SEC587: Advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering and Analysis

What You Will Learn

SANS SEC587 is an advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) course for those who already know the foundations of OSINT. The goal is to provide students with more in-depth and technical OSINT knowledge. Students will learn OSINT skills and techniques that law enforcement, intelligence analysts, private investigators, journalists, penetration testers and network defenders use in their investigations.

Open-source intelligence collection and analysis techniques are increasingly useful in a world where more and more information is added to the internet every day. With billions of internet users sharing information on themselves, their organizations, and people and events they have knowledge of, the internet is a resource-rich environment for intelligence collection. SEC587 is designed to teach you how to efficiently utilize this wealth of information for your own investigations.

SEC587 will take your OSINT collection and analysis abilities to the next level, whether you are involved in intelligence analysis, criminal and fraud investigations, or just curious about how to find out more about anything! SEC587 is replete with hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios, and interaction with live internet and dark web data sources.

This course is also blended with all the fundamentals an OSINT analyst will need to learn and understand and apply basic coding in languages such as Python, JSON, and shell utilities as well as interacting with APIs for automating your OSINT processes.

SEC587 students will learn effective OSINT methods and techniques including:

Structured intelligence analysis
Rating the reliability of information and its sources
Researching sensitive and secretive groups
Practical and Advanced Image and video analysis and verification
Dark web and criminal underground investigations.
Operational Security (OPSEC) for OSINT
Fact-checking and analysis of disinformation and misinformation
Knowing cryptocurrency fundamentals and tracking
Using basic coding to facilitate information collection and analysis
Interacting with APIs for data collection and filtering
Conducting internet monitoring
Automation techniques to support OSINT processes

You Will Receive with this Course:

Physical and digital workbooks and a course specific Virtual Machine (VM) tailored for this Advanced Open Source Intelligence Gathering and Analysis course

This Course Will Prepare You to:

Take a dive more in-depth into finding, collecting, and analyzing information found on the internet
Debug, understand, alter, and create your own OSINT-focused Python scripts
Move and pivot around safely on the Dark Web
Perform financial OSINT investigations

Syllabus (36 CPEs)

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SEC587.1: Disinformation and Coding for OSINT Efficiency
Overview
We live in an information age where disinformation is becoming more and more common.
In the first section of day 1 students will learn what disinformation is by understanding how disinformation campaigns are set up and deployed.
The rest of day one serves as an introduction to coding automation techniques for OSINT and teaches students how to efficiently collect and analyze large quantities of information. The basics of simple scripts are covered, along with simple techniques for manipulating data that has been collected. JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) data is commonly encountered by OSINT analysts and must be appropriately collected, filtered, manipulated, and searched to be leveraged in an investigation.
Topics
- Detecting and analyzing disinformation and fake news
- Using shell utilities for OSINT data collection and analysis
- Determining file and data types
- Working with structured and unstructured data
- Normalization of data for analysis
- Analyzing large sets of data
- Searching and extracting specific data from a dataset
- Understanding and parsing JavaScript Object Notation data
- Introduction to Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
SEC587.2: Intelligence Analysis and Data Analysis with Python
Overview
Standard intelligence information analysis techniques and processes for assessing the reliability of information are a key element of intelligence, and application of these techniques to OSINT are discussed.
We close off day one with an advanced section on how to analyze gathered OSINT information using several reliability rating and analytic assessment techniques such as Admiralty code, Analysis of Competing Hypothesis and CRAAP analysis. These techniques will help students to make their overall analysis outcome become more solid.
Students will also learn how to detect and analyze various forms of disinformation using advanced and structured methodologies and reliability rating systems.
Day two will also show students what APIs are and how to access them using various coding languages. We close off day two with an advanced section on how to perform data analysis using Python and Pandas coding.
Topics
- Understanding reliability rating models for OSINT
- Rating the reliability of information
- US Army OSINT and the Admiralty/NATO system
- Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy & Purpose (CRAAP)
- Standard intelligence assessment techniques
- Analysis of Competing Hypotheses (ACH) and other methods
- Sharing and organizing data on GitHub
- Fundamentals of the Python programming language
- Data collection via API using Python
- Data analysis with Python and Pandas
SEC587.3: Sensitive Group Investigations and Video and Image Verification
Overview
The beginning of day three is about how to analyze sensitive groups and individuals who identify with groups online. This is becoming increasingly important because many of the targets of OSINT work may be individuals who like to identify themselves within a group or are part of a group.
Students will also learn practical and advanced image and video verification techniques.
Topics
- Use of Unique Identifying Labels (UILs)
- Identifying Sensitive Groups using UIL techniques
- Investigate and link individuals using UILs
- Discovering the nexus of hate groups and victims
- Practical and Advanced Image and video verification techniques
SEC587.4: Sock Puppets, OPSEC, Dark Web and Cryptocurrency
Overview
This day starts off with instruction on useful concepts for creating and maintaining fictitious identities (sock puppets), particularly those used to interact with others, and how to maintain Operations Security (OPSEC). Within SEC587 students will get a more advanced understanding of how OSINT techniques can be applied on the Dark Web by learning about dark web networks. Students will learn techniques for collecting information on the dark web from private groups and underground forums or marketplaces. We will close of this day with an examination of the fundamentals of cryptocurrency, and techniques for tracking public cryptocurrency transactions.
Topics
- Creating and maintaining false personas
- Communicating with targets and other sources of information
- Operational security (OPSEC)
- Dark web basics
- Decentralized DNS systems
- Searching for dark web content
- Essential cybercrime underground concepts
- Underground marketplaces, shops and forums
- Understanding cryptocurrency and the blockchain
- Investigating cryptocurrency wallets and transactions
SEC587.5: Automated Monitoring and Vehicle Tracking
Overview
Day five will start with tools and techniques that will aid OSINT analysts in using and building their own monitoring and online searching tools. This section will teach students how to utilize third party web-based monitoring tools as well as how to monitor various topics of interest. Students will also learn how to find, gather, and analyze everything that is related to vehicles (cars, boats, planes, trains etc.) using open-source information.
Topics
- Practical OSINT monitoring using web services
- Automated internet monitoring using third-party tools
- Visualization of data sets to support network analysis
- Collection and analysis of open-source vehicle tracking information
SEC587.6: Capstone: Capture (and Present) the Flags

