Gail Irvine

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ISSUED ON

09 September 2025

VALIDITY

This Credential does not expire

About

OSINT for Beginners – Workshop Overview

This 4 hour in-person workshop introduces participants to the foundational skills of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), with a focus on real-world applications for civil, government, and commercial investigations.

🎯 Learning Objectives

Participants will learn to:

Understand what OSINT is and how it supports investigative work.
Apply basic operational security (OPSEC) to protect their identity online.
Use advanced Google search techniques ("Google Dorking") to find hidden information.
Investigate social media profiles and activity without leaving digital footprints.
Track and pivot on usernames and aliases across platforms.
Build and manage sock puppet accounts to conduct covert online research.
Utilise a curated set of browser-based OSINT tools and Chrome extensions for fast, effective investigation.

Acquired Skills / Knowledge

Understanding of OSINT principles

application of the intelligence cycle

digital footprint management

creation of sock puppet accounts

management of online personas

use of VPNs and virtual machines for anonymity

use of password managers for sock puppet security

advanced Google search techniques (Google Dorking)

search filtering by domain

filetype

and keyword

social media investigation skills

analysis of online profiles and network activity

username tracking across multiple platforms

pivoting between linked online accounts

reverse image search using browser tools

image metadata analysis (EXIF)

translation of foreign-language content using DeepL

use of Chrome extensions for investigation support

evidence capture using screenshots and archiving tools

verification of images and videos using InVID

collection and documentation of OSINT findings

completion of a guided investigation scenario.

Earning Criteria

OSINT for Beginners – Completion Criteria

To be issued a certificate of completion for the OSINT for Beginners workshop, participants must meet the following criteria:

1. Pre-course Work

Participants must complete the following tasks prior to attending the workshop:

Set up a sock puppet account using a generated identity, a realistic name and profile image, and at least one social media account such as Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Reddit
Create an associated email address using Gmail
Install Google Chrome and the required browser extensions as outlined in the pre-workshop email
Ensure they have access to a VPN or secure browsing method where possible

2. Attendance

Participants must attend the full duration of the in-person session. Late arrivals beyond 15 minutes or early departures may result in ineligibility for a certificate. Roll will be taken at the beginning of the session and monitored throughout.

3. Participation

Active participation is required throughout the workshop, including:

Engaging in all guided exercises such as Google Dorking, username tracking, and social media analysis
Taking part in group discussions and demonstrating understanding of OPSEC, investigative tools, and ethical considerations
Completing the in-class mini OSINT investigation scenario using the tools and techniques taught

4. Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to behave professionally, respect privacy principles, and adhere to the ethical use of OSINT during all exercises and discussions.