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Unmasking the Fentanyl Trade in Illicit Online Marketplaces

By ShadowDragon | March 3, 2025

Illicit fentanyl continues to ravage communities across North America, with new details emerging on how Chinese money brokers help Mexican drug cartels launder massive profits. Below, we weave together these sources and insights from CACI’s DarkBlue Intelligence Suite and ShadowDragon, illustrating how supply chain, financial flows, and investigative technology converge.

ShadowDragon Launches Multi-Language Suite for Global Investigations

By ShadowDragon / February 13, 2025

At ShadowDragon, we have always been at the forefront of innovation, ensuring investigators, analysts, and security professionals have the most advanced tools to track adversaries and gather actionable insights. Now, […]

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): What It Is, How It Works, and Why It Matters (+ Tools, Techniques & Use Cases)

By Nico Dekens / February 12, 2025

Discover the power of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), an essential tool that transforms publicly available data into actionable insights. Learn about its history, methodologies like web scraping and social media monitoring, and the ethical considerations that guide its responsible use.

Navigating Maritime OSINT, Sanctions Compliance, and the Rise of the “Shadow Fleet”

By David Cook / February 4, 2025

Renowned naval strategist Alfred Mahan referred to maritime trade routes as the “wide common”, signifying an open, ungoverned space. Heavily influenced by Mahan, President Teddy Roosevelt built the ‘Imperial Fleet’ […]

Spotting the Signs: How Social Media and the Dark Web can Reveal Human Trafficking Activity

By ShadowDragon / January 13, 2025

By: Amanda Blake and David Cook From 2012 to 2022, human trafficking convictions doubled, according to the US Bureau of Justice Statistics. While this most likely indicates an increase in […]

A Tragic Wake-Up Call for Businesses

By David Cook / December 9, 2024

Security is critical for businesses as executives face rising cyber and physical threats. Learn how robust measures, OSINT tools, and proactive strategies can mitigate risks, protect sensitive data, and ensure safety in a volatile landscape.

Take a Lesson From James Bond – We Need More Due Diligence in BioTech

By David Cook / October 29, 2024

Biotechnology’s rapid growth brings both innovation and risks, highlighting the need for due diligence in supply chains to prevent the exploitation of genetic data and the development of tailored bioweapons.

Navigating Election Monitoring: Insights on Security, Disinformation, and Social Media Trends

By ShadowDragon / October 17, 2024

ShadowDragon’s latest podcast explores election monitoring challenges, including misinformation, security threats, and social media’s role in shaping narratives, with insights from expert analyst Bryeanne Ravettine.

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Smart Security: Fighting Financial Fraud with Open Source Intelligence

By Elliott Anderson / October 16, 2024

Financial fraud is rising, with consumers losing over $10 billion in 2023. OSINT solutions help organizations detect threats, analyze patterns, and identify attackers, offering a proactive defense against emerging fraud trends.

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How Does OSINT Make It Hard for Cybercriminals to Work?

By Nico Dekens / October 9, 2024

OSINT leverages publicly available data from the surface, deep, and dark web to detect cyber threats, uncover cybercriminal activities, and enhance proactive defense. It aids in threat intelligence, exposing identities, and supporting law enforcement to disrupt malicious operations.

Understanding the scope and volume of OSINT

By ShadowDragon / October 2, 2024

Open source intelligence (OSINT) tools allow companies to ethically collect and analyze public data to enhance business operations, security, and risk management while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations.

Peer Pressure and Heightened Emotional States in OSINT Investigations

By Nico Dekens / September 26, 2024

Peer pressure and heightened emotional states play a critical role in OSINT investigations, driving individuals to reveal sensitive information. By analyzing emotional triggers like anger, fear, and excitement, as well as group dynamics within echo chambers, practitioners can uncover key insights using strategies like the 5W1H method and targeted keyword searches.

