1. Identify the target social media account
The first step in conducting OSINT on social media accounts is to identify the target account. This can be done by using search engines or social media platforms’ internal search features. Start with basic information such as the person’s name, username, email address, or phone number to find the social media accounts they use. This will help you gather all the relevant information about the person or entity you are researching.
2. Understand the Platform
Each social media platform has its unique features and limitations. For example, Twitter has a character limit for tweets, whereas Instagram is a photo-sharing platform. Knowing the limitations and features of each platform will help you to identify what kind of information can be gathered.
3. Collect Basic Information
Once you have identified the social media accounts, you need to gather the basic information, such as the person’s full name, location, and employment details. You can also search for any other publicly available information such as their contact details or personal website.
4. Analyze Social Media History