OSINT Training for Journalists: Learn from World-Class Specialists
- Understand core OSINT principles and methods
- Integrate OSINT into your journalistic workflow
- Protect your identity and digital footprint (Operational Security)
- Communicate securely using encrypted tools
- Use the latest OSINT tools
- Cross-reference and analyze information to piece together the puzzle
- Conduct research on Russian websites and social media platforms
44 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London
Course Structure
The course takes place over two days in conference facilities in London. Each module includes 30 minutes of theory and 20 minutes of practical exercises.
Day 1
Ensuring anonymity and security during research is essential. This module covers:
1.1 Importance of Anonymity
Learn how to avoid detection when researching sensitive topics or individuals.
1.2 Virtual Machines (VMs)
Run research on a virtual computer to protect your own system from malware or tracking.
1.3 Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Hide your IP address and encrypt your internet traffic for added protection.
1.4 The Onion Router (TOR)
Use Tor for anonymous browsing to keep your research activities untraceable.
1.5 Fake Social Media Profiles
Learn how to build convincing yet safe false identities and how to manage them.
1.6 Common Traps That Reveal Identity
Understand the pitfalls and how to avoid giving yourself away.
1.7 Secure Communication
Master the use of encrypted tools for secure messaging.
1.8 Secure Data Storage
How to store and remove sensitive data responsibly.
Exercise: We practice various techniques and try out different tools. All participants receive support to reach their investigative goals.
Learn the importance of OSINT and how it is changing the way you work.
2.0 Core Principles and Methods
Learn a methodical OSINT workflow: Planning, Information gathering, Processing, Analysis, Communication. Also, develop critical thinking to avoid cognitive bias through structured analytic techniques.
2.1 Tools
Get introduced to: OSINT Framework and Malfrat Industries. Learn to integrate tools, set up bots for data collection, and use APIs.
2.3 GeoSpy AI
Use AI to identify image locations by architectural and environmental patterns—plus how to verify results through cross-referencing.
2.4 GIS Concepts
Understand Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for: Image and video geolocation, Mapping social media posts, Satellite imagery analysis (e.g., Ukraine military activity)
2.5 Map-Based Tools
Master tools like: Google Earth, SentinelHub, NASA Worldview, Google Street View, Mapillary (crowd-sourced street imagery).
Exercise: Through a series of exercises, you will learn to use the above methods to accurately geolocate an image or take the best guess about its location. You will get a file with different images that you need to geolocate.
Day 2
Ensuring anonymity and security during research is essential. This module covers:
3.1 Google Search Techniques
Refine your search strategies for better and more precise results.
3.2 Social Media
Conduct effective people searches and extract data without special tools.
Ensuring anonymity and security during research is essential. This module covers:
4.1 Hunchly Web Capture
Use Hunchly to document your entire online research session: Save and tag web pages, Search within captured content, Set alerts for keywords
Exercise: Through an exercise, you need to find out what is the connection between two people.
Given the war in Ukraine and Russian disinformation campaigns, learning to research in the Russian internet space is increasingly vital. Learn to:
- Use translation tools to overcome language barriers
- Navigate VKontakte (Russia’s version of Facebook)
- Understand Russian social media culture, slang, and memes
- Detect digital influence operations
This high-level session introduces advanced techniques:
- Satellite image analysis of military bases
- Tracking ships and aircraft
- Shadow analysis for image detail extraction
- Chronolocation: using sun/shadows to estimate photo timestamps
In a final plenary discussion, reflect on:
- When and how to use specific OSINT methods
- Establishing ethical guidelines for investigations
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Got Questions?
This OSINT Training course is for both experienced and newly graduated journalists who want to strengthen their digital investigation skills. It’s especially valuable for those working on complex stories, international conflicts, or digital disinformation. Participants will learn practical tools, secure research methods, and geolocation techniques to enhance their investigative reporting.
No, the course is not just about the OSINT Industries platform. The tool, created by instructor Nathaniel Fried, is included, but the training covers much more. It teaches open source intelligence skills for journalists. Topics include operational security, geolocation, social media research, and tools like Hunchly. It also covers Russian-language platforms and ethical considerations. OSINT Industries is just one part of a broader curriculum.
The OSINT training lasts for two full days, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both Thursday and Friday. During this time, participants will engage in a mix of theory and hands-on exercises across multiple modules. The schedule is designed to provide an intensive and immersive learning experience, allowing journalists to build practical skills in open source intelligence, from operational security to advanced research techniques, all within a focused and structured setting.
Yes, participants can expect to receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. This serves as proof of your training and the skills you’ve gained in OSINT methods and tools.
No prior OSINT experience is required. The course is suitable for both beginners and experienced journalists. It starts with the basics and gradually introduces more advanced tools and techniques, making it easy to follow regardless of your background.
Testimonials and Feedback
Federico Becchetti
Italian Police Constable
Anonymous
US Intelligence Officer and Investigator
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