The Ultimate OSINT Websites Directory: 25+ Essential Platforms for Intelligence Research
Regularly updated
This comprehensive directory features 25+ essential OSINT websites that provide open-source intelligence resources, tools, and communities. Each platform offers unique capabilities for investigators, researchers, cybersecurity professionals, and journalists conducting intelligence gathering operations.
Quick Reference Table
| Website | Category | Primary Use | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OSINT Framework | Learning & Tools | Tool Directory | Free | Finding specialized tools |
| Bellingcat | Journalism | Investigations | Free | Global event analysis |
| Shodan | Cybersecurity | Device Search | Freemium | Network vulnerability assessment |
| Have I Been Pwned | Cybersecurity | Breach Check | Free | Data breach monitoring |
| Pipl | People Search | Background Research | Paid | People investigations |
| Public Intelligence | Government | Declassified Docs | Free | Government transparency |
| Reddit OSINT | Community | Discussion | Free | Learning & networking |
| Google Earth | Geospatial | Satellite Imagery | Free | Location verification |
| VirusTotal | Cybersecurity | Malware Analysis | Freemium | Threat intelligence |
| OpenCorporates | Business | Corporate Data | Freemium | Company research |
| OSINT Curious | Learning | Training | Free | Beginner education |
| MuckRock | Government | FOIA Requests | Freemium | Government records |
| Social Searcher | Social Media | Monitoring | Freemium | Brand monitoring |
| Stratfor | Intelligence | Geopolitical Analysis | Paid | Business intelligence |
| ThreatMiner | Cybersecurity | Threat Intel | Free | Malware research |
🔍 OSINT Learning & Framework Platforms
1. OSINT Framework
OSINT Framework is the most comprehensive directory of tools and resources for open-source intelligence gathering.
Key Features:
- Categorized collection of 500+ OSINT tools
- Interactive tree structure for easy navigation
- Regular updates with latest tools and techniques
- Beginner-friendly interface with expert-level depth
Best For: Finding specialized tools for any OSINT investigation
2. OSINT Curious Project
A community-driven initiative providing educational resources and tutorials for open-source intelligence practitioners.
Key Features:
- Step-by-step OSINT technique guides
- Real-world case studies and examples
- Active community forum and discussions
- Free training materials and webinars
Best For: Beginners learning foundational OSINT skills
3. SANS OSINT Summit
Professional-grade OSINT training and certification programs from the renowned SANS Institute.
Key Features:
- Industry-standard OSINT methodologies
- Professional certification tracks
- Advanced training workshops
- Expert-led research and development
Best For: Professional cybersecurity analysts and investigators
📰 Investigative Journalism & Fact-Checking
4. Bellingcat
The world’s leading platform for investigative journalism using open-source intelligence and digital verification methods.
Key Features:
- Groundbreaking investigations on global conflicts
- Comprehensive OSINT methodology tutorials
- Image verification and geolocation techniques
- Global network of citizen investigators
Best For: Journalists, activists, and researchers investigating complex global events
5. Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN)
International network sharing investigative journalism resources and OSINT techniques.
Key Features:
- Investigative reporting toolkits and guides
- Cross-border collaboration resources
- OSINT training materials for journalists
- Database of investigative techniques
Best For: Professional journalists and media organizations
6. First Draft
Leading organization for information verification and combating misinformation.
Key Features:
- Digital verification techniques and tools
- Misinformation detection methodologies
- Crisis response protocols
- Training programs for newsrooms
Best For: Fact-checkers and media verification specialists
🔐 Cybersecurity & Threat Intelligence
7. Shodan
The world’s most comprehensive search engine for Internet-connected devices and IoT systems.
Key Features:
- Real-time scanning of 500+ million connected devices
- Advanced filtering by device type, location, and vulnerabilities
- Industrial control systems (ICS) monitoring
- Cybersecurity exposure assessment tools
Best For: Cybersecurity professionals identifying network vulnerabilities and exposed systems
8. Have I Been Pwned
Essential platform for checking email addresses against known data breaches and security incidents.
Key Features:
- Database of 12+ billion compromised accounts
- Real-time breach notifications
- Password security analysis
- Domain monitoring services
Best For: Security awareness and personal data protection
9. VirusTotal Intelligence
Comprehensive malware analysis and threat intelligence platform.