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Surprising Ways OSINT is Used for Good

By ShadowDragon / September 25, 2024

Open source intelligence (OSINT) is a powerful tool used for good across various sectors, including combating human trafficking, preventing crime, monitoring elections, ensuring corporate responsibility, protecting consumers, supporting humanitarian aid, and aiding public health and environmental efforts.

How Failing Faster Helps Catch Criminals: Exploring OSINT for Law Enforcement

By Elliott Anderson / September 18, 2024

In law enforcement, the ability to adapt quickly and learn from mistakes is crucial. This concept, often called “failing faster,” is not about accepting failure but about using it as […]

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Unpacking OSINT: The Power of Publicly Available Information

By ShadowDragon / September 11, 2024

Discover the power of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) for turning publicly available data into actionable insights. From national security to corporate risk management, learn how OSINT tools identify patterns, track threats, and uncover new opportunities while addressing ethical considerations.

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What Are the Common Struggles of OSINT Investigations?

By ShadowDragon / September 4, 2024

Conducting OSINT investigations can be challenging, with issues like information overload, data quality verification, technical skills, legal considerations, and misinformation. Overcoming these hurdles requires the right tools, methodologies, and expertise to streamline efforts and ensure actionable insights.

Geolocating Contraband Cell Phones in Prison

By David Cook / August 22, 2024

It is a federal crime for inmates to possess a cell phone in prison. The reasons are self-evident, but here’s a good example of why: in 2015, 9 inmates were […]

Navigating the Gray Zone: The Role of Open-Source Intelligence in Modern Conflict

By David Cook / July 26, 2024

Navigating the evolving gray zone of modern conflict, this post highlights the growing importance of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in addressing global threats, leveraging publicly available data, and adapting to irregular battlefields to protect security and ensure resilience.

The Rising Specter of Terrorism

By David Cook / July 23, 2024

The specter of terrorism looms large over the upcoming Paris Olympics. A string of arrests and charges surrounding the international event signify the hopeful grand target of would-be terrorists. Against […]

Introducing ShadowDragon’s Horizon Monitor.

By ShadowDragon / July 15, 2024

We are excited to announce a game-changing enhancement to our Horizon intelligence platform: Horizon Monitor. This represents a significant leap forward, seamlessly integrating with our existing world-class OSINT link analysis, […]

ShadowDragon Partners with SynapseAi to Expand Influence in Asia Pacific

By ShadowDragon / June 26, 2024

Hoover, AL – [26th June] – ShadowDragon™, a provider of ethical open-source intelligence (OSINT), unique datasets and APIs, is pleased to expand its partner ecosystem through a strategic partnership with […]

The G7, More Russian Sanctions, and a Warning

By David Cook / June 18, 2024

Nations met in Italy at a tense G7 Summit while the US Treasury levied more sanctions against Russia and Russian entities. The private sector must be vigilant to secondary sanctions […]

Building Trust in a Security Landscape

By ShadowDragon / June 13, 2024

Trust drives successful relationships in business and beyond. ShadowDragon builds trust through reliability, transparency, and security. From SOC2 compliance to the US-EU Data Privacy Framework, we ensure robust data protection and ethical practices, fostering strong, lasting partnerships.

OSINT Due Diligence: Enhancing Business Resilience in a Geopolitical Landscape

By David Cook / May 13, 2024

The need for deeper insights through due diligence is a must as modern businesses evolve with the changing landscape of compliance needs. Invisible lines are being drawn through sovereign borders […]

Words Matter: Open-Source Intelligence for the Private Sector

By David Cook / April 30, 2024

The military and intelligence community are run by strict sets of doctrine, authorities, regulations, instructions, directives… the list goes on – this is not the same for the private sector. […]

Link analysis with OSINT, breach data, and intelligence in one comprehensive investigations toolkit

By ShadowDragon / April 14, 2024

In a landscape where information is power, the ability to gather, analyze, and act upon open-source intelligence (OSINT) is paramount for organizations across all sectors. Recognizing this need, we have […]