Overview
This will be the capstone for SEC587 that brings together everything that students have learned throughout the course. This will be a team effort where groups compete against each other by collecting OSINT data about live online subjects. The output from this capstone event will be turned in as a deliverable to the client (the instructor and fellow classmates). This hands-on event reinforces what students have practiced during labs and adds the complexity of performing OSINT using Python code and various advanced OSINT techniques under time pressure as a group.

Prerequisites

SEC587 is a fast-paced, advanced course that is meant to build upon previous knowledge and experience in OSINT. The SANS SEC497: Practical Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) course is recommended but not required prior to taking this course.

Basic knowledge and experience with open-source intelligence collection.
Rudimentary understanding of intelligence analysis
Knowledge of how to use a Virtual Machine (VM)

Laptop Requirements

Important! Bring your own system configured according to these instructions.

A properly configured system is required to fully participate in this course. If you do not carefully read and follow these instructions, you will not be able to fully participate in hands-on exercises in your course. Therefore, please arrive with a system meeting all of the specified requirements.

Back up your system before class. Better yet, use a system without any sensitive/critical data. SANS is not responsible for your system or data.

MANDATORY SEC587 SYSTEM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

CPU: 64-bit Intel i5/i7 (8th generation or newer), or AMD equivalent. A x64 bit, 2.0+ GHz or newer processor is mandatory for this class.
CRITICAL: Apple systems using the M1/M2 processor line cannot perform the necessary virtualization functionality and therefore cannot in any way be used for this course.
BIOS settings must be set to enable virtualization technology, such as "Intel-VTx" or "AMD-V" extensions. Be absolutely certain you can access your BIOS if it is password protected, in case changes are necessary.
8GB of RAM or more is required.
30GB of free storage space or more is required.
At least one available USB 3.0 Type-A port. A Type-C to Type-A adapter may be necessary for newer laptops. Some endpoint protection software prevents the use of USB devices, so test your system with a USB drive before class.
Wireless networking (802.11 standard) is required. There is no wired Internet access in the classroom.

MANDATORY SEC587 HOST CONFIGURATION AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Your host operating system must be the latest version of Windows 10, Windows 11, or macOS 10.15.x or newer.
Fully update your host operating system prior to the class to ensure you have the right drivers and patches installed.
Linux hosts are not supported in the classroom due to their numerous variations. If you choose to use Linux as your host, you are solely responsible for configuring it to work with the course materials and/or VMs.
Local Administrator Access is required. (Yes, this is absolutely required. Don't let your IT team tell you otherwise.) If your company will not permit this access for the duration of the course, then you should make arrangements to bring a different laptop.
You should ensure that antivirus or endpoint protection software is disabled, fully removed, or that you have the administrative privileges to do so. Many of our courses require full administrative access to the operating system and these products can prevent you from accomplishing the labs.
Any filtering of egress traffic may prevent accomplishing the labs in your course. Firewalls should be disabled or you must have the administrative privileges to disable it.
Download and install VMware Workstation Pro 16.2.X+ or VMware Player 16.2.X+ (for Windows 10 hosts), VMware Workstation Pro 17.0.0+ or VMware Player 17.0.0+ (for Windows 11 hosts), or VMWare Fusion Pro 12.2+ or VMware Fusion Player 11.5+ (for macOS hosts) prior to class beginning. If you do not own a licensed copy of VMware Workstation Pro or VMware Fusion Pro, you can download a free 30-day trial copy from VMware. VMware will send you a time-limited serial number if you register for the trial at their website. Also note that VMware Workstation Player offers fewer features than VMware Workstation Pro. For those with Windows host systems, Workstation Pro is recommended for a more seamless student experience.
On Windows hosts, VMware products might not coexist with the Hyper-V hypervisor. For the best experience, ensure VMware can boot a virtual machine. This may require disabling Hyper-V. Instructions for disabling Hyper-V, Device Guard, and Credential Guard are contained in the setup documentation that accompanies your course materials.
Download and install 7-Zip (for Windows Hosts) or Keka (for macOS hosts). These tools are also included in your downloaded course materials.

