckup](https://namecheckup.com/)
  - [Sherlock](https://github.com/sherlock-project/sherlock)

### Profile Picture & Face Search

- Tools:
  - [PimEyes](https://pimeyes.com/)
  - [Exposing.ai](https://exposing.ai/)
  - Azure Face API (subject to compliance policies)

### Social Graph & Content Analysis

- Tools:
  - [Maltego](https://www.maltego.com/)
  - [snscrape](https://github.com/snscrape/snscrape)
  - [SocialBlade](https://socialblade.com/)
  - Bluesky/Mastodon: use instance explorers and handle resolvers; pivot across the Fediverse

## Infrastructure OSINT

### IP & Domain Discovery

- Tools:
  - [Shodan](https://www.shodan.io/)
  - [Censys](https://censys.io/)
  - [Onyphe](https://www.onyphe.io/)
  - [DNSDB](https://www.farsightsecurity.com/solutions/dnsdb/)

### Certificate & Passive DNS

- Tools:
  - [crt.sh](https://crt.sh/)
  - [SecurityTrails](https://securitytrails.com/)

### Malware & Artifact Analysis Workflow

- Static triage
  - Hash (SHA‑256), strings, import tables, PDB path, Rich header, resources; check VT/Malpedia family hints (do not rely solely on AV labels).
- Dynamic/sandbox
  - Execute in sandboxes (ANY.RUN, Hybrid Analysis, CAPE, Tria.ge) to collect network IOCs, mutexes, file drops, and C2 patterns.
- Clustering
  - Use SSDEEP/TLSH and YARA matches to find related samples; compare config schemas and protocol quirks.
- Reporting
  - Normalize IOCs (STIX 2.1 if possible), include ATT&CK technique IDs, and provide reproduction steps.

### Telegram/WeChat Investigation

- Telegram
  - Use public analytics (TGStat, Telemetr, Combot) for channel growth, overlaps, and forwarding graphs.
  - Export channels with Telegram Desktop; preserve message IDs, timestamps (UTC), and media hashes.
- WeChat
  - Search Official Accounts via `weixin.sogou.com`; archive articles (PNG + WARC); capture `__biz` IDs and publisher metadata.
  - Expect link rot and content takedowns—archive early.

## Automation & Case Management

- Tools:
  - [Hunchly](https://www.hunch.ly/) (browser evidence capture)
  - [Kasm Workspaces](https://kasmweb.com/) OSINT‑ready workspace images
  - [ArchiveBox](https://archivebox.io/) – self‑hosted web archiver
  - [SingleFileZ](https://github.com/gildas-lormeau/SingleFileZ)

## Synthetic Media Verification

- Tools:
  - [Sensity AI](https://sensity.ai/)
  - [Hive Moderation](https://hivemoderation.com/)
  - [Reality Defender](https://realitydefender.com/)

---

## Attribution

Ported from [SnailSploit/Claude-Red](https://github.com/SnailSploit/Claude-Red)
(`Skills/*/offensive-osint-methodology`), Apache-2.0 licensed. Methodology preserved; Claude-specific
mechanics rewritten for OSA's builtin tools.

Part of the offensive skill library — see also `penetration-testing` for the
full-engagement workflow and `offensive-osint` / `osint-methodology` for
reconnaissance methodology.

## Tool status note

External CLI tools referenced above are classified at authoring time as `[LOCAL]`
(verified present), `[INSTALL]` (one-command install), or `[UPSTREAM-REF]`
(needs API keys or interactive use — methodology reference only). If you invoke a
tool and it is absent, check for an `[INSTALL]` note or fall back to the OSA
builtin tools; never fabricate tool output.