Bear Hunting: Mitigating Russian Sanctions Risk with OSINT

By David Cook / April 3, 2024

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the multilateral Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) Task Force has immobilized approximately $300 billion worth of Central Bank assets. Russia will […]

ShadowDragon Wins 2024 Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for Excellence in Global Open-Source Intelligence

By ShadowDragon / March 26, 2024

As a pioneer of open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigation tools dating back to 2009, ShadowDragon is honored by a recent award recognizing us as a transparent and reliable vendor that supports […]

ShadowDragon Enters Strategic Partnership with Collaboraite and Vestigo to Build Trust in OSINT

By ShadowDragon / March 26, 2024

Global leaders in open-source intelligence and operational security partner to foster trust in data and technology HOOVER, ALABAMA – March 4, 2024 – ShadowDragon™, a provider of ethical open-source intelligence […]

The (Un)hidden Threat: Child Grooming on Social Media

By ShadowDragon / March 25, 2024

Technative generations do not know life without the internet and even my one year old niece knows how to navigate a device. Whilst screen time can be good for learning […]

ShadowDragon Commentary: Rethinking Open-Source Intelligence for Security in Commercial Settings

By Jonathan Couch / March 25, 2024

Recently, ShadowDragon COO, Jonathan Couch, contributed an article to InfoSecurity Magazine on thepotential for open-source intelligence (OSINT) to bolster security efforts within the private sector. In thispiece, Couch reflects on […]

Five Years in OSINT: Reflections on Professional Growth in a Fast-Changing Field

By Sandy M / January 11, 2024

Have you ever heard people say, “if you know, you know; and if you don’t, you don’t”? OSINT (open-source intelligence) is kind of like that.

Stopping an Active Shooter with OSINT: How Publicly Available Information Becomes Actionable Intelligence

By Daniel Clemens / December 6, 2023

[First printed in the December 2023 edition of Security Technology] 

The Significance of AI and ML in OSINT to Human Investigators

By Nico Dekens / November 29, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) excel in processing vast amounts of data swiftly. During open-source intelligence (OSINT) investigations, you almost always gather information in overwhelming volumes. AI algorithms […]

Unleashing the Power of Social Media Analysis Tools in Investigations

By Sandy M / November 6, 2023

[Originally on Kaseware.com] In this fast-paced digital age, utilizing data from social media platforms has become essential for uncovering crucial information in investigations. Digital footprints left by individuals and entities […]

ShadowDragon Becomes Platinum Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation

By Sandy M / October 18, 2023

[Original announcement from OSINT Foundation] The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that ShadowDragon has partnered with us as a Platinum Level Sponsor. The OSINT Foundation is the professional association for OSINT […]

ShadowDragon Commentary: How to Scale Investigations Using Open-Source Intelligence

By Daniel Clemens / October 13, 2023

Recently, ShadowDragon CEO, dclemens, contributed an article to Security Management Magazine for their October 2023 organized crime issue. In the piece, he offers firsthand insights into how investigators can improve […]

How OSINT Differs from Traditional Cyber Threat Intelligence?

By Sandy M / July 25, 2023

While there may be some minor overlap, there are major distinctions between traditional Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) and the more advanced Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). The efficiency, effectiveness, and approach […]

OSINT Investigator Training 101: Building a Foundation for Success

By Olivia Gransback / June 20, 2023

Today’s investigators and analysts using online sources to investigate cases are often so focused on where to click, that they don’t even realize what their tools are doing in the […]

Reflections on RSA Conference 2023: OSINT and Beyond

By Daniel Clemens / June 5, 2023

Now a few weeks removed and recovered from the chaos of the RSA Conference, I wanted to share my thoughts on the 2023 event (the bad and the good). As […]

OSINT Methods To Investigate Suspected AI Generated Content

By Nico Dekens / May 19, 2023

The proliferation of content generated by artificial intelligence (AI) is just beginning. Recent years haveseen online accounts, run by bots, create fake news articles, divisive social media posts, fraudulentproduct reviews, […]

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