The OSINT and Dark Web Playbook: Tools, Tactics, & Security

This 2-part course takes you deep into the worlds of OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) and the Dark Web, teaching you how to gather intelligence safely and effectively using free, open-source tools for real-world applications.In Part 1 (OSINT), you’ll master the art of uncovering valuable public data often hidden in plain sight. We’ll set up an OSINT toolkit on macOS and work hands-on with tools like Maltego CE for link analysis, theHarvester for emails and hosts, Shodan for device discovery, and SpiderFoot and Recon-ng for automated recon. Through guided demos and exercises, you’ll learn to transform raw data into meaningful, actionable intelligence.In Part 2 (Dark Web Exploration), we’ll navigate the hidden parts of the internet accessible only via Tor. You'll learn how to safely set up the Tor Browser, use dark web search engines like Ahmia, and leverage platforms like Intelligence X to uncover leaked information and hidden services. We'll cover best practices for staying anonymous and discuss responsible, ethical exploration of the dark web.By the end of the course, you’ll have real-world skills in OSINT and dark web research. Each section includes short assignments to reinforce your learning, leading up to a capstone project that ties everything together in a realistic investigative challenge.