IT Forensics · OSINT

Documenting digital footprints using OSINT – forensically analysing publicly visible online presence

The totality of publicly accessible online traces left by a person or organisation – their digital footprint – can reveal relevant connections in the context of existing cases.

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Within the framework of existing investigations, we systematically analyse publicly accessible digital content and document the results in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

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 online profiles of a relevant individual or organisation and compile the findings into a comprehensive picture that is verifiable through forensic analysis.

Typical areas of application

Recording of public online presence in the context of existing cases
Support for compliance and fraud investigations
Support in identifying further relevant profiles
Documentation for internal audit processes
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with solicitors and companies

This is how the documentation of digital footprints works

Using Maltego and SpiderFoot, publicly available profiles and mentions that are systematically linked based on known identifying characteristics are collected and combined to form a comprehensive picture that can be verified through forensic analysis.

Why is the documentation of digital footprints relevant in forensic investigations?

A fully documented digital footprint can reveal important, previously unknown connections within the context of an existing case.

Furthermore, the forensically verifiable documentation makes the research transparent to third parties, such as the courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can every digital footprint be fully tracked?+
No, only publicly available content is collected; we communicate any existing limitations to our research transparently.
Is deleted content also included?+
Insofar as they are publicly accessible via web archives or caches, yes.
Does LanCologne carry out comprehensive surveillance of individuals?+
No, our research is limited to a one-off, documented collection of publicly available information in the context of an existing enquiry; it does not involve ongoing surveillance in the sense of a private investigation agency.

LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne

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

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