Introduction
The addition of the VSCO module to Noimosiny's module stack provides law enforcement and private investigators with valuable tools for digital investigations. The Visual Supply Company (VSCO) dubs itself:
"a community-driven platform that equips photographers with the tools, community, and exposure they need to expand creatively and professionally."
Founded in 2011 with its membership feature launched in 2017, the platform serves as both an image-based social network as well as video and photo editing app.
VSCO is popular among teenagers. The platform doesn't publish likes, comments, or follower counts, which have contributed to mental health crises among youth populations using platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Most profiles are public by default, making for easy access. Active users can search for creators by their names or usernames. Posts include geolocation data, which can be hidden by the creator.
VSCO for OSINT
VSCO offers the most benefit in geolocation based OSINT tasks. The platform's geotagged content can be used to track locations and movements of creators. Content analysis of photos and videos can also provide contextual information for geolocation tasks along with date and time stamps. Creators also link their VSCO profiles in their Instagram bios, leaving breadcrumbs for discovering new leads such as alternative usernames or insight on a consistent digital identity.
Investigation Benefits
Investigators benefit most from VSCO in the following areas:
Network Mapping
Identifying and examining connections and interactions to identify key individual or groups.
Digital Evidence
Forensic analyst can collect digital evidence for legal proceedings.
Behavioral Analysis
Investigators can study behavioral patterns through content analysis and monitoring user interactions.
Preventative Solutions
SOCMINT investigations to anticipate and prevent criminal or other suspicious activity.
Geolocation
Subject or location identification through content analysis and user tracking through geotagging data analysis.
VSCO on Noimosiny
Since VSCO profiles aren't indexed in search engines the VSCO module on Noimosiny allows private investigators and law enforcement to parse the platform with reverse lookups of emails and phone numbers.
VSCO Profile Data Extraction
The VSCO module extracts comprehensive profile data that can be crucial for investigations. Here are the key data points available:
Profile Picture
High-resolution profile picture that can be used for facial recognition and identity verification purposes.
Temporal Data
Post timestamps and user's most recent activity patterns, allowing for timeline construction.
Network Connections
Linked social media profiles and cross-platform identity verification. Reveals digital footprint breadth.
Web Presence
Associated websites and online properties, expanding the investigation scope beyond social platforms.
This is another step closer to your targets not being able to hide their digital identities anymore.