Information is key to making wise decisions, especially in the legal field. As a Swiss security company, Sheriff Security offers professional OSINT (open-source intelligence) investigations to provide lawyers and law firms with valuable background insights for case assessment and legal strategy development. But what exactly is OSINT, how does the process work, and what are its opportunities and limitations?
What is OSINT?
OSINT stands for “open-source Intelligence”: collection, analysis, and interpretation of publicly accessible information from a wide range of sources. It includes both structured data (such as commercial registers, public databases, or official websites) and unstructured data (such as social media posts, forum discussions, comments, or news articles).
Unlike traditional investigative methods, OSINT relies exclusively on legally accessible information: no deception or bypassing of protective mechanisms is involved. Instead, existing digital traces and data are intelligently linked to uncover patterns, inconsistencies, or previously unknown connections.
Professional OSINT analysis combines technological tools with methodological precision, legal awareness, and deep experience in interpreting digital contexts.
Applications of OSINT for Lawyers
OSINT opens up a range of possibilities for lawyers to gain comprehensive insights into potential clients, opposing parties, or witnesses:
- Background checks
Assessing integrity, creditworthiness, and possible criminal records of individuals or companies to detect risks early. - Asset tracing
Locating and identifying assets domestically and abroad, e.g., in civil litigation or debt enforcement. - Reputation analysis
Evaluating public perception and negative press, which may be relevant to compliance checks or case acceptance. - Support in proceedings
Researching and verifying evidence, testimonies, or case facts critical to legal strategy in civil or criminal cases.
In-Depth Use Cases in Legal Practice
One of the most requested OSINT services at Sheriff Security is so-called “starting point investigations”: focused digital research based on minimal information, such as phone numbers, emails, names, or business details. This helps track digital footprints that individuals or companies have left online, revealing key insights.
Typical OSINT tasks for legal professionals include:
- Identifying and linking social media accounts
- Checking for data breaches (e.g., leaked customer databases from online shops or banks)
- Cross-referencing public databases and business registries
- Detecting reused or compromised passwords
- Geolocation from metadata in images (e.g., to verify alibis)
- Uncovering asset ownership (including through foreign registries)
- Creating psychographic profiles (relationships, habits, behavior patterns)
- Identifying potential witnesses through digital mentions or social connections
- Counter-surveillance and adversary profiling in legal disputes
These insights offer strategic advantages, even if not all are admissible as legal evidence.
Special Benefits for Lawyers, Beyond the Presentation of Evidence
Not all OSINT findings can be directly used in court. Nonetheless, OSINT provides lawyers with substantial added value:
- Strategic preparation
Even non-admissible information can inform negotiation tactics or support more focused client interviews. - Identifying relevant individuals
Witnesses or experts discovered via OSINT may later contribute valid, court-approved testimony. - Early risk and conflict detection
Reputation scans reveal potential issues before taking on a case or entering negotiations. - Due diligence in corporate law
Companies, assets, and complex structures can be vetted early in the process. - Information advantage for out-of-court settlements
OSINT gives leverage in negotiations, settlements, or alternative dispute resolution.
The OSINT Process
A professional OSINT inquiry follows a clear and structured approach:
- Definition of the research question
Goals and focus are defined jointly with the lawyer. - Systematic information collection
Gathering data from public and specialized sources, ranging from social media to commercial registers and international databases. - Analysis and assessment
Evaluating data for relevance, plausibility, and correlations. - Verification
Cross-checking critical data using additional sources. - Documentation and reporting
Presenting findings in a structured, traceable format.
Admissibility of OSINT Evidence in Court
In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), OSINT data is generally admissible in court if it comes from legal sources and no access restrictions were bypassed. However, evidentiary value depends heavily on traceability and data integrity. Illegally obtained data, via deception, password breaches, or violations of privacy, are not permitted.
OSINT and Data Protection (DSG/GDPR)
Even publicly available information is subject to data protection laws. Its processing must serve a legitimate purpose and be proportionate. Particularly sensitive data requires legal justification or explicit consent.
Important: Public availability online does not mean free use without legal consideration.
Ensuring the Integrity of OSINT Data
To use OSINT findings lawfully, the following practices are essential:
- Full documentation of research steps
- Transparent evidence chain and clear data processing records
- Storage of original data (e.g., timestamped screenshots)
- Use of automated tools with checksums and logging
- Objective evaluation, which clearly separates facts from opinions
- Prompt data backup to prevent loss or alteration
- Adherence to IT security standards for storage and handling
Best Practices
- Critical evaluation of data sources and content
- Careful documentation of each source
- Collaboration with experts like Sheriff Security to minimize legal and technical risks
Conclusion
OSINT research offers lawyers more than just evidence. It is a powerful strategic tool for proactive and informed legal work. Sheriff Security delivers not only data but also actionable insights: confidential, structured, and legally sound.
Whether for client screening, finding evidence, or negotiation tactics, those who understand digital footprints hold the stronger arguments.
FAQs
Are OSINT data always legal to use?
Not necessarily. OSINT data must come from publicly accessible sources and must not bypass access restrictions. Even public information must be processed lawfully and in compliance with data protection laws.
Can OSINT findings be used as court evidence?
Yes, if legal conditions are met. Data must be from legal, open sources and well-documented with verifiable integrity (e.g., timestamps, hash values). While not always directly admissible, they often guide case strategy and support other evidence.
How does professional OSINT differ from a simple Google search?
Professional OSINT follows a multi-step, methodical process. It uses specialized tools, international registries, and forensic techniques, with structured, verifiable documentation.
How long does an OSINT investigation take?
Depending on scope, initial results are often available within 24–72 hours. Complex inquiries may take several days or weeks.
What information can be collected about individuals?
Only data from public sources that serve a legitimate purpose. Sensitive data (e.g., health records) require explicit consent or a legal basis.
How does Sheriff Security protect case confidentiality?
All research is conducted under strict confidentiality and privacy policies, with professional discretion and clearly documented processes.
When is OSINT especially worthwhile for a law firm?
For case vetting, civil/criminal litigation, asset tracing, compliance, due diligence, or when gaining an information advantage is strategic.
