NeedleStack
NeedleStack co-hosts interview professional open-source researchers who discuss tips, tricks and insights into the practice of digital investigative research. Whether you’re an open-source expert or aficionado, tune in to learn how to hone your skills, improve your craft and protect yourself as you search the surface, deep and dark web. From Authentic8, creators of Silo for Research. Visit authentic8.com/needlestack to learn more!
Episodes
Adding Agentic AI to Analysis
Ultimately, GenAI has the potential to create jobs in areas like data science and cybersecurity, but only if it is integrated responsibly. However, the consensus today is that AI should remain a just tool for analysts, not a direct decision…
Hacker Summer Camp 2025
Robert and AJ went to Hacker Summer Camp. What’s that? It’s a week of conferences such as Black Hat USA, BSidesLV, the Dianna Initiative, Squadcom, and of course DEF CON. Find out what’s relevant for the intelligence community during this f…
Intelligence tradecraft in the digital age
From street cop to OSINT expert, Nico Dekens aka “the Dutch OSINT Guy” shares his incredible journey and insights. Discover the evolution of OSINT and the challenges of integrating AI in intelligence collection and analysis.
Using OSINT to protect celebrities and athletes
Sometimes, when a Hollywood actor stars in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, or when an athlete wins the Super Bowl, their personal problems begin with scandalous photos, property theft, even death threats. That’s where OSINT can help th…
An OSINT investigator’s toolkit
There are OSINT tools that mirror or provide workarounds for hidden social media posts. Join us as we talk with an investigator who really knows his way around the internet, dark web, social platforms and more.
AI as an insider threat
AJ and Robert explore the shadowy side of AI — how some users are becoming addicted, confiding in it like a personal therapist and then gaining confidence to take risky actions in their lives and at work. They discuss what this could mean f…
Adventures in OSINT Red Teaming
Anna discusses her career trajectory from corporate security and financial crimes to becoming the CEO of Pine Risk Management. She shares her experiences in conducting complex risk assessments, fraud detection, and crisis communications, pa…
How culture can inform OSINT investigations
An OSINT Arabic instructor and geopolitical risk expert joins the show to discuss what can get lost in translation when performing OSINT investigations. Plus learn how cultural knowledge can unlock key insights.About Paolo WalcherPaolo Walc…
Ransomware gangs and OSINT
Ransomware groups continue to generate significant profits, frequently relying on recycled or leaked code—leading researchers to describe them as “lazy.” OSINT analysts follow cryptocurrency transactions to trace financial trails, while eff…
Using AI in OSINT investigations
Discover how AI is revolutionizing OSINT, from speeding up data collection to generating comprehensive reports, while also addressing the challenges and ethical considerations. Hosts AJ and Robert dive deep with Lance James, discussing real…
Entering infosec as an outsider! Tips from a librarian turned cyber analyst
A librarian and an OSINT analyst may have more in common than you realize. That’s how Tracy Maleeff found her way into cyber and made a name as InfoSec Sherpa.
What is counterintelligence?
From government to private enterprise, counterintelligence can unlock big benefits in cybersecurity. We sit down with a counterintelligence professional to define the practice, and how everyone can benefit by employing it.
"We’re back, and we’re your new hosts"
Meet the new hosts of NeedleStack. Robert Vamosi is a CISSP and award-winning journalist. AJ Nash has two decades of experience in the Intelligence community. Together they will host new episodes of NeedleStack, with an array of amazing gue…
Using OSINT to investigate organized animal crime
Jacob Lloyd, head of investigations at Animal Welfare Investigations Project, has been putting OSINT skills to use to stop organized animal crime — dogfights, puppy mills, badger baiting and more. Jacob discusses how these crimes are often …
Investigating influence operations
From influence operations and Telegram to using marketing tools for OSINT insights, our guest gives pro tips on OSINT and cyber investigations for professional practitioners.Key takeawaysDigital forensics incident responseCyberthreat and OS…
Is Telegram the place for cyber investigators?
In this episode, we sit down with cyber threat analyst and SANS OSINT instructor, Steven Harris. Steven discusses how Telegram is a must-use channel for investigating the war in Ukraine, and why cyber threat actors are flocking to the app.K…
OSINT for executive protection
Alex Lozano of Cybergy joins us to discuss how he uses OSINT and social media to protect executive clients, resources for his cyber students at University of Barcelona and the best tools for real-time monitoring.Key takeawaysHow to use OSIN…
Word up: learning foreign languages for OSINT with Skip Schiphorst
Language can limit or expand your worldview. That’s important to remember in OSINT where what you’re able to find and analyze can greatly affect the intelligence you build. Skip Schiphorst, OSINT instructor at i-Intelligence, shares his exp…
OSINT after dark with MJ Banias
MJ Banias discusses how one man’s late-night OpSec fail is an OSINTer’s treasure. If that’s too salacious for you, we also talk about how awesome newspaper archives and librarians are.Key takeawaysPut yourself in your targets shoes to under…
Securing high-risk communities
Journalists, academics and NGOs face unprecedented levels of threats in real life and in the digital world. With limited resources, they often lack secure methods to collect OSINT. That’s why a digital investigations platform is being offer…
Demystifying dark web research for enterprise and law enforcement
An analysts from DarkOwl joins us to discuss dark web research and all its facets. From AI and other trends on the dark web, to operational security, learn how to turn on the light beneath the surface of the internet.Key takeawaysAI and oth…
Breaking in: how to use OSINT for pen testing
How can I get in? Steve Stasiukonis knows the power OSINT brings to this crucial pen testing question. From uncovering who to pose as, what to wear and how to forge a badge, OSINT can be the key you need to unlock a client's physical securi…
Lockbit and the stories behind ransomware with Jon DiMaggio
We go behind the scenes with Jon DiMaggio of Ransomware Diaries. As the chief security strategist at Analyst 1, Jon has conducted in-depth investigations of ransomware groups, including the famed Lockbit gang. He tells us the open-source ta…
Legal and OSINT: hunting down the bullsh*t
Bullsh*t Hunting creators Justin Seitz and Some Lawyer share their tips on how OSINT and legal investigation tactics can benefit one another. They talk about their series “The Hunt” as it examines suspicious legal proceedings and possible w…
Security research: humans in the loop with John Hammond
Cybersecurity is rife with technological solutions, but as security researcher John Hammond knows all too well, it’s people that make the difference. Hear how people make or break security intel, both as researchers and threat actors. We’ll…
What’s up with OSINTUp?
Do you wish you had more training opportunities or just chances to flex your OSINT skills? We’re hosting a big event this month where we’ll talk ways to level up your tradecraft, training opportunities, take-home tips and more.
OSINT training in 2024
There are many paths to OSINT — one of them is through training programs and online resources! Aubrey and Shannon break down what’s available, what’s free (or not) to keep you abreast of how you can gain and further your OSINT skills.
Digital investigation techniques with Craig Silverman
Propublica reporter and author of the Digital Investigations newsletter, Craig Silverman joins the podcast to discuss disinformation trends on social media platforms, elections around the world in 2024 and what journalists and OSINT investi…
OPSEC on the internet’s dark side with Sam Bent
DefCon speaker and host of DoingFedTime on YouTube, Sam Bent joins the podcast to shine light on operational security concerns on the dark web. The reformed darknet marketplace seller shares insights and advice for best practices when inves…
Social media intelligence gathering with Ritu Gill
Ritu Gill, or @OSINTtechniques as she’s known online, joins the podcast to give tips for social media intelligence gathering. What are the little-known platforms to look at and how do you gather safely? Tune in to hear the tips.Key takeaway…
Training law enforcement on trafficking with Griffin Glynn
The chief investigations officer of the National Child Protection Task Force shares the tools and methods he trains law enforcement on, how he protects his mental health in a such a devastating field and the latest platforms and technology …
The myths and misconceptions of child protection
Jessica Smith, president and founder of ClickSafe intelligence and special investigations lead with the National Child Protection Task Force, joins the podcast to dispel misconceptions about child protection. From who is being targeted to w…
Can AI identify AI?
We discuss recent Bellingcat reports on whether AI has the capability to reliably identify AI. The reporter and fellow shares his research on AI for OSINT and the results.Key takeawaysTesting AI’s ability to recognize AI artBlending journal…
OSINT by day and night
We talk to an OSINT professional about what he learned when he applied his daytime skills to a moonlighting hobby. On YouTube, Gary Ruddell shares 3-minute tips, geolocates scenes from movies and shares the OSINT discipline he learned from …
How AI is disrupting OSINT for better or worse
Producers Aubrey and Shannon review the latest articles and research on using AI in OSINT. Should you consider using AI chatbots in research now or in the future? And if so, how can you do so securely and with verification in mind?Key takea…
Keeping up with AI and social media
How can researchers keep up with all the changes in the OSINT landscape? From AI to constantly shifting social media platforms, Neil Spencer from LifeRaft gives tips for how to adapt and optimize your OSINT practice.Key takeawaysHow AI has …
AI-enhanced technology for frictionless borders
As analysts assess how AI could improve their workflow, Babel Street is presenting technology that can help border agents better name-match terrorist watchlist to travelers. Declan Trezise, vice president of global solutions engineering, jo…
The ethical use of AI in open-source investigations
Everyone is talking about using AI for OSINT, but what are the ethical considerations before you fire up your first chat? Before you start feeding a machine learning model your data and relying on it’s results, our guest from Fivecast tells…
Leveraging generative AI for OSINT
Wondering how to incorporate AI into your OSINT framework? We asked the CEO and founder of the popular training organization, OSINT Combine. Key takeawaysHow can OSINT researchers leverage generative AI?Tips for spotting disinformation in a…
LifeRaft: What security teams need to know about ChatGPT
We’re handing the mic over to our friends at Talking Threat Intelligence, a podcast by LifeRaft today. On the show, they had our very own Daniel Ben-Chitrit on to discuss the security implications of ChatGPT, how it could be used by phishin…