Your course media is delivered via download. The media files for class can be large. Many are in the 40-50GB range, with some over 100GB. You need to allow plenty of time for the download to complete. Internet connections and speed vary greatly and are dependent on many different factors. Therefore, it is not possible to give an estimate of the length of time it will take to download your materials. Please start your course media downloads as soon as you get the link. You will need your course media immediately on the first day of class. Do not wait until the night before class to start downloading these files.

Your course materials include a "Setup Instructions" document that details important steps you must take before you travel to a live class event or start an online class. It may take 30 minutes or more to complete these instructions.

Your class uses an electronic workbook for its lab instructions. In this new environment, a second monitor and/or a tablet device can be useful for keeping class materials visible while you are working on your course's labs.

If you have additional questions about the laptop specifications, please contact laptop_prep@sans.org

Author Statement

"I have been practicing Open-Source Intelligence for over 20 years. There are lots of good OSINT study materials out there, but none took me to that advanced level. I know people want more, complex, in-depth knowledge on how to utilize OSINT in a professional way. This course was built by OSINT investigators and analysts with years and years of real-world experience in various backgrounds for OSINT investigators & analysts. This course is not about pushing buttons, it is all about in-depth and advanced methodology, sound analysis and practical real-world examples."

- Nico Dekens

"I am truly honored and thrilled to join the team as a co-author for the SANS SEC587 Advanced OSINT course. It is a privilege to contribute to the development of a curriculum that empowers students with cutting-edge skills to navigate the vast and ever-evolving landscape of open-source intelligence. I am excited to build on a foundation laid out in the SEC497 OSINT course and explore advanced topics focused on equipping professionals with the necessary tools and techniques to effectively gather, analyze, and utilize information in an effective and responsible manner."

-Matt Edmondson

Ways to Learn

OnDemand

Cybersecurity learning – at YOUR pace! OnDemand provides unlimited access to your training wherever, whenever. All labs, exercises, and live support from SANS subject matter experts included.

Live Online

The full SANS experience live at home! Get the ultimate in virtual, interactive SANS courses with leading SANS instructors via live stream. Following class, plan to kick back and enjoy a keynote from the couch.

In Person (6 days)

Did someone say ALL-ACCESS? On-site immersion via in-classroom course sessions led by world-class SANS instructors fill your day, while bonus receptions and workshops fill your evenings.

Who Should Attend SEC587?

Open-Source Intelligence and All-Source Analysts
Law Enforcement Investigators
Military Investigators
Private Investigators
Insurance Claims Investigators
Intelligence Analysts
Geopolitical Analysts
Journalists
Researchers
Social Engineers
Political and Information Campaign Researchers
Incident Responders
Digital Forensics (DFIR) Analysts
Cyber Threat Intelligence Specialists

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Reviews

Having a broad coverage over multiple areas of OSINT is really helpful to reinforce the fundamentals and understand the diverse applications of an open source investigator's skills.

Dan Black

Very relevant material that provided a lot of good resources for my day to day work.

Christopher Brown

This content is the next level for OSINT researchers. It fills in the areas that I have not been using but wanted to learn.

Janie Brewer

Oracle

SEC587: Advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering and Analysis

Course Authors:

Nico Dekens

Matt Edmondson

What You Will Learn

SEC587 students will learn effective OSINT methods and techniques including:

You Will Receive with this Course:

This Course Will Prepare You to:

Syllabus (36 CPEs)

SEC587.1: Disinformation and Coding for OSINT Efficiency

Overview

Topics

SEC587.2: Intelligence Analysis and Data Analysis with Python

Overview

Topics

SEC587.3: Sensitive Group Investigations and Video and Image Verification

Overview

Topics

SEC587.4: Sock Puppets, OPSEC, Dark Web and Cryptocurrency

Overview

Topics

SEC587.5: Automated Monitoring and Vehicle Tracking

Overview

Topics

SEC587.6: Capstone: Capture (and Present) the Flags

Overview

Prerequisites

Laptop Requirements

MANDATORY SEC587 SYSTEM HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

MANDATORY SEC587 HOST CONFIGURATION AND SOFTWARE REQUIREMENTS

Author Statement

Ways to Learn

Who Should Attend SEC587?

Need to justify a training request to your manager?

Reviews

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