OSINT Tool Deep Dive: Unconventional Tools for Cyber Pros

TL;DR: Not Strictly OSINT tools, but EXTREMELY useful.

Cybersecurity is a realm where professionals constantly need to upgrade their toolkits. Among the plethora of tools and platforms available, there are some which, while not strictly designed for cybersecurity, offer functionalities that can be incredibly beneficial. Today, we will explore three such platforms: TOS:DR, 10-foot ladder/Removepaywall, and Hemingway Editor.

1. TOS:DR

What it is: TOS:DR, which stands for "Terms of Service; Didn't Read," is a platform that offers a summarized and easily digestible analysis of terms and conditions of various online platforms.

Value for InfoSec Professionals: Understanding the TOS of a software, platform, or website is crucial when assessing risks. TOS:DR simplifies this process, allowing cybersecurity professionals to swiftly identify potential privacy issues or vulnerabilities related to data handling and sharing.

Strengths:

• Provides quick snapshots of terms and conditions, graded from A (the best) to E (the worst).

• Community-driven and open-source; ensuring continuous updates and verification.

• Covers a vast number of popular websites and services.

Limitations:

• Might not cover all platforms, especially new or less popular ones.

• Summaries, while insightful, might miss nuances that a full reading might catch.

2. 12ft Ladder/ Removepaywall

What it is: The 12ft Ladder & Removepaywall websites, as the names suggest, are focused on bypassing paywalls that prevent users from accessing content behind a subscription model.

Value for InfoSec Professionals: At times, vital information, research papers, or articles might be locked behind paywalls. While ethical considerations are paramount, in cases where access is genuinely required for security purposes, this tool can be handy.

Strengths:

• Can bypass a vast majority of paywalls.

• User-friendly interfaces.

Limitations:

• Raises ethical concerns: should be used judiciously and ethically.

• Might not work on all platforms, especially those with advanced paywall mechanisms.

3. Hemingway Editor

What it is: While Hemingway Editor is predominantly a writing tool aimed at refining and enhancing written content, its utility for cybersecurity professionals lies in its ability to simplify and clarify written information.

Value for InfoSec Professionals: Cybersecurity reports, assessments, and communication often suffer from complexity. A tool like Hemingway can help ensure that content is clear, concise, and comprehensible for all stakeholders, irrespective of their tech-savviness.

Strengths:

• Highlights complex sentences, passive voices, and adverb usage.

• Provides readability scores and improvement suggestions.

• Can enhance the clarity of cybersecurity reports and client communications.

Limitations:

• Not designed for cybersecurity, so its benefits are indirect.

• Might oversimplify certain technical jargon or concepts which are better left in their original form.

Final Thoughts: Each of these tools offers unique functionalities, and while not all are directly tailored for cybersecurity, their potential benefits are undeniable. TOS:DR streamlines the often-tedious process of sifting through terms of service, 10-foot ladder/Removepaywall can help access otherwise inaccessible information, and Hemingway Editor ensures that communication is clear and concise.

For aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals alike, experimenting with diverse tools and platforms can open new avenues for efficiency and effectiveness. Whether you're analyzing terms of service, bypassing paywalls ethically, or clarifying reports, remember to always use tools responsibly and within the bounds of the law and ethics.

Note: Always ensure that you are compliant with legal requirements and uphold ethical standards when using any tools, especially those related to bypassing paywalls or accessing restricted content.

Stay Safe,

Franklin Buckholdt

Founder, CyberChronicler