The Trace Labs OSINT VM (2026.05) is a specialized Linux software distribution designed exclusively for gathering information from open sources (Open Source Intelligence – OSINT). It is developed by the non-profit organization Trace Labs and its main purpose is to help volunteers and authorities locate missing people.
It is available as a ready-made virtual file (Virtual Machine Image) for playback in programs such as VMware and VirtualBox.
Main Features of Version 2026.5
This particular version is a milestone for the project due to radical changes:
Moving to Debian 13: The Trace Labs team migrated the operating system from Kali Linux to Debian 13. This reduced the file size and removed unnecessary hacking tools (such as exploit kits and port scanners) that are not needed for some humanitarian OSINT research.
Pre-installed Tools & Scripts: Includes the special script tlosint-tools.sh for quickly downloading and updating specialized research tools.
Obsidian Integration: The Obsidian note-taking app is now pre-installed by default, including ready-made templates on the desktop for organizing cases.
Enhanced Privacy: It comes with security settings and specially configured browser profiles to protect the researcher's identity.
What tools does it include?
Through automated scripts, the system offers access to tools for:
Email search: Identifying social media accounts and checking for data leaks.
Search username: Check the availability and activity of a username across hundreds of platforms.
Social Media Analysis: Tools for collecting public data from popular social networks.
Advanced search: Simultaneous control of domains, IP addresses and phone numbers.
If you want, you can find the download files and source code at official GitHub of tlosint-vm
Although the press releases will range from very select to rare, I said I'd pass...because sometimes the editors hide.
