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Open Source Intelligence Techniques:: Resources for Searching and Analyzing Online Information
Completely rewritten 8th edition (2021) contains over 650 pages throughout 31 chapters! It is time to look at OSINT in a different way. For many years, and within the previous editions of this book, we have relied on external resources to supply our search tools, virtual environments, and investigation techniques. We have seen this protocol fail us when services shut down, websites disappear, and custom resources are dismantled due to outside pressures. This book aims to correct our dilemma. We will take control of our investigative resources and become self-reliant. There will be no more need for online search tools; we will make and host our own locally. We will no longer seek pre-built virtual machines; we will create and configure our own. This book puts the power back in your hands. The new OSINT professional must be self-sustaining and possess their own tools and resources. You will become a more proficient subject matter expert who will be armed with the knowledge and readiness to articulate the sources of your findings. This new eighth edition contains hundreds of pages which have been updated to keep your OSINT investigative methods fresh. It includes new online and offline search tools; a new Linux OSINT virtual machine; and tutorials to replicate all Linux OSINT tools within Mac and Windows operating systems. Brand-new search methods for Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others ensure you have the latest techniques within your online investigation arsenal. An entire section is devoted to Methodology, Workflow, Documentation, and Ethics which provides a clear game plan for your next active investigation. All digital files are included via download. Today, we start over.
Kindle Edition
First published February 24, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 16, 2017
This is a chunky and somewhat technical read. I had used some of the author's tools before and occasionally listen to his privacy podcast, so some of content was already familiar to me. This is a great reference to those doing OSINT or interested in it, but it really needs to be made available in ebook format, especially given how quickly some of the content can change as services evolve, APIs depreciate, etc.
January 10, 2015
A unique and fascinating summary of various techniques to gather digital information. I am not a practitioner in the field, but have been a software and hardware nerd for many years, and there were things mentioned in this book that I had never heard of. The writing style is a bit dry, and even stilted, but one reads this sort of book for the information, and there is quite a lot of that. Lots of fascinating information for would-be detectives, or people looking to enter the field.
August 30, 2020
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Open Source Intelligence Techniques: Resources for Searching and Analyzing Online Information 7th Edition by Michael Bazzell shows the reader how to take control of open source tools to investigate online activities. Mr. Bazzell is on online investigator for computer crimes, who worked for the federal government in one capacity or another.
This is the latest book which teaches you how to dig into the internet for information on anyone you might want to investigate. Ethically, of course, you should only be doing so for bad actors, but it can be used for anyone.
Open Source Intelligence Techniques: Resources for Searching and Analyzing Online Information 7th Edition by Michael Bazzell shows the user techniques and search tools to do this type of work. The author has online instructions on how to setup a virtual machine using Linux to run many of the tools in your own environment without relying on external websites for your research. The book also talks about ethics, policy, documentation, and methodology – issues which might not be as impressive as catching or following bad actors, but are very important in courts and, of course, to management.
The author talks about how to look for information, positive or negative, as well as searching how you present yourself to the online digital world. For people who are privacy conscious, sadly becoming a minority, you can check out where you stand an hopefully minimize your own vulnerability on the issue.
Many Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools are introduced which are free to download and use. The book shows the reader how to make modifications to the tools, and how to search properly on many social media websites. The amount of information freely available is disturbing at times, but I’d rather know than be surprised later on.
I consider myself savvy on the online world, or at the very least someone who pays attention, but this book left me in awe and overwhelmed at the ease I could gather data. Mr. Bazzell is a talented author, he keeps it simple but does not talk down to the readers.
Open Source Intelligence Techniques: Resources for Searching and Analyzing Online Information 7th Edition by Michael Bazzell shows the reader how to take control of open source tools to investigate online activities. Mr. Bazzell is on online investigator for computer crimes, who worked for the federal government in one capacity or another.
This is the latest book which teaches you how to dig into the internet for information on anyone you might want to investigate. Ethically, of course, you should only be doing so for bad actors, but it can be used for anyone.
