What is a username lookup?

[David Busker]

A username lookup is the process of searching for online profiles or information associated with a specific username across various platforms, used for things like finding someone's digital footprint (OSINT), verifying identities, checking if a desired handle is available, or recovering a forgotten username. Tools can automatically search social media, forums, and marketplaces to link a single handle to different accounts, revealing patterns or potential breaches.

Types of Username Lookups:

• OSINT/Investigation: Analysts use tools (like Sherlock, Namechk) to find all accounts linked to a username, uncovering digital identities and activities for security or research.
• Availability Check: Tools like Namechk scan hundreds of sites to see if a username is free for you to claim across all your potential profiles, ensuring brand consistency.
• Identity Verification: Helps determine if a username belongs to the person you think it does by finding matching profiles across platforms.
• Credential Exposure: Security services check if a username has appeared in data breaches, flagging potential compromised accounts.
• Account Recovery: Services like Google or Microsoft allow you to look up your own forgotten username using a recovery email or phone number.