From Firefighter to OSINT Sleuth: My Journey into OSINT 👨‍🚒👉🕵️

Hello, world! I’m Paul McKeown, and I’m thrilled to welcome you to my blog. After 21 years of battling blazes as a firefighter, I’ve embarked on an exciting new adventure in the world of cybersecurity and open-source intelligence (OSINT). This blog will be my space to share insights, experiences, and tips as I navigate this dynamic field.

A Bit About Me

For over two decades, I served in the Fire and Rescue Service. It was a rewarding career, but an injury in 2021 forced me to hang up my helmet. While it was a tough transition, it also opened the door to a long-standing passion of mine, computers and investigations.

The Cybersecurity Pivot

Faced with early retirement, I discovered CAPSLOCK, a company dedicated to re-skilling adults for cybersecurity careers. Their rigorous program and supportive community were exactly what I needed. Within just four weeks, I secured a volunteer supervisor role at The Cyber Helpline, where I now lead an OSINT investigations team. Crafting a CV and facing interviews after 21 years was daunting, but I tackled it head-on, just like any firefighting challenge.

Diving into OSINT

My journey into OSINT began with Trace Labs, a non-profit focused on reuniting missing persons. As part of their open-source intelligence group, I learned from some of the brightest minds in the field. This experience was invaluable and set the foundation for my future endeavours.

Joining Bellingcat

I have continued my OSINT journey this year, with the Global Authentication Project at Bellingcat. This fantastic community uses open-source data to uncover and verify stories, democratising investigative work. It’s a collaborative environment where continuous learning and meaningful contributions are the norm.

Certifications and Continuous Learning

Over the past three years, I’ve earned numerous qualifications, including SANS SEC587, SEC497, GIAC Cert, Intel Techniques OSIP Cert, Cyber Essentials Assessor, CompTIA S+, CompTIA A+, and CISMP. It’s been a whirlwind of studying and exams, but every step has been worth it.

What’s Next?

This blog will be a place for me to share my experiences, insights, and tips on OSINT and cybersecurity. Whether you’re an intelligence professional, a journalist, or someone at a crossroads like I was, I hope you’ll find value in my posts. Let’s connect, learn, and grow together in this fascinating field.

So, lets grab a virtual cup of coffee, and embark on this journey together. Stay tuned for more posts, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or just want to chat about OSINT and cybersecurity. 💻