Open Source Intelligence Techniques: Resources for Searching and Analyzing Online Information 7th Edition by Michael Bazzell shows the user techniques and search tools to do this type of work. The author has online instructions on how to setup a virtual machine using Linux to run many of the tools in your own environment without relying on external websites for your research. The book also talks about ethics, policy, documentation, and methodology – issues which might not be as impressive as catching or following bad actors, but are very important in courts and, of course, to management.
The author talks about how to look for information, positive or negative, as well as searching how you present yourself to the online digital world. For people who are privacy conscious, sadly becoming a minority, you can check out where you stand an hopefully minimize your own vulnerability on the issue.
Many Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools are introduced which are free to download and use. The book shows the reader how to make modifications to the tools, and how to search properly on many social media websites. The amount of information freely available is disturbing at times, but I’d rather know than be surprised later on.
I consider myself savvy on the online world, or at the very least someone who pays attention, but this book left me in awe and overwhelmed at the ease I could gather data. Mr. Bazzell is a talented author, he keeps it simple but does not talk down to the readers.
September 28, 2021
Excellent resource. Make sure to check his blog and podcast for updates and amendments to the book as changes are occurring weekly. However, this book will provide an excellent base for OSINT work including configuration of equipment, selection of approaches, handling of evidence, and more. This is the literal Bible for those who are serious.
It is technical at times and a knowledge if Linux and Python will help maximize the use of Bezells book, however, even if you don't know Linux\Python there is enough information in this tome to be useful in many ways.
Highly recommend.
It is technical at times and a knowledge if Linux and Python will help maximize the use of Bezells book, however, even if you don't know Linux\Python there is enough information in this tome to be useful in many ways.
Highly recommend.
November 18, 2021
Michael Bazzell's story is incredible. I do reccomend you look in to his background before purchasing this book. He is widely respected in OSINT and this book is THE most comprehensive and OSINT book.
If you want to start your journey in OSINT and understanding just how much you can achieve with open intelligence, then this is where you start.
If you want to start your journey in OSINT and understanding just how much you can achieve with open intelligence, then this is where you start.
March 10, 2020
Put in the work, information is currency.
Most of the "factual" information here is already outdated, and the author does a great job of setting expectations. Like any worthwhile cybersecurity or technology books, this is not gospel but merely a glimpse into what's out there.
Most of the "factual" information here is already outdated, and the author does a great job of setting expectations. Like any worthwhile cybersecurity or technology books, this is not gospel but merely a glimpse into what's out there.
October 26, 2020
Very detailed and walks you front to end on how to do Open Source Intelligence well and safely. It is, however, more geared towards people supporting law enforcement, as opposed to open-source cyber threat intelligence. That said, there is a lot of overlap between the two.
January 20, 2021
This book, now in it's eighth edition, is more a catalogue of basic tools and services that can be used for data gathering/analysis on the internet. It is barely useful, but gives some ideas as for what programs to use if you are in a bit of pinch, and need something done.
February 27, 2022
Obviously a more technical manual, that mostly focuses on law enforcement investigations. Large amount of book dedicated to setting up PC for LE purposes (use of evidence in court etc). However some very good practical guidance for the average practitioner as well.
September 15, 2022
Deep Research Techniques
This was a really interesting and useful book.
How to perform very scientific and specialized searches and tools to gather online data.
An excellent book for data miners and cybersecurity experts.
4.6/5
This was a really interesting and useful book.
How to perform very scientific and specialized searches and tools to gather online data.
An excellent book for data miners and cybersecurity experts.
4.6/5
October 11, 2017
this is a good one.
July 17, 2020
Every edition of this book is simply excellent.
March 29, 2021
Excellent book with more valuable resources than anything else I've read on the subject. Highly recommended to any with even a passing interested in OSInt.
January 27, 2022
Good for reference
December 27, 2022
Molto ricco di strumenti e indicazioni anche se, per il tipo di informazione, tenderà a invechiare velocemente
January 28, 2023
This book has a massive coverage of osint and is probably the definitive work on this subject. The only downside from my point of view is that it is fairly USA centric.
June 25, 2025
it is good
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May 1, 2018Location: ND6 IRC
Accession No: DL029818
Accession No: DL029818
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews