Why you need this course

Social media platforms record and analyze almost every piece of data sent to them. They track who is using the platform, what device they used to get there, what searches they perform, and where they are located. As OSINT analysts and investigators, we cannot let our targets know that we are looking through their posts, images, and videos.

Research accounts (sometimes called sock puppets, false personas, and synthetic identities) provide that insulation for us to do our social media work and stay more anonymous. This course will teach you the art and science of sock puppet creation.

Please note that this course teaches techniques that may be illegal to use in some areas of the world. My OSINT Training insists that students learn and abide by all laws that may impact their OSINT work.


Key learning objectives:

  • Understand what a research account is, when and how to use them.
  • Understand the value of a research account in OSINT work.


At the end of the course, you will:

  • Be able to explain what a research account is and how it is used in OSINT work.
  • Comprehend the fundamental processes for constructing a research account.
  • Create a plausible account with appropriate background data and avatar.
  • Recognize and avoid the common mistakes and techniques that can compromise the integrity of a research account creation.

Frequently Asked Questions