Phone Numbers with OSINT: A Practical Guide Python

Introduction

Extracting information from phone numbers is crucial in cybersecurity and Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations. This process can reveal valuable details such as geographical locations, operators, and other important information. Phone number analysis is used by cybersecurity professionals to identify threats and by law enforcement to track criminals. This article will guide you on how to extract valuable information from phone numbers using Python. We will focus on the phonenumbers library, which is a powerful tool for parsing and analyzing phone numbers. Additionally, we will explore the broader context of OSINT and its significance in uncovering hidden patterns and potential risks. By leveraging OSINT techniques, researchers can gather publicly available data to enhance their investigations. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on utilizing phone number analysis in OSINT research, ensuring that readers understand both the technical aspects and the ethical considerations involved.

Learning Objectives

After reading this article, you will:

• Learn how to extract geographical locations and operators from phone numbers.
• Understand how to use the phonenumbers library in Python to analyze phone numbers.
• Comprehend how information extracted from phone numbers can be used in OSINT investigations.

Information from Phone Numbers with OSINT

In Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations, phone numbers serve as a rich source of information, providing insights into geographical locations, operators, and other critical details. This information is invaluable in cybersecurity research and criminal investigations, helping identify potential threats and uncover hidden connections.

Phone numbers can reveal several key pieces of information:

• Geographical Location: The country or region associated with the phone number, which can help track the origin or location of a target.
• Operator: The telecommunications operator to which the number is subscribed, useful for identifying potential communication channels or networks.
• Number Format: The national and international formats of the number, which can aid in understanding how the number is structured and used.
• Time Zones: The time zones associated with the number, providing clues about the target’s operational hours or geographical spread.
• Line Type: Whether the number is mobile or landline, which can indicate the type of device or infrastructure being used.

To extract this information, various OSINT tools are available, such as Phoneinfoga for identifying disposable numbers, IntelTechniques for comprehensive online searches, and PhoneIntel for advanced analysis and mapping capabilities. Additionally, reverse phone lookup tools like Whitepages, Spy Dialer, and Truecaller can help uncover owner details and associated social media profiles. These tools enable researchers to automate and streamline the process of gathering information from phone numbers, making them essential assets in modern investigations. However, it’s crucial to adhere to ethical guidelines and privacy laws when conducting such research.

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Project Purpose

The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how to extract information from phone numbers using Python and utilize it in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) research. The phonenumbers library is an ideal tool for analyzing phone numbers, allowing users to easily obtain geographical locations, operators, and other important details. This project aims to provide a practical guide on leveraging Python for phone number analysis, a critical skill in OSINT investigations. By combining Python with OSINT tools, researchers can automate data gathering and enhance their investigative capabilities, contributing to more informed decision-making in cybersecurity and investigative contexts.

Let’s Start Writing Our Code

The following example code shows how to extract information from phone numbers. This code uses the phonenumbers library to obtain the geographical location, operator, and other details of a phone number.

1. Importing Dependencies

import phonenumbers
from phonenumbers import geocoder, carrier, timezone
from colorama import init, Fore, Style

# Activate Colorama for colored terminal output
init()

• phonenumbers: Library for parsing and validating phone numbers.
• geocoder, carrier, timezone: Extract location, operator, and time zone data.
• colorama: Adds colored output to the terminal for better readability.

2. Parsing the Phone Number

def parse_phone_number(number):
    try:
        return phonenumbers.parse(number, None)
    except phonenumbers.NumberParseException as e:
        raise ValueError(f"Invalid phone number: {e}")

• Validates and parses the input phone number.
• Throws an error if the number is invalid or improperly formatted.

3. Extracting Phone Information

def get_phone_info(parsed_number):
    # Extract country and operator details
    country = geocoder.description_for_number(parsed_number, "en")
    operator = carrier.name_for_number(parsed_number, "en")
    
    # Format numbers for national/international display
    national_format = phonenumbers.format_number(parsed_number, phonenumbers.PhoneNumberFormat.NATIONAL)
    international_format = phonenumbers.format_number(parsed_number, phonenumbers.PhoneNumberFormat.INTERNATIONAL)
    
    # Additional metadata extraction
    time_zones = timezone.time_zones_for_number(parsed_number)
    number_type = phonenumbers.number_type(parsed_number)
    line_type = "Mobile" if number_type == phonenumbers.PhoneNumberType.MOBILE else "Landline"
    
    return {
        "Country": country,
        "Operator": operator if operator else "Unknown",
        "National Format": national_format,
        "International Format": international_format,
        "Time Zones": time_zones,
        "Line Type": line_type,
        "Is Valid": phonenumbers.is_valid_number(parsed_number),
        "Is Possible": phonenumbers.is_possible_number(parsed_number)
    }

• Extracts geographical region and operator using geocoder and carrier.
• Converts numbers into national/international formats.
• Identifies time zones and line type (mobile/landline).
• Validates the number’s legitimacy with is_valid_number and is_possible_number.

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4. Error Handling

def handle_error(e):
    print(f"{Fore.RED}{str(e)}{Style.RESET_ALL}")

• Prints error messages in red for visibility.
• Uses colorama to reset terminal colors after displaying the error.

5. Displaying Results

def print_phone_info(info):
    if isinstance(info, dict) and "Error" in info:
        handle_error(info["Error"])
    elif isinstance(info, Exception):
        handle_error(info)
    else:
        print(f"{Fore.GREEN}Phone Information:{Style.RESET_ALL}")
        for key, value in info.items():
            print(f"{Fore.CYAN}{key}: {Style.RESET_ALL}{value}")

• Checks for errors and displays them in red.
• Prints extracted phone information in green headers and cyan labels for clarity.

6. Main Function

def get_advanced_phone_info(number):
    try:
        parsed_number = parse_phone_number(number)
        if not phonenumbers.is_valid_number(parsed_number):
            return {"Error": "Invalid number."}
        
        return get_phone_info(parsed_number)
    except Exception as e:
        return {"Error": str(e)}

• Parses the input number.
• Checks validity using is_valid_number.
• Returns detailed phone info or an error message.

7. Example Usage

print_phone_info(get_advanced_phone_info("+put_your_number_here"))

• Displays formatted information for the phone number +put_your_number_here (e.g., country: United States, operator: Verizon).

Conclusion

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Extracting information from phone numbers is a powerful tool in Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigations. This article has guided you on using Python to extract valuable information from phone numbers, leveraging the phonenumbers library to obtain geographical locations, operators, and other important details. This information plays a significant role in cybersecurity research and criminal investigations, helping track potential threats or locate individuals. Tools like Truecaller, PhoneInfoga, and IntelTechniques further enhance phone number analysis by providing reverse lookup capabilities and social media connections. When conducting OSINT investigations, it’s crucial to consider operational security practices, such as using VPNs or Tor to protect your identity. By combining Python with OSINT tools and adhering to ethical guidelines, researchers can enhance their investigative capabilities and uncover valuable insights.

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