Quiz Entry - updated: 2026.07.14
What are the key technical methods and tools used in OSINT investigations?
The main technical OSINT methods include metadata extraction (EXIF data), reverse image search, username correlation across platforms, and automated scraping tools like Maltego.
Technical OSINT dimensions:
| Method | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Metadata extraction | Extracting hidden data embedded in files | EXIF data in photos reveals camera model, GPS coordinates, date/time |
| Reverse image search | Finding where an image appears online | Upload a profile photo to Google Images or TinEye to find other accounts |
| Username correlation | Searching for the same username across platforms | Tool: Sherlock checks hundreds of sites |
| Automated scraping | Tools that automatically gather and correlate data | Maltego creates visual link analysis graphs from multiple sources |
Relevant command-line tools:
sherlock username— Search for a username across 300+ platformsexiftool image.jpg— Extract all metadata from an image filesubfinder -d domain.com— Find subdomains of a website
Tip: Try running exiftool on your own photos before posting them online — you might be surprised how much metadata they contain, including exact GPS coordinates.
Go deeper:
Sherlock (GitHub) — the username-hunting tool that checks hundreds of platforms.- ExifTool — the canonical metadata-extraction tool for EXIF/GPS data.