Introduction to OSINT for Journalists and Researchers

Using open source geospatial analytic techniques to investigate and verify global issues

This course is designed for journalists and researchers looking to learn about open source intelligence analysis to investigate and verify global issues. It takes a strong focus on the geospatial elements of OSINT rather than the infosec and digital security end. It is designed to allow you to approach and uncover new information from the vast online world of information and select clues and evidence to formulate strong conclusions as well as tackle misinformation and fake news.

In this course, you will learn how to verify information, imagery, and footage that you encounter online using free and open source tools available to anyone. This includes Google Earth, Sentinel Hub, various browser tools, and search engine use. It also touches on common analytical pitfalls, data handling, Google dorking, and ethics of investigations.

While this course is beginner-friendly, it assumes an understanding of good journalistic or research practices to enable participants the best path to conducting ethical investigations. Participants only require an internet-connected computer and the free software options discussed in this course. While a good computer is not required, some of the tools can be a bit demanding on older processors, so patience may be needed. Not all tools will run on all operating systems, but the premise and techniques taught will.