Best practices for using discovery tools

Data is alive, not just in existence, but in a constant state of evolution and because of that, the tools of yesterday can quickly become the relics of tomorrow. Every day, as I plunge into the depths of OSINT, I am reminded that vigilance is not just desirable; it’s indispensable. I’ve formed a habit or ritual for myself. There is always a search for the newest, best, and most advanced tools and methods for discovery. For me, RSS feeds, forums, and community boards are more than just platforms; they’re the lifelines and silent guardians that keep me up to date on how OSINT tools are changing.

I usually tell folks to start by using multiple tools rather than relying on just one. Each tool has unique strengths in searching different sources, whether social media, public records, or technical databases. So, I leverage different tools accordingly to get a more comprehensive picture.

It’s also important to vary...