Quick answer: SpiderFoot is a free, open-source OSINT (open-source intelligence) automation tool created by Steve Micallef. You give it a target, such as a domain, IP address, email, username or phone number, and it automatically queries 200+ data sources, feeds every new finding back in as a new search, and correlates the results into a clear picture of that target’s public footprint. It supports OSINT automation through use-case presets, a correlation engine, a web UI, a scriptable CLI and exports to CSV, JSON and GEXF.
SpiderFoot is one of the most popular OSINT tools in cybersecurity. It is packaged in Kali Linux, used by penetration testers and SOC teams, and loved by beginners for its simple browser interface. This guide explains what SpiderFoot is, how it works under the hood, what it can find, and how it turns hours of manual research into minutes.
SpiderFoot in One Table
| What it is | OSINT reconnaissance and automation framework |
| Created by | Steve Micallef (first released in 2012) |
| Licence | MIT (free and open source) |
| Current open-source release | v4.0 |
| Written in | Python 3 |
| Modules | 200+ |
| Interfaces | Web UI, command line, interactive CLI client |
| Commercial edition | SpiderFoot HX, acquired by Intel 471 in 2022 |
| Runs on | Windows, macOS, Linux, Kali, Docker, Android (Termux) |
What Is OSINT Automation?
OSINT means gathering intelligence from publicly available sources: DNS, WHOIS, certificate logs, search engines, social networks, code repositories, breach data and threat feeds. Doing this by hand means dozens of websites, copy-pasting and spreadsheets. OSINT automation means a tool performs those lookups for you, consistently, and links the results. That is exactly SpiderFoot’s job.
How SpiderFoot Works
1. You provide a seed target
A domain, hostname, IP, subnet, ASN, email, phone number, username, human name or Bitcoin address. See all target types SpiderFoot can analyze.
2. Modules collect data
Each of the 200+ modules connects to a source or performs a check. Explore them in our SpiderFoot modules and data sources guide.
3. Results trigger more searches
SpiderFoot uses a publish/subscribe design. When a module finds a new item (an IP, subdomain or email), every module interested in that type runs on it. This recursive “spidering” is where the name comes from.
4. The correlation engine connects the dots
Version 4.0 added a YAML-based correlation engine with 37 built-in rules. It reviews all results and flags notable findings by risk level, for example a host on a malware blacklist or an employee email found in a breach.
5. You review, visualise and export
Results appear in the Summary, Browse, Correlations and Graph views, and can be exported as CSV, JSON or GEXF. Everything is stored in a local SQLite database.
Key Features That Power Automation
- Use-case presets: All, Footprint, Investigate, Passive.
- Select by required data: ask only for emails, subdomains, IPs and so on.
- Correlation rules: built-in and custom YAML rules.
- Graph visualisation of relationships.
- Command-line mode for scripting and scheduled scans (see our SpiderFoot commands cheat sheet).
- External tool integration with Nmap, Nuclei, DNSTwist, WhatWeb and more.
- Tor support for dark-web searches.
- Web UI and CLI; compare them in web interface vs command line.
What SpiderFoot Can Find
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Subdomains, IPs, netblocks, ASNs, hosting providers, open ports |
| Web | Technologies, SSL certificates, linked sites, cloud storage buckets |
| People | Email addresses, names, usernames, social profiles, phone details |
| Exposure | Breached accounts, leaked credentials, paste-site mentions |
| Threats | Malicious or blacklisted IPs and domains, malware associations |
| Brand | Look-alike and typosquatting domains |
Manual OSINT vs SpiderFoot
| Task | Manually | With SpiderFoot |
|---|---|---|
| Find subdomains | Several websites and tools | Automatic from DNS, certificates and search engines |
| Check IP reputation | Visit multiple blacklists | All checked in one scan |
| Find breached emails | Look up each email | Automatic for every email found |
| See relationships | Draw by hand | Graph view |
| Repeat monthly | Start over | Rerun the same scan or schedule it |
Who Uses SpiderFoot?
- Penetration testers and red teams for reconnaissance.
- SOC analysts and blue teams for attack-surface monitoring and threat triage. See offensive and defensive uses.
- Threat-intelligence analysts to enrich indicators.
- Investigators and journalists for due diligence.
- Students and beginners learning OSINT. Read is SpiderFoot good for beginners.
- Individuals checking their own digital footprint.
Scan Use Cases Explained
| Use case | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Passive | Gather data without touching the target |
| Footprint | Map the target’s network perimeter and identities |
| Investigate | Look for signs that the target is malicious |
| All | Run every module for maximum coverage |
Limitations to Know
- Many high-value sources need API keys, some paid.
- Large “All” scans can be slow and noisy.
- Results need human verification.
- The open-source release is updated infrequently; Docker or Python 3.11 avoids most dependency issues.
- Scan data is sensitive and stored unencrypted by default; see SpiderFoot data security.
How to Get Started
- Install: Windows, Mac, Linux or Docker, Kali Linux or Android (Termux).
- Start:
python3 sf.py -l 127.0.0.1:5001and open it in your browser. - Scan: run a Passive scan on your own domain or email.
- Learn: follow our SpiderFoot tutorial for beginners, then automate with our OSINT automation guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SpiderFoot used for?
SpiderFoot is used to automate OSINT reconnaissance: mapping a target’s attack surface, finding subdomains, IPs, emails and leaked data, checking threat reputation, and auditing digital footprints.
Is SpiderFoot free?
Yes. The open-source SpiderFoot is free under the MIT licence. A commercial hosted edition, originally SpiderFoot HX, is offered by Intel 471.
Who created SpiderFoot?
SpiderFoot was created by Steve Micallef and first released in 2012. The commercial SpiderFoot HX business was acquired by Intel 471 in 2022.
How does SpiderFoot automate OSINT?
It runs 200+ modules in a publish/subscribe model. Every new finding automatically becomes input for other modules, and a correlation engine highlights important results.
Is SpiderFoot a hacking tool?
It is a reconnaissance and intelligence tool, not an exploitation tool. It collects public information and is used by both attackers and defenders, so it should only be used legally and with permission.
Does SpiderFoot work on Windows?
Yes. SpiderFoot runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, Kali, Docker and Android through Termux.
Conclusion
SpiderFoot is a free, open-source engine for OSINT automation. It takes a single seed, queries 200+ sources, recursively follows every lead and correlates the results into an actionable picture. Whether you are a beginner auditing your own footprint, a pentester doing recon, or a SOC analyst monitoring exposure, SpiderFoot saves hours on every investigation. For a full review with pros, cons and alternatives, read our SpiderFoot OSINT tool guide.
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