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Getting Started in OSINT

Mrs. OSINT

• 2 min read
Getting Started in OSINT

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: There are many ways to get into OSINT, and what works for one person might not work for another. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.

Step 1: Master the Basics

What is OSINT?

"Open-source information is information that any member of the public can observe, purchase or request, without requiring special legal status or unauthorized access." (Berkeley Protocol on Digital Open Source Investigations, 2022, p. 3)

Understand What OSINT Covers

Open-source intelligence includes everything from social media to public records, satellite images, blogs, forums, and even metadata. Familiarize yourself with the scope of OSINT and its ethical boundaries.

Specifically, OSINT covers:

  • Social Media Platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
  • Public Records (Court records, property records, business registrations)
  • News and Media Outlets (Online news articles, videos, podcasts)
  • Government Publications and Reports
  • Academic Research and Papers
  • Satellite and Aerial Imagery (Google Earth, commercial satellite imagery providers)
  • Blogs, Forums, and Websites (Including archived websites)
  • Metadata Analysis (Information embedded in digital files)

Critical Thinking

Don’t get caught up in all the fancy tools—this part is crucial!

  • Question everything: have you verified your sources???
  • Be aware of biases: investigations need to be approached neutrally
  • Think about why a piece of information exists and who benefits from it

Step 2: Build Your OSINT Toolkit

Start small. Get comfortable with a few key tools before branching out.

  • Google Dorking: Use search operators to find what you need (we touched on this last week)
  • Reverse Image Search: Try Google Images, Yandex, TinEye, Pimeyes, and Bing
  • Geolocation Tools: Explore Google Earth and Street View
  • Metadata Analysis: Learn to use Jimpl

Step 3: Practice

The best way to learn OSINT is by doing OSINT. You don’t need anything fancy to start!

  • Challenge #1: Join in on my "Where in the World is Mrs. OSINT?" geolocation challenges
  • Challenge #2: Google yourself. Seriously. See what info is out there about YOU. (Not gonna lie... I was scared to do this at first!)
  • Challenge #3: Download a public photo from somewhere like Flickr (with EXIF data) and analyze the metadata using Jimpl an online viewer.

Step 4: Join and Engage in the Community

Learning OSINT is easier—and way more fun—when you’re not doing it alone.

  • Follow and interact with OSINT practitioners on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
  • Join OSINT communities like the OSMOSIS Association (U.S.-based)
  • Participate in OSINT Capture the Flag (CTF) events. They’re a great way to learn by doing!

Step 5: Document & Reflect on Your Progress

Keep track of your investigations, what you LEARN, and the tools you use. Documentation is key. It helps you reflect on your progress and build your professional portfolio.

NOTE: This step is IMPORTANT. At the end of the day, people want to see what you know and not how many certifications you have.

Next Steps

Ready to keep going? My blog regularly features beginner-friendly challenges and practical OSINT tips. Follow along at MrsOSINT.com. And remember: everyone starts somewhere.
Your curiosity and persistence are your greatest assets.

✨ Next week I’ll be breaking down different roles in OSINT and how your unique background might fit in—stay tuned!