Key Features:
- Multi-engine file and URL scanning
- Threat intelligence feeds
- Behavioral analysis reports
- Community-driven threat sharing
Best For: Malware researchers and security analysts
10. ThreatMiner
Open-source threat intelligence platform providing comprehensive data on cyber threats.
Key Features:
- Malware analysis and attribution
- Infrastructure tracking
- Threat actor profiling
- Historical threat data
Best For: Threat intelligence analysts and researchers
🕵️ People & Social Media Intelligence
11. Pipl
Advanced people search engine aggregating information from social media, public records, and professional networks.
Key Features:
- Deep web people search capabilities
- Social media profile aggregation
- Professional background verification
- Contact information discovery
Best For: Background investigations and due diligence
12. Social Searcher
Real-time social media monitoring and analysis platform.
Key Features:
- Cross-platform social media search
- Sentiment analysis and trending topics
- Historical social media data
- Brand monitoring capabilities
Best For: Social media intelligence and brand monitoring
13. Spokeo
Comprehensive people search aggregating public records and online information.
Key Features:
- Public records database access
- Address and phone number lookup
- Social media profile linking
- Background check services
Best For: People investigations and contact research
🏛️ Government & Public Records
14. Public Intelligence
Platform providing access to declassified government documents and intelligence reports.
Key Features:
- Searchable database of declassified files
- Government policy analysis
- Intelligence community insights
- Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) resources
Best For: Researchers studying government operations and policy
15. MuckRock
Platform for filing and tracking Freedom of Information Act requests.
Key Features:
- FOIA request automation
- Government transparency tools
- Crowdsourced investigations
- Public records database
Best For: Journalists and activists seeking government transparency
16. OpenCorporates
World’s largest open database of corporate information.
Key Features:
- 200+ million company profiles globally
- Corporate structure analysis
- Beneficial ownership data
- Business intelligence research
Best For: Corporate investigations and due diligence
📡 Geospatial & Location Intelligence
17. Google Earth
Comprehensive satellite imagery and geospatial analysis platform.
Key Features:
- Historical satellite imagery
- 3D terrain visualization
- Measurement and analysis tools
- Collaborative mapping features
Best For: Geolocation verification and geographic analysis
18. Planet Labs
Commercial satellite imagery provider with daily global coverage.
Key Features:
- Daily satellite image updates
- High-resolution imagery analysis
- Change detection algorithms
- Environmental monitoring tools
Best For: Professional geographic intelligence and monitoring
💬 Community & Discussion Platforms
19. Reddit OSINT Community
Active community of OSINT practitioners sharing techniques, tools, and case studies.
Key Features:
- Daily discussions on OSINT techniques
- Tool recommendations and reviews
- Case study breakdowns
- Beginner-friendly Q&A sessions
Best For: Community learning and staying updated on OSINT trends
20. Discord OSINT Servers
Real-time chat communities for OSINT practitioners and enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Live collaboration on investigations
- Tool sharing and testing
- Expert mentorship opportunities
- Regional OSINT communities
Best For: Real-time collaboration and networking
📊 Specialized Intelligence Platforms
21. Stratfor
Professional geopolitical intelligence and analysis platform.
Key Features:
- Global risk assessments
- Political and economic forecasting
- Security threat analysis
- Industry-specific intelligence
Best For: Business intelligence and geopolitical risk assessment
22. Jane’s Defence & Security
Authoritative source for defense and security intelligence.
Key Features:
- Military equipment databases
- Security threat assessments
- Defense industry analysis
- Technical intelligence reports
Best For: Defense and security professionals
23. Intelligence Online
Specialized publication covering intelligence and security developments.
Key Features:
- Intelligence community news
- Corporate espionage analysis
- Cybersecurity developments
- Government intelligence operations
Best For: Intelligence professionals and security analysts
🌐 International & Regional Resources
24. European Digital Rights (EDRi)
European perspective on digital rights and surveillance issues.
Key Features:
- Privacy rights advocacy
- Government surveillance monitoring
- Digital policy analysis
- Civil liberties research
Best For: Understanding European digital landscape
25. Asia-Pacific OSINT Resources
Curated collection of Asia-Pacific specific OSINT tools and resources.
Key Features:
- Region-specific social media platforms
- Local government databases
- Cultural context for investigations
- Language-specific tools
Best For: OSINT operations in Asia-Pacific region
Related Resources
This directory is continuously updated with new platforms and resources. Bookmark this page for regular reference and check back for the latest additions to the OSINT community.
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