NeedleStack
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!
- Update frequency
- every 9 days
- Average duration
- 27 minutes
- Episodes
- 90
- Years Active
- 2022 - 2025
Adding Agentic AI to Analysis
Ultimately, GenAI has the potential to create jobs in areas like data science and cybersecurity, but only if it is integrated responsibly. However, the consensus today is that AI should remain a just…
Hacker Summer Camp 2025
Robert and AJ went to Hacker Summer Camp. What’s that? It’s a week of conferences such as Black Hat USA, BSidesLV, the Dianna Initiative, Squadcom, and of course DEF CON. Find out what’s relevant for…
Intelligence tradecraft in the digital age
From street cop to OSINT expert, Nico Dekens aka “the Dutch OSINT Guy” shares his incredible journey and insights. Discover the evolution of OSINT and the challenges of integrating AI in intelligence…
Using OSINT to protect celebrities and athletes
Sometimes, when a Hollywood actor stars in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, or when an athlete wins the Super Bowl, their personal problems begin with scandalous photos, property theft, even deat…
An OSINT investigator’s toolkit
There are OSINT tools that mirror or provide workarounds for hidden social media posts. Join us as we talk with an investigator who really knows his way around the internet, dark web, social platform…
AI as an insider threat
AJ and Robert explore the shadowy side of AI — how some users are becoming addicted, confiding in it like a personal therapist and then gaining confidence to take risky actions in their lives and at …
Adventures in OSINT Red Teaming
Anna discusses her career trajectory from corporate security and financial crimes to becoming the CEO of Pine Risk Management. She shares her experiences in conducting complex risk assessments, fraud…
How culture can inform OSINT investigations
An OSINT Arabic instructor and geopolitical risk expert joins the show to discuss what can get lost in translation when performing OSINT investigations. Plus learn how cultural knowledge can unlock k…
Ransomware gangs and OSINT
Ransomware groups continue to generate significant profits, frequently relying on recycled or leaked code—leading researchers to describe them as “lazy.” OSINT analysts follow cryptocurrency transact…
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 di…
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.
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 b…
"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 …
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. Ja…
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 takeaways
- Digital fore…
Is Telegram the place for cyber investigators?
In this episode, we sit down with cyber threat analyst and SANS OSINT instructor, Steven Harris. Steven discusses how Telegram is a must-use channel for investigating the war in Ukraine, and why cybe…
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-tim…
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 ins…
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 takeaways
- Pu…
Securing high-risk communities
Journalists, academics and NGOs face unprecedented levels of threats in real life and in the digital world. With limited resources, they often lack secure methods to collect OSINT. That’s why a digit…