The OSINT Handbook: A practical guide to gathering and analyzing online information

by Dale Meredith

Deep dive into exploring top OSINT tools, building threat intelligence, and creating a resilient cyber defense against evolving online threat

Key FeaturesExploring best open-source intelligence tools such as Maltego, Shodan, Aircrack-ng and many moreBuilding an OSINT-driven Threat Intelligence Program and mitigating cyber risksCreating and building a resilient cyber defense using OSINT techniquesBook DescriptionThe growth of IT and digital businesses has brought about an increase in online threats, posing significant risks to cybersecurity. The OSINT framework plays a crucial role by providing organizations with a powerful toolset to proactively embrace security measures effectively.

This book introduces the concept of OSINT, explores its applications, and addresses the legal and ethical considerations associated with OSINT research. It provides essential techniques for gathering and analyzing information using search engines, social media platforms, and other web-based resources. It emphasizes the importance of anonymity and offers practical techniques for secure browsing, managing digital footprints, and creating online personas. You will gain hands-on experience with popular OSINT tools like Recon-ng, Maltego, Shodan, and Aircrack-ng. The book concludes by examining how OSINT can mitigate cyber risks and integrate OSINT data into threat intelligence platforms and consists real-world case studies illustrating OSINT's effectiveness in anticipating, preventing, and responding to cyber threats.

By the end, you are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to confidently navigate the digital landscape and unleash the power of information through OSINT.

What you will learnReal-life Examples of OSINT in Action and its best practicesAutomating OSINT Collection and AnalysisHarnessing social media data for OSINT purposesManaging your digital footprint to reduce risk and maintain privacyUncovering and analyzing hidden information within documentsImplementing an effective OSINT-driven threat intelligence programLeveraging OSINT techniques to enhance organizational securityWho this book is forThis book is for ethical hackers and security professionals who want to upskill their knowledge in cybersecurity and would like to be one step ahead of online threats by getting complete insights of OSINT tools and techniques. Basic knowledge of cybersecurity concepts would be required.

Table of ContentsThe Secrets Hiding in Plain Unveiling the Power of OSINTThe OSINT Methods and Techniques for Gathering and Analyzing Information Invisible and The Importance of Anonymity in OSINT Analysis Exploring the How Discovery Tools Reveal Hidden InformationFrom Recon-ng to A Tour of the Best Open-source Intelligence ToolsThe Eyes and Ears of Threat How OSINT Helps Mitigate Cyber RisksDefending the Digital Protecting Your Identity and Organization from Cyber Threats

198 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2024

Reviews

[Riley Forester · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beginning was useful and I’m glad to have a reference book for tools. The end turned more into a blue team book. Like other reviewers, I also wish it went a lot deeper and had more practical examples.

For example how do I make my own webscraper that is useful? He barely scratched the surface.

Overall I found it helpful and plan on revisiting it for jobs but hopefully v2 will be thicker.

[John Fredrickson · Rating 3 out of 5]

The issue with this book is depth. Meredith does a good job in covering the 'plethora' (a favorite word of his) of tools that are available to do OSINT work, but does not really get into details about what to do with these tools. Much of the context of why and when one would use these tools, and how one would use the results is omitted.

The result is a collection of tools, many of which promise to be extremely useful for an investigator who knows what they are doing. This is not a book that would be useful to a beginner in OSINT, but it does highlight tools that would be worthy to explore.

[DOH Kossi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book but too much of theory

I think this book is awesome. But lack a lot of content. There is more theory than practical. Like the writer said OSINT can be active or passive. But I rarely see the active side in the book. I was expecting that. No dark web OSINT. Not much to work with. But I appreciated the Google hacking session. Great. The mentioning of tools without a proper use....

[Adam Hartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid survey of technical OSINT methodology. Lots of mentions of tools and techniques, with fewer in depth walkthroughs or tutorials. But if you’re looking for a primer into the world of open source intelligence and have a little bit of technical knowledge, this will give you the foothold to dive in further.