Open Source Intelligence is now an essential capability for investigators, analysts, researchers, journalists, compliance professionals and anyone responsible for finding and verifying information online.

The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT is a practical, UK-focused OSINT training book designed to help readers conduct structured, effective and ethical online investigations. Combining professional investigative experience with clear instructions, real-world examples and repeatable workflows, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to modern online investigation techniques.

Find out more and order The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT

What Is Open Source Intelligence?

Open Source Intelligence, commonly known as OSINT, is the collection, verification and analysis of information obtained from publicly available sources.

These sources may include:

• Search engines and websites
• Social media platforms
• Company records and public databases
• Images and videos
• Maps and satellite imagery
• Online forums and digital archives
• News reports and official publications

Although much of this information is publicly accessible, effective OSINT research requires more than simply entering a name into a search engine. Investigators need to understand how to plan searches, evaluate sources, verify information, record findings and operate safely while minimising their digital footprint. This book provides a structured approach to developing those skills.

Practical OSINT Training for Investigators and Researchers

Many online OSINT resources focus on lists of websites or individual tools. However, tools can change, disappear or become outdated.

The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT focuses on transferable investigative methods and practical workflows that can be adapted to different types of enquiries.

The book covers areas including:

• Online investigation planning
• Digital profiling and identity research
• Advanced search techniques
• Social media investigation
• Reverse image and video searching
• Metadata extraction and analysis
• Corporate due diligence
• Geospatial intelligence
• QR codes and mobile applications
• Blockchain and asset tracing
• Artificial intelligence in OSINT
• Legal and ethical considerations
• Recording and presenting investigative findings

Readers also receive practical checklists, model procedures, templates and examples that can be applied during real investigations.

UK-Focused OSINT Training

Many Open Source Intelligence books and online investigation courses are written primarily for audiences outside the United Kingdom. This book provides a distinctly UK-focused approach, making it particularly relevant to professionals working in:

• Law enforcement
• Local government
• Fraud investigation
• Compliance
• Corporate security
• Safeguarding
• Journalism
• Private investigation
• Intelligence analysis
• Due diligence and risk management

The book considers the legal, ethical and professional responsibilities associated with conducting online investigations in the UK. It emphasises proportionate, accountable and evidence-focused research, helping readers understand not only what can be found online, but how that information should be handled responsibly.

Online Investigation Training for Beginners

The book is suitable for readers new to Open Source Intelligence who want a clear introduction to the subject. Beginners will learn how to:

• Plan an online investigation
• Identify useful sources
• Search more effectively
• Verify online information
• Evaluate the reliability of sources
• Record research findings
• Protect their identity and digital footprint
• Use investigative tools safely and ethically

Technical topics are explained in clear language, allowing readers to build confidence without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

A Reference Guide for Experienced Investigators

Experienced investigators, intelligence analysts and researchers can also use the book as a practical desk reference. The structured workflows, investigation checklists and specialist chapters can assist professionals when:

• Planning a new enquiry
• Reviewing investigative strategies
• Selecting appropriate OSINT techniques
• Conducting corporate or individual research
• Developing internal investigation procedures
• Training colleagues in online research
• Reviewing legal and ethical risks

The book is designed to be consulted throughout an investigation rather than read once and then shelved.

Social Media Investigation and Digital Profiling

Social media platforms can provide valuable investigative leads, but the information found on them must be approached with caution. The book explains how to conduct structured social media research while considering issues such as identity verification, source reliability, privacy, attribution and evidential value. Readers learn how to identify connections, examine usernames, trace digital footprints and combine information from multiple online sources. The emphasis is always on verification. A profile, image or post should not automatically be treated as accurate simply because it appears online.

Reverse Image Searching and Metadata Analysis

Images and videos can reveal valuable information about people, places, events and online activity. The book introduces practical techniques for:

• Reverse image searching
• Identifying reused or altered images
• Examining visual details
• Checking image provenance
• Extracting available metadata
• Comparing images across platforms
• Geolocating photographs and videos

These methods can help investigators identify false profiles, verify claims, trace the origin of content and locate additional sources of information.

Corporate Due Diligence and Business Research

Open Source Intelligence is increasingly important in corporate investigations, compliance, fraud prevention and due diligence. The book explains how investigators can use publicly available information to research:

• Companies and directors
• Business relationships
• Corporate structures
• Online trading activity
• Digital assets
• Reputational risks
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Indicators of fraud or misconduct

The techniques apply to both public-sector and private-sector investigations.

Artificial Intelligence and Emerging OSINT Technology

Artificial intelligence is changing how online information can be searched, processed and analysed. The book explores the use of AI in investigations while also addressing its limitations. AI-generated results may be inaccurate, incomplete or unsupported. Investigators must therefore verify outputs and avoid treating automated analysis as fact. The book also introduces emerging areas such as:

• OSINT automation
• Blockchain tracing
• Geospatial analysis
• Mobile app emulation
• Digital investigation platforms
• Automated data collection

These technologies can improve efficiency, but they should support professional judgement rather than replace it.

Legal and Ethical Online Investigation

Finding information online does not automatically mean that collecting or using it is appropriate. Professional investigators must consider legality, necessity, proportionality, privacy, data protection, organisational policies and ethical responsibilities.

The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT promotes an accountable approach to online investigation. Readers are encouraged to:

• Define a lawful and legitimate purpose
• Collect only relevant information
• Verify significant findings
• Maintain accurate records
• Avoid unnecessary intrusion
• Protect sensitive information
• Follow organisational policies
• Clearly distinguish fact from inference

This approach helps protect both the investigation and the people affected by it.

Who Is This OSINT Training Book For?

The book is suitable for:

• Police officers and law-enforcement personnel
• Fraud investigators
• Intelligence analysts
• Compliance professionals
• Researchers
• Journalists
• Safeguarding professionals
• Corporate investigators
• Private investigators
• Security professionals
• Students of intelligence and investigation
• Anyone interested in improving their online research skills

No specialist technical background is required.

Improve Your Online Investigation Skills

The internet contains an enormous amount of potentially useful information, but successful online investigation requires structure, patience and professional judgement. Investigators must know where to look, how to search, how to verify what they find and how to record their results.

The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT provides the practical methods needed to strengthen those skills.

Whether you are investigating fraud, researching an organisation, tracing an online identity, safeguarding vulnerable people or conducting professional due diligence, this UK-focused OSINT training book can help improve the quality and effectiveness of your research.

Practical. Powerful. UK-focused.

Because in the world of online investigation, the truth leaves a trail—you need to know where to look.

Find out more and order The Investigator’s Guide to Online Research & OSINT