IT Forensics · OSINT

Detecting cloud misconfigurations using OSINT – Forensically identifying publicly accessible cloud resources

Incorrectly configured cloud storage and services are sometimes inadvertently accessible to the public and may expose sensitive company data.

Enquire without obligation

As part of existing security assessments, we carry out a structured investigation to determine whether any publicly accessible cloud resources can be found for a relevant organisation.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

Our OSINT investigations are always carried out as a complementary component to existing IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries. Every step of the investigation and every piece of digital evidence found is documented and, where technically possible, archived to ensure traceability even if the original online content is subsequently altered or deleted.

Our services

We investigate publicly accessible cloud storage and services linked to a relevant organisation and document the findings in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Typical areas of application

Identification of cloud resources that are inadvertently accessible to the public
Supplementing IT security audits
Support with assessing a data protection risk
Documentation for internal security reports
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with IT security teams

This is how an investigation into cloud misconfigurations is carried out

Publicly available sources and technical methods are used to identify cloud storage and services with a recognisable link to the relevant organisation; access permissions and visible content are documented, where identifiable.

Why is investigating cloud misconfigurations relevant from a forensic perspective?

Identifying a misconfiguration at an early stage can help prevent a potential data breach before sensitive data actually leaks out.

Forensic documentation of a discovery also helps to assess whether unauthorised access has already taken place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is any cloud content that is found downloaded in its entirety?+
Only to the extent strictly necessary for forensic documentation and risk assessment, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements.
Will the configuration be resolved by LanCologne?+
No, we document the findings for forensic purposes; the technical resolution is the responsibility of the client’s relevant IT team.
Are cloud providers also being contacted?+
No, our research is limited to publicly available information; it is up to the client to make contact.

LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne

Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „Identifying cloud misconfigurations using OSINT"? LanCologne supports you in the transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to complement your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate investigations.

Get in touch now