The Briefing Room

Last time we walked through Phase 2: Collection. That’s where you do the fun part, the gathering of data. If you haven’t read Phase 1 and/or Phase 2, I recommend starting there to better understand the process in its entirety. Now, it’s time for Phase 3: Processing. This is

Last time we discussed Planning and Direction, and how important it is to plan before starting your research or investigation. Now comes the part that most people picture when they hear “OSINT”: collecting information. Here’s the thing: Phase 2 isn’t just about collecting everything you see. It’s about knowing where

A few weeks ago, I shared that we’d break down the Intelligence Lifecycle one phase at a time in my article The Intelligence Lifecycle Explained. My goal is to make each phase digestible, not overwhelming. Early in my career, I’ll admit, I wanted to skip the parts that felt “boring”

Did anyone else start doing OSINT without knowing the Intelligence Lifecycle? Only me? I doubt it. I’m pretty sure a lot of us jumped in headfirst, started tracking down leads, collecting screenshots, connecting dots and never realized we were already working within a framework. So if you’re reading

I’ll be honest, I’ve always been curious about the source of a headline. Anytime I see breaking news or viral claim, my first thought isn’t “Wow, really?” It’s: “Where did this comes from?” I’ve never been one to accept something at face value. As my experience as an analyst grows,

There comes a time in every investigation when it feel like you’ve hit a wall. You have followed the username. You checked the usual social media platforms. You Googled. And...nothing new shows up. Now you’re sitting there, staring at your screen, running through what you’ve already done and wondering

I know we all love a good tool. We’re always chasing the next technical tutorial, that shiny new script, or a “Top 10 Tools You Should Be Using in 2025” post. And hey, I’m not knocking it. Those resources matter. But sometimes we forget about the skills that

This week didn’t go as planned. There was no Monday drop because life got hectic. (You know how it is) But I still wanted to share something with everyone that’s been sitting with me. I was helping someone prepare for a comprehensive exam this week. Nothing formal. Just walking through

Hey Digital Detectives, It’s finally time to discuss one of my favorite topics in OSINT.: Sock Puppets and how to become a “Master of Disguise.” Anyone else love the movie? No? Just me? While conducting investigations or research, sometimes we need to make sure we’re not leaving digital footprints behind.

Hey Digital Detectives, Not every week calls for a brand new drop. Sometimes, it’s about circling back and catching the clues you might have missed. This Monday, I’m rounding up a few posts from the Mrs. OSINT archives, whether you’re sharpening your skills or just stepping into the world of

Heads-up: This one’s a little more technical than my usual posts. But don’t worry. I’ll walk you through every step. If you’ve never touched a virtual machine before, you’re exactly who this is for. I wanted to take some time this week and talk about

This week, I thought it would be fitting to talk about OpSec. We spend so much time talking about doing #OSINTforGood and conducting research ethically that sometimes we forget to talk about our own operational security. So, let’s break it down then. What is OpSec? Operational Security—originally a military

I clearly remember what it was like seeing the OSINT world from the outside — so mysterious, yet so fascinating. I knew I wanted to be part of this world; I just didn’t know how. There was no flashing sign that said, “Start Here.” There was this huge gap between

📝 Note: This blog post blends fiction with real OSINT tradecraft. “Phantom Signal” is a fictional character created to reflect the very real challenges analysts face when digital evidence disappears. The tactics are real — the villain is just more stylish. We were five hours into the case when he showed up.

This week we’re talking about something that I believe isn’t discussed nearly enough in the OSINT world--ethics. When most people hear OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), they picture tools, search queries, and digital tricks. But before any of that, there’s a question you should be asking yourself. Should I be doing this?

We briefly touched on skills in Where in the OSINT World Do You Belong?. I consider this another vital part of the journey. Why? There are several things I believe are not talked about enough. Early in my journey, I focused mainly on the Collection phase and finding every bit

After discussing Getting Started in OSINT last week, I figured we could move on to the second most popular question I get. “What type of jobs can I get in OSINT?” Good question! I promise there is no trick behind this question, it’s rather simple really. I remember when I

In my previous post, “So You Want to Get into OSINT,” I shared an overview of what OSINT is, some beginner tools, and the glam vs. the grind. But many of you reached out asking, “Okay, but where exactly do I start? What should I focus on first?” Quick disclaimer:

This blog isn’t intended to be a comprehensive guide to Google Dorking. Instead, think of it as a fun introduction designed to spark your curiosity and encourage you to dive deeper on your own. Two weeks ago, we covered some important basics: *What is OSINT? *Glamour vs. Reality *How to

So, you want to get into OSINT? I’m excited for you! But before you imagine yourself as a cyber detective in a movie montage (which, I totally did), let’s have an honest chat about what diving into this field is really like. OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) is an incredible

My personal experience of the OSINT Academy. So, I did promise to share my personal experience in the OSINT Academy in my previous article Open-Source Certified (OSC): Shaping the Future of OSINT Through Certification. I consider myself detail-oriented and figured this chapter of my career deserves its own page. Let’s

What is OSINT? OSINT is the practice of gathering information from publicly available sources to analyze and interpret. Some common sources include social media, news media, property records, and websites. OSINT plays a crucial role in investigations and decision-making. Individuals using open-source range from law enforcement to cybersecurity professionals. Open-Source