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Introduction:
The French military’s expansion of its specialized OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) reserve battalion, the B2RS, highlights the growing role of digital reconnaissance in modern warfare. By leveraging publicly available data—from social media to forums—these reservists generate actionable intelligence without traditional field operations. This shift underscores how militaries worldwide are adapting to cyber-centric battlefields.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the structure and mission of France’s B2RS OSINT battalion.
- Learn key OSINT tools and techniques used by military reservists.
- Explore how to apply OSINT methodologies for cybersecurity and threat analysis.
You Should Know:
1. OSINT Data Collection with Maltego
Command/Tool:
maltego --run "CompanyStalker" -d "target.com"
Step-by-Step Guide:
Maltego automates footprinting by mapping relationships between domains, emails, and social media.
1. Install Maltego CE (Community Edition).
2. Load the “CompanyStalker” transform set.
- Input a target domain to visualize linked entities.
Military Use Case: B2RS analysts use this to trace disinformation networks.
2. Geolocating Images with ExifTool
Command:
exiftool -GPSLatitude -GPSLongitude image.jpg
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Download ExifTool (Linux/Windows).
- Run the command to extract embedded GPS coordinates.
3. Validate coordinates with Google Earth.
Military Use Case: Confirming troop movements via social media uploads.
3. Monitoring Social Media with Twint
Command:
twint -u @target_user --since 2024-01-01 -o output.json
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Install Twint (`pip3 install twint`).
2. Scrape a target’s tweets without API limits.
3. Analyze JSON output for patterns.
Military Use Case: Tracking adversarial propaganda campaigns.
4. Securing OSINT Operations with Tails OS
Command:
sudo apt install tails -y
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Boot Tails OS (amnesic live system).
2. Route traffic through Tor automatically.
3. Use pre-installed tools like OnionShare.
Military Use Case: B2RS operators avoid attribution during reconnaissance.
5. Automating Dark Web Scans with OnionScan
Command:
onionscan --torProxy=127.0.0.1:9050 darkweburl.onion
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Install OnionScan (`go get github.com/s-rah/onionscan`).
2. Scan .onion sites for vulnerabilities.
3. Review report for deanonymization risks.
Military Use Case: Monitoring illicit arms forums.
What Undercode Say:
- Key Takeaway 1: OSINT is now a frontline military capability, blending cybersecurity and intelligence.
- Key Takeaway 2: Reservists with niche digital skills are force multipliers in hybrid warfare.
Analysis:
The B2RS model reflects a paradigm shift—nation-states now treat data as a strategic asset. Unlike SIGINT (signals intelligence), OSINT leverages publicly accessible information, reducing legal barriers. However, the same tools (e.g., Maltego, Twint) are used by threat actors, creating an arms race in data literacy. Future conflicts may see “OSINT brigades” targeting infrastructure vulnerabilities exposed online, such as unsecured IoT devices near military bases.
Prediction:
By 2030, 60% of NATO members will deploy OSINT reserves, with AI-driven tools like ChatGPT-4 scraping and analyzing data at scale. Expect “counter-OSINT” tactics (e.g., AI-generated disinformation) to emerge as defenses.
Reference: B2RS Expansion Source
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Baptisterobert French – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
