SANS SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis
"SANS SEC487 is an advanced cyber intelligence training program designed to teach professionals how to harvest, analyze, and leverage open-source information. The curriculum focuses on operational security, dark web monitoring, social media intelligence, and advanced data collection methodologies. By mastering these techniques, intelligence analysts and security professionals can effectively track threat actors, investigate disinformation campaigns, and conduct comprehensive geopolitical and corporate risk assessments."
SANS SEC487 is a premier, intelligence-grade course focused on Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering, analysis, and operational security. It teaches practitioners how to systematically, legally, and ethically collect, analyze, and interpret publicly available information. The course provides comprehensive training on establishing secure research environments, deep web research, social media intelligence (SOCMINT), corporate profiling, and dark web monitoring. Designed for cyber threat intelligence analysts, law enforcement, and penetration testers, this curriculum ensures professionals can extract high-fidelity intelligence to support complex investigations, track threat actors, and evaluate organizational risk.
[01] Hands-On Verification Sandboxes (Live Simulations)
Deploy into hands-on sandbox simulations mapped directly to SANS SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis objectives. Verify your readiness under real-world conditions:
Operation Specter Chain
Operation Binary Vault
Prism Trace: Converged GSOC Crisis
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[02] Exam Curriculum & Syllabus Modules
Structured domain syllabus and core learning outcomes covered in the SANS SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis examination blueprint:
Module 1: OSINT Foundations & Operational Security (OPSEC)
- •Intelligence Cycle Fundamentals
- •Operational Security (OPSEC) Principles
- •Building Non-Attributable Research Environments
- •Sock Puppet Creation and Management
Module 2: Search Engine & Web Data Collection
- •Advanced Search Engine Dorking
- •Image and Video Analysis
- •Metadata Extraction and Forensics
- •Web Archiving and Cached Data Retrieval
Module 3: Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT)
- •Platform-Specific Scraping Techniques
- •Relationship and Link Mapping
- •Disinformation Tracking
- •Corporate Profiling and Reconnaissance
Module 4: Deep Web, Dark Web & Financial Tracking
- •Navigating Tor and I2P Networks
- •Deep Web Marketplace Research
- •Cryptocurrency Tracing Basics
- •Breach Data Analysis
Module 5: OSINT Automation, Tooling & Reporting
- •Maltego and Link Analysis Workflows
- •Integrating Tactical Threat Feeds
- •Automated OSINT Scripting
- •Intelligence Reporting and Dissemination
[03] Skills Validated by This Certification
The SANS SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis curriculum tests and measures critical capabilities across these essential converged cyber-physical security operations skills. Explore the dedicated skills nodes below:
[04] Career Pathways & Target Roles
Securing a verified status in SANS SEC487: Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Analysis is a high-value accelerator for major converged risk management career paths. Learn more about the primary roles mapping to this pathway: