OSINT - Open-source intelligence is the collection and analysis of data gathered from open sources to produce actionable intelligence.
URL – In the same way that buildings and houses have a street address, web pages also have unique addresses to help people to locate them. On the Internet, these addresses are called URLs e.g. google.com
Domain – a distinct subset of the internet with addresses sharing a common suffix or under the control of a particular organization or individual. E.g. .ac.uk, or .co.uk
Protocol - A network protocol is an established set of rules that determine how data is transmitted between different devices in the same network. Essentially, it allows connected devices to communicate with each other, regardless of any differences in their internal processes, structure or design. e.g. http, httpsÂ
http – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol a means of transferring data.
https – Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure – a secure means of transferring data.
The Structure of a URL
Search Engine – a program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding particular sites on the World Wide Web. E.g. Google, Bing, Yandex, Baidu, Duck Duck Go.
Internet, a system architecture that has revolutionized communications and methods of commerce by allowing various computer networks around the world to interconnect.
Browser – or Web Browser is a platform (software) that allows access to the world wide web.
World Wide Web – by name the Web, the leading information retrieval service of the Internet (the worldwide computer network). The Web gives users access to a vast array of content that are connected to each other by means of hyperlinks, electronic connections that link related pieces of information in order to allow a user easy access to them.
Hyperlink - or simply a link, is a reference to data that the user can follow by clicking or tapping.
Vanity Name – the name utilised within the URL of a social media account.
Username – the name used within the body of a social media platform.
Page Source – A mouse right click to explore HTML. [Also called view source]
HTML -Hypertext Markup Language; the format that all web pages are set up in
Inspect – A mouse right click resource to explore how web page is working [also called investigate]
SOCMINT - Social Media Intelligence, a subset of OSINT specific to gathering intelligence from social media platforms.
GEOINT - Intelligence that is derived from analysing geospatial data and imagery.
OPSEC - Operational Security, a critical consideration when conducting any online activity. Involves the minimisation of traces left that may indicate what our intelligence requirements or intent is.
Sock Puppet / Ghost Profile / False Online Persona – All names for a false online identity created as a platform from which to collect information online.
Metadata - The exploitable descriptive information attached to files such as document author, location of capture, timestamp, equipment used, etc.
Boolean logic - A set of rules used to control and refine search strings using key words and operators e.g. Google Dorks
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