OSINT Signals Pop Quiz

Introduction to OSINT Signals

Master Shen, a martial artist and hacker with a psychology degree, presented an introductory-level OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) pop quiz. The talk aimed to educate the general public on identifying open-source signals that can aid in investigations, emphasizing that these signals can be found on clothing, in gestures, and during affiliations.

Motivation for the Talk

The presentation was inspired by two anecdotes:

A colleague asking for help identifying someone based on their clothing, prompting Shen to investigate.

A friend successfully identifying a target by reverse-engineering a picture of their son's karate uniform, which featured a dojo's insignia.

Understanding OSINT Signals

Open-source signaling is defined as any signal in the open that expresses intention, organizational affiliation, or a desire to communicate. These signals are categorized into four levels, decreasing in specificity:

Overt Signaling: Publicly displayed signals like t-shirts, flags, and bumper stickers that are easily recognizable by anyone (e.g., a "Vegan" shirt).

Organizational/Institutional Signaling: Signals related to specific groups, companies, or organizations, often using colors, logos, or brands (e.g., Defcon's logo).

Secret Signaling: More niche signals like handshakes or the placement of insignias, often used within specific groups (e.g., Masonic handshakes).

Covert Signaling: Signals that are nonchalant and attention-grabbing, pre-arranged for private communication (e.g., wearing a watch on a specific wrist to indicate readiness to communicate).

OSINT Signals Pop Quiz Examples

The quiz tested the audience's ability to identify the signal level and context/cultural reference of various examples. Participants were not allowed to use online search engines or AI. The closest answer to Shen's research won a prize.

Marriage Symbol: Overt signaling, indicating marital status.

Masonic Handshake: Secret signaling, used by a secret society.

Flower in Hair (Left Side): Cultural signaling (Filipino/Island culture), indicating the person is taken.

Hawaiian Flag Upside Down: Cultural and overt signaling, indicating duress or distress, often associated with the Hawaiian independence movement.

Black or Red Bandana (Hanky Code): Contextual and cultural signaling, with meanings varying between gang culture (e.g., Bloods vs. Crips) and LGBT culture (indicating willingness to engage in specific sexual acts, with left/right indicating giving or receiving).

Italian Mob Wave: Gestural signaling, indicating affiliation or exclusion within a group.

Baseball Signs: Secret signaling, with meanings determined by coaches or players.

Coins on a Gravestone (Military): Cultural and secret signaling, with the type of coin indicating the relationship to the deceased veteran (penny: visited; nickel: boot camp; dime: served with; quarter: present at death).

Sydicate/Skinhead Symbol: Overt signaling, indicating willingness to commit or involvement in violence.

Conclusion and Further Information

Master Shen emphasized that OSINT research should not only focus on geolocation or environmental details but also on subtle signals like clothing and gestures. He provided his references, including information on Hanky Code and Lace Code, and invited further discussion on his GitHub and Discord server. He also recommended Crisis Wear in the vendor area for their merchandise.