Images

OSINT resources for images

OSINT tools for analysing images can help you identify their contents. Images from social media platforms and other public websites are an easy way to gather lots of valuable data.

Various tools can be used to extract relevant data from images, such as faces, text, logos, and other identifying markers. This data can also be analyzed using a variety of techniques, including facial recognition software, optical character recognition (OCR), and image analysis algorithms to identify key elements within the image.

When OSINT is applied to images it had many potential applications, such as offensive security, fraud detection, brand monitoring, locating missing people, and counterintelligence activities. However, it is important to consider the ethical implications of using OSINT tools in this context, particularly when analyzing sensitive personal information without consent.

Reverse Image Search
EXIF Data
Physical Location
Identify Locations

Tools not listed on other pages:

exiftool.org - A command-line tool that extracts metadata from images.
fotoforensics.com - A web tool that can detect signs of manipulation.
citizenevidence.amnestyusa.org - Verify the authenticity of an image.

Subsections of Images

Reverse Image Search

Strip out exif data from images before uploading for search. Right click and check properties.

Reverse image search example:

  • drag and drop to upload image: images.google.com

  • Click on “Find images source”

    • It appears to look for all locations of the exact image.

  • Go back to front page.

  • Drag the selection markers so that it’s only selecting the part of the image that you want to search for, then try Find image source again. Go back and forth as much as needed.

    • May not work that well for some images.
    • May work really well for other images (buildings, landmarks, etc.)

  • Remove twitter from search: Jonas Hellborg -twitter.com

  • “NAME” - probably just photos uploaded by NAME.

  • “Photos of NAME” - will get you a different full list of photos.

Yandex reverse image search
yandex.com/images/

  • Drag and drop and image to get some results.
    • It should find more images, similar images.

TinEye

TinEye - Reverse Image Search
tineye.com/

Upload an image to search.

Other

socialcatfish.com/reverse-image-search - Reverse image search engine.
https://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=image+identify - Identify objects, landmarks, and other items within images.
pimeyes.com/en (paid)

EXIF Data

Viewing EXIF Data

EXIF - Exchangeable Image File

EXIF data can provide a lot of information. It’s data in a phone that can be tied back to the person who took the photo. It can tell you a location, device, and other details.

Sites for viewing EXIF data

jimpl.com
exifdata.com
exif.tools
exif.regex.info - offline

Linux command line tool:

exiftool image.jpg

Remove exif data

Sites: jimpl.com/remove-exif

Command Line: Install exiftool

sudo apt install libimage-exiftool-perl

Run in a directory to remove data from all images including subdirectories:

exiftool -overwrite_original -recurse -all= *

Using exiftool to remove data can take a while depending on how many images there are.

GPS Coordinates

Can get GPS coordinates if they exist in the photo data and search.
gps-coordinates.net

Can use google maps to get an overhead view (when searching for physical weaknesses, etc).

Physical Location

Go to Google maps, find a location and go to satellite view. Look at everything to see if there are any weaknesses or ways to get it without too much trouble. (Check for other satellite services if Google doesn’t have a current image)

  • You’re trying to find ways into the building that won’t make you look suspicious.
    • Somewhere close by where you might be able to fly a drone.
  • Drive around to possibly see anything in person.
  • Is there private access?
  • Are the paths blocked or guarded?
  • Is there anywhere to park that’s not suspicious?
  • Try to get into street view on map.
    • Are there any doors?
      • Badge, card readers.
      • What are the people doing,?
      • What are they wearing?
      • Keep asking these kinds of questions.
  • You can apply all of these things to people.