SEC587: Advanced Open-Source Intelligence Course Update – What’s New?

The SEC587: Advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering and Analysis^TM course has undergone a massive update, bringing cutting-edge techniques, tools, and real-world applications to help you stay ahead in the evolving world of OSINT investigations. These updates, designed with government and law enforcement clients in mind, enhance the course’s focus on high-priority investigations and emerging challenges in the global OSINT landscape.

Here's what you can expect:

Deep Dive into Russian and Chinese OSINT

The escalating geopolitical activities of Russia and China have intensified the necessity for advanced OSINT techniques. Russia’s extensive use of information operations, particularly during the Ukraine conflict, has highlighted the need for sophisticated OSINT capabilities to counteract disinformation and cyber threats. Similarly, China’s expanding global influence and espionage activities underscore the critical importance of specialized OSINT training to effectively monitor and analyze these developments. The updated Day 1 now includes:

• Russian OSINT Techniques: Learn to utilize Russian facial recognition platforms to identify individuals on VKontakte (VK) and uncover foreign ties to U.S. businesses. Dive into techniques for identifying Russian companies licensed for classified work. This section includes two hands-on labs to practice these skills.
• Chinese OSINT Challenges: As access to Chinese websites becomes increasingly restricted, this section provides strategies to overcome barriers, such as acquiring +86 phone numbers and bypassing geo-restrictions without relying on VPNs. Students will also complete a lab dedicated to navigating Chinese platforms.

Leveraging Artificial Intelligence, Steganography, and Gaming OSINT

Technology's rapid evolution has unlocked new avenues for OSINT investigations, offering both opportunities and challenges. Artificial intelligence (AI) transforms audio analysis, providing investigators with precise insights into recordings, while advancements in steganography detection uncover covert communication and hidden data. Additionally, as gaming platforms like Discord become critical hubs for digital communities, understanding their role in investigations is more important than ever. Day 3 equips you with these advanced tools, blending theory with hands-on practice to navigate this complex, interconnected digital landscape.

• AI for Audio Analysis: Building on concepts from the SEC497^TM course, this section introduces advanced techniques like speaker diarization—determining the number of speakers and identifying their words. A hands-on lab guides students through the entire process. We also discuss speaker recognition, where digital fingerprints can identify speakers across recordings.
• Steganography Detection: Discover new methods to detect hidden files, crucial in identifying covert communication and concealed data.
• Gaming OSINT: As online gaming platforms increasingly intersect with investigations, this section includes a practical lab focused on Discord, a vital platform for gaming-related OSINT.

Cryptocurrency and Wireless OSINT

The rise of cryptocurrencies and wireless technologies has redefined the modern intelligence battlefield. Cryptocurrencies, often used by state-sponsored actors like North Korea, present unique challenges in tracking and attribution, while drones and other wireless devices introduce new layers of complexity in surveillance and unauthorized activities. Day 4 explores these critical areas, teaching you to trace blockchain transactions and detect wireless activity through practical labs.

• Cryptocurrency Tracking: Trace transactions with a focus on identifying ties to state-sponsored actors like North Korea. This section adds practical depth to blockchain analysis.
• Wireless Intelligence: Explore modern wireless OSINT techniques, including a hands-on lab on detecting drones, such as the DJI 4, which are often used for surveillance or unauthorized activities.

Additional Highlights for Advanced Practitioners

The course continues to feature popular topics introduced earlier this year, such as:

• Python for OSINT: A full day dedicated to Python scripting for enhanced OSINT workflows.
• Advanced Enumeration Techniques: Deep dive into identifying infrastructure that others miss.
• Password Cracking for OSINT: Learn practical methods to access password-protected files.

This update to the SEC587 course continues its legacy as the premier choice for advanced OSINT practitioners, especially those in government and law enforcement roles. From combating emerging threats to mastering tools for critical investigations, this revamped curriculum equips you with the expertise to excel in real-world scenarios.

To learn more about the update, join my webcast on Thursday, January 16 at 10 am EST.

Discover all the updates to SEC587 and how they can elevate your OSINT skills. Download the SEC587 Update Flyer and explore the enhanced curriculum designed for today’s intelligence challenges.