Maps

What are maps and how are they related to OSINT?


Maps are a useful tool in the field of open-source intelligence (OSINT) because they provide a visual representation of geographical information. This can be helpful for a variety of purposes, such as finding a specific building or street, or identifying patterns or trends in the distribution of certain types of data, such as crime in an area, population density, traffic, etc.

How can maps be used against you?


Malicious actors could use maps to carry out attacks or gather sensitive information. For example, a malicious actor might use maps to identify the physical location of a target, such as a person's home or place of work, in order to plan an attack or gather more information about their target. They might also use maps to identify vulnerable locations, such as buildings with inadequate security measures or infrastructure that is susceptible to sabotage.

How can you protect yourself from maps?


Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

  1. Use privacy settings on social media and other online platforms to control the amount of personal information that is publicly available to others. This can make it more difficult for a malicious actor to locate or gather information about you.

If you are posting an image that is publicly available, be sure to consider any information the image has that can give away your whereabouts. For instance, let's say you took selfie in front of your house patio. How unique is your patio? Does your house number show? Maybe you took a picture of yourself in front of your car. How unique is that car? That red car in your driveway sure is easy to spot.

  1. Use security measures, such as alarms and surveillance cameras, to protect your home and business. It is a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

  2. Consider blurring out your home on map platforms such as Google Maps and Apple Maps.

Here are the steps you can to blur your home in Google Maps:

  1. Open Google Maps.

  2. Find and open the 360 photo that violates the Google Maps Image Acceptance and Privacy Policies.

  3. In the bottom right, click Report a problem.

  4. Complete the form.

  5. Click Submit.

Here are the steps you can take to blur your home in Apple Maps:

  1. Compose an email to send to: mapsimagecollection@apple.com

  2. Request any information regarding your house, license plates, and faces to be blurred in the Street View. Be sure to include your address.