Sherlock

What is Sherlock?

Sherlock hunts usernames across many social sites.

Username OSINT on subjects you are legally allowed to investigate.

Official website: Sherlock · Documentation

When do you use it?

• You need Find public accounts across many sites for a username (authorized investigations only).
• You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Sherlock.
• You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

When not to use it

• Do not stalk or harass; follow local law and platform ToS.

Who uses it?

• OSINT analysts
• Investigators (lawful use)
• Red teamers (authorized recon)

How do you use it? (typical flow)

1. Install Sherlock using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

1. 1. Help

   sherlock --help

2. 2. Repo

   https://github.com/sherlock-project/sherlock

1. Installation

2. Basic commands

1. 1. Search username on supported sites

   sherlock user123 --timeout 10

   Search username on supported sites

2. 2. Show help

   sherlock --help

   List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

3. 3. Short help

   sherlock -h

   Alternate help flag when supported.

4. 4. Limit to one site

   --site

   Limit to one site

5. 5. Export results

   --csv

   Export results

Options / flags

5. Useful features

• Username coverage
• False positives
• Rate limits

6. Practical examples

1. Example 1: Search username on supported sites

   sherlock user123 --timeout 10

   Search username on supported sites

2. Example 2: Show help

   sherlock --help

   List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

3. Example 3: Short help

   sherlock -h

   Alternate help flag when supported.

4. Example 4: Limit to one site

   --site

   Limit to one site

5. Example 5: Export results

   --csv

   Export results

7. Important notes

• Use for fraud/impersonation investigations with policy approval — not for harassment.
• Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
• Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.