IT FORENSICS · OSINT

IT Forensics OSINT – analysing publicly available sources in a forensically verifiable manner

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) uses publicly available sources to investigate matters for businesses, lawyers, insurance companies or private individuals in a manner that is forensically verifiable – ranging from corporate and background checks to image and video verification and dark web investigations.

We place particular emphasis on cross-tool plausibility checks, transparent documentation of sources, and a clear distinction between facts and assumptions.

Specialising in OSINT
Documentation admissible in court
GDPR-compliant processing
Experienced experts

BASICS OF OSINT RESEARCH

How an OSINT-based forensic investigation is carried out

We carry out research using publicly available sources – ranging from company registers and social media profiles to image and video material, and even dark web platforms. Where possible, key research findings are cross-checked against several independent tools and sources to enhance the reliability of our findings.

OUR APPROACH

This is how your examination will be carried out

A transparent process – from the initial enquiry to the handover of the report.

1
We clarify the scope of the enquiry and the parameters of the investigation – such as research into companies, individuals or infrastructure – as well as the legally permissible scope.
2
Publicly available sources are systematically researched and the results are documented in a way that allows them to be verified.
3
Depending on the nature of the enquiry, we examine image and video material, corporate and shareholder structures, or dark web sources.
4
Key research findings are validated across several independent tools and sources.
5
The findings are documented in a clear and comprehensive report which explicitly states the sources and limitations of their validity.

TYPICAL QUESTIONS

When is OSINT-based research appropriate?

  • ✔Company research (Company Register, due diligence, competitor analysis)
  • ✔Background checks and identity verification
  • ✔Image and video verification (reverse image search, geolocation, deepfakes)
  • ✔Dark web investigations (data breaches, darknet marketplaces)
  • ✔Disinformation and fake accounts
  • ✔Infrastructure and domain research
  • ✔International OSINT research
  • ✔Methodology and cross-tool plausibility checks

LIMITATIONS & CONCLUSION

What you should know

We conduct research using publicly available sources for investigations into companies, individuals and infrastructure, as well as image and video verification and dark web investigations. The legal assessment of the findings remains the responsibility of the client and their legal advisers; we provide the independent, source-based research foundation.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

What our customers say

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“The highest standards of professionalism, prompt service and excellent communication. They made the seemingly impossible a reality. This is what genuine customer service is all about – unrivalled in Germany!”

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“Very helpful advice, excellent responsiveness and communication. My problem was completely resolved and the lost data was recovered. I’m very satisfied and, of course, relieved!”

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“My problem was sorted out professionally and quickly; everyone I spoke to was always friendly, and I can still get in touch if I have any questions – I’m very grateful for that!”

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Do you require OSINT-based research using publicly available sources? LanCologne conducts research in a transparent, source-based manner, verifying the plausibility of findings using a range of tools.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Click on a question to see the answer.

How can reverse image search help with OSINT research?

Reverse image search can be used to check whether an image has already been published elsewhere on the internet, which allows conclusions to be drawn about its original source, first publication or possible unauthorised reuse.

How are data breaches identified on the Dark Web using OSINT?

Stolen data sets are regularly published or offered for sale on relevant dark web forums and specialised platforms; identifying these may be relevant in the context of a cyber security incident.

How can complex shareholder structures be analysed using OSINT?

Complex shareholder structures involving multi-tiered shareholdings can often be visualised by systematically collating several extracts from the public commercial register.

Why are OSINT research findings validated across different tools?

To improve the reliability of a finding, we cross-check key research results across several independent tools and sources wherever possible.

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