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Visual Osint (FotoForensics / ExifTool / Risk Score)

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Overview of the Service

The Visual OSINT module — available as part of the NiamonX investigation suite — is an advanced photo forensics and metadata analysis tool that helps identify image manipulation, origin, and authenticity indicators.
It integrates multiple forensic technologies — including FotoForensics-style artifact analysis, ExifTool-based metadata extraction, and CASIA AI prediction — to deliver a complete visual intelligence assessment for investigators, journalists, and security analysts.

🧩 What the Tool Does

Visual OSINT performs a deep, server-side forensic analysis of uploaded images, combining pixel-level inspection, metadata parsing, and AI-driven anomaly detection.

Supported file types: JPEG, PNG, WebP (up to 25 MB).
Each file is securely uploaded to NiamonX’s processing server, analyzed through a FotoForensics-like API, and returned with visual and statistical breakdowns.

The system enforces a cooldown of 30 seconds per request and allows up to 90 seconds for processing.

🔍 Core Analysis Features

  1. Image Forensics (Visual Analysis)
    The tool generates multiple forensic artifacts and comparisons:

    • Original / Compressed Copy

    • Diff & Amplified Diff (highlights pixel-level differences)

    • Overlay & Artifact Grid (visualizes edited regions)

    • ELA (Error Level Analysis) — identifies compression and tampering zones

    • Noise Map — isolates sensor and noise inconsistencies

    • CASIA Prediction — AI model inference from CASIA dataset to detect manipulation patterns

  2. EXIF & Metadata Extraction
    Metadata is extracted using PHP EXIF and ExifTool modules, including:

    • Camera and software data

    • Creation timestamps

    • GPS coordinates (if embedded)

    • Editing traces and unusual tags

    • Hidden text or string data (binary text extraction)

  3. String Analysis
    The tool detects embedded ASCII or Unicode strings, sometimes hidden within images.
    Long strings can indicate metadata injection or hidden payloads.

  4. GPS & Geolocation
    If available, GPS coordinates are extracted and highlighted for quick mapping or cross-verification.

⚖️ Risk Score System

Each image receives a heuristic Risk Score, assessing the likelihood of manipulation or sensitive content presence:

  • High Risk:
    GPS data present, strong ELA/diff indicators, suspicious or inconsistent tags.

  • Medium Risk:
    Rich EXIF metadata, CASIA neutral or borderline prediction, potential editing hints.

  • Low Risk:
    Minimal tags, no GPS, stable compression, and no visible tampering evidence.

⚠️ The score is heuristic — not absolute proof — and should be interpreted as an analytical indicator rather than forensic certification.

🧠 Tips for Use

  • Hover the mouse over artifact thumbnails to use the built-in magnifying glass (4x zoom).

  • Enable auto-scroll to jump to results automatically after processing.

  • Some files may return partial artifacts depending on compression level or EXIF structure.

  • Long embedded strings or missing ELA layers can be signals of steganography or format re-encoding.

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💾 Request History

  • Stored locally only (up to 50 entries).

  • Records include: filename, file size, GPS presence, calculated risk score, and main detected features.

  • No data or images are stored on NiamonX servers after processing completion.

🛡️ Security & Privacy

All image uploads and forensic analyses are processed via secure, encrypted channels.
The service never retains or shares the uploaded files or results.
Each request is isolated and deleted after processing to maintain strict data confidentiality and user privacy.

Users are encouraged to perform analyses only on legally obtained images and to respect privacy and consent regulations when handling visual materials.

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📬 Contact Information

For inquiries, assistance, or data-related requests, contact the NiamonX team:

Alternative contact channel:
🔗 Helpdesk: https://support.niamonx.io/

In summary, NiamonX Visual OSINT is a comprehensive image forensics platform combining traditional EXIF metadata inspection, advanced artifact visualization, and AI-driven manipulation detection.
It provides investigators with reliable insights into image authenticity and integrity — while maintaining the highest standards of security, privacy, and digital ethics.

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