Social Media and OSINT Investigative Techniques WEB

Description

Social networking sites and mobile devices have expanded cybercrime and created new pathways for law enforcement to gather intelligence. This introductory course focuses on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) and its application across the internet, social media, chat, and other forum platforms. Students will explore OSINT tools such as username tracing, tagging, reverse image searches, linkage analysis, other data analysis techniques, and sock puppet creation for identity protection.

We'll examine popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Snap Chat, Twitch, and even dark web sites like Diaspora. The course covers hidden mobile apps and how to analyze digital networks. Participants will also receive warrant templates for over 500 platforms, including details on data types like IP addresses, media, and financial records. Case studies—many involving sextortion and other sex crimes—highlight how OSINT and tech tools solve real-world cases. Ideal for both new and experienced investigators.

Participants will be able to:

  1. Common crimes committed on social networking sites.
    1. The use of "bots."
    2. Artificial intelligence in gathering data.
    3. Indexing data vs. non-indexing data.
  2. Understand the basic steps for preserving a profile.
    1. Data preservation.
    2. Search warrant templates (will be emailed to each participant).
    3. Importance of email addresses and usernames in linkage analysis.
    4. Hidden apps, OSINT tools for discovery.
  3. How to create and use a sock puppet for undercover investigations.  
    1. Identity safety steps.
  4. Describe the links between social networking sites and the acceleration of crimes.
    1. Telegram, Snap Chat, Chat investigations, and more sites.
  5. Employ specific techniques and evolving tactics for successful cyber investigations.