Tools for OSINT-based investigations

Abstract

This chapter looks at the essential applications, websites and services used by practitioners to form their OSINT toolkit, which may range from simple browser plug-ins to online services, reference databases and installed applications and every practitioner will have their list of favourites. The chapter does not recommend a particular piece of software or service or give detailed advice for specific system set-ups, rather it aims to equip the reader and their organisation with a framework to assess the tools at their disposal to give them some reassurance that they are suitable for their OSINT investigation and can demonstrate that they are secure, reliable, and legal.