Meta Description: Yash Kulkarni shares how he uses OSINT with Trace Labs to locate missing persons. Learn OSINT techniques and their impact on cybersecurity. (140 characters)
Published: May 29, 2025 | By Yash Kulkarni
As a Development Volunteer with Trace Labs since January 2023, I’ve leveraged Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to assist in locating missing persons, contributing to a global mission to reunite families. Based in Udupi, Karnataka, my work with PurpleRain TechSafe and CodeQuestt Hackathon complements my OSINT efforts, blending technical expertise with social impact. In this post, I explore how I use OSINT with Trace Labs, share key techniques, and explain its role in cybersecurity. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned investigator, these insights will inspire you to harness OSINT for good.
Open-Source Intelligence involves collecting and analyzing publicly available data—social media, public records, websites—to generate actionable insights. At Trace Labs, we use OSINT to find leads on missing persons, collaborating globally to support law enforcement. My Ethical Hacking Certification from IIT Delhi enhances my ability to navigate digital landscapes securely and ethically.
Since joining Trace Labs in 2023, I’ve participated in Capture the Flag (CTF) events and OSINT missions. My role involves scouring platforms like Twitter/X, LinkedIn, and public databases for clues, often under time pressure. For example, I once identified a missing person’s last known location by analyzing geotagged social media posts—a process that felt like solving a digital puzzle, not unlike my coin-collecting hobby, where every detail matters.
Social Media Analysis
Platforms like Twitter/X (@yashkulkarni08) are goldmines for OSINT. I use tools like TweetDeck to monitor keywords and hashtags.
Tip: Start with Maltego for visualizing social media connections.
Public Records Search
I access government databases and archives to find addresses or affiliations. My multilingual skills (Hindi, Punjabi, English) help navigate regional sources.
Tip: Use Google Dorks for advanced search queries (e.g., site:*.gov intext:"name").
Geolocation
Analyzing images for landmarks or metadata is critical. My web development experience helps me extract EXIF data from photos.
Tip: Try GeoSpy for automated geolocation analysis.
CTF Competitions
Trace Labs’ CTFs simulate real-world OSINT challenges. My C.O.D.E. Hack 2023 win taught me to stay calm under pressure, a skill I apply here.
Tip: Join CTFtime to practice OSINT in a competitive setting.
My work with Trace Labs has reunited families and honed my analytical skills, which I apply at PurpleRain TechSafe to protect businesses. OSINT requires patience and precision, much like roller-skating—one misstep, and you lose balance. I’ve learned to verify sources rigorously and respect privacy, ensuring ethical investigations.