

NeedleStack
Authentic8
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!
From Authentic8, creators of Silo for Research. Visit authentic8.com/needlestack to learn more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2025 • 52min
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-world insights and the potential for misuse.

Apr 16, 2025 • 43min
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.

Apr 2, 2025 • 40min
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.

Mar 19, 2025 • 33min
"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 guests.

Aug 13, 2024 • 18min
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 neglected by law enforcement due to lack of training and are thus dealt with reactively. He explains how to leverage pedigree sites, social media and other online sources to proactively investigate animal crime and save animals from this horrible fate. Key takeawaysWhat pedigree sites can tell you about fighting dogs and their ownersHow prevalent information on organized animal crime is on the surface webHow to get involved with Animal Welfare Investigations Project

Aug 5, 2024 • 24min
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 OSINT crossoverMarketing tools for OSINT

Jun 25, 2024 • 30min
Is Telegram the place for cyber investigators?
Cyber threat analyst Steven Harris explains why Telegram is crucial for investigating the war in Ukraine. Discusses Telegram's appeal to cyber threat actors. Highlights the significance of problem-solving skills in cyber investigations. Addresses the impact of foreign threat actors on elections.

Jun 18, 2024 • 17min
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 OSINT for executive protectionResources for students and OSINT newbiesTools for real-time monitoring

Jun 11, 2024 • 23min
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 expertise on why even baseline knowledge of a foreign language is important in a world flush with translation services; how foreign language content can counteract bias; and tips for verifying automated translations.Key takeawaysYou can find a lot more online than you may think by using foreign languages — even those using non-Latin charactersYou don’t need to be a ninja with years of training to find foreign content online, or outsource everything to language expertsKnow the basics of OSINT, be critical and be patient when searching online in a foreign language

May 14, 2024 • 38min
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 understand what sites could give you your next selectorThe sites and services every OSINTer should subscribe toHow overcoming a millennial’s worst nightmare could be the break you need