Big data is only getting bigger.
More than 400 million terabytes of data are created every day. To frame that number, that’s 400,000,000,000,000 megabytes of new information every 24 hours.
The vast majority of this data is public, meaning it can be ethically accessed if you know where to look. Data from e-commerce sites, social media platforms, government agencies, air traffic control and news outlets can be utilized, from national security to corporate risk management. OSINT’s power lies in its ability to turn seemingly mundane data into actionable insights, aiding in everything from crime prevention to competitive intelligence. In 1947, Allen Dulles, fresh from his work as the Director of the OSS, testified in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee that:
“A proper analysis of the intelligence obtainable by these overt, normal and above board means would supply us with over 80 percent, I should estimate, of the information required for the guidance of our national policy.”
That number has been repeated over and over again, most recently by the former Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, LTG Scott Berrier. With the amount of new data public everyday, that percentage is more likely to be 90-95% of intelligence comes from open sources.
Within this sea of public information is the power of connection: Pieces of data may appear unrelated on the surface but often share common characteristics or suggest emerging trends. Open source intelligence (OSINT) tools are designed to discover these connections, which, in turn, helps businesses get better data, ask better questions, find the right answers, and turn information into actionable intelligence.
But what exactly is OSINT, and how does it work? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding OSINT
OSINT refers to the collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources. These sources include anything from social media posts, news articles, and blog posts to government reports, patents, gray literature, and publicly accessible databases. Unlike traditional intelligence-gathering methods, OSINT doesn’t involve hacking or other intrusive techniques but focuses on information already out in the open.
The Versatility of OSINT: Applications Across Sectors
- Â National Security and Law Enforcement
Governments and law enforcement agencies use OSINT to track the activities of potential threats, from terrorist organizations to cybercriminals. OSINT tools can monitor social media platforms, online forums, and even the dark web to detect and analyze communications related to illegal activities. Geolocation tools and data analytics help identify patterns, track movements, and address threats preemptively.
- Â Corporate Risk Management
Companies use OSINT to monitor their reputation, track competitors, and identify potential risks to their operations. OSINT tools gather data from news articles, blogs, and social media, which are then analyzed to detect emerging threats or shifts in public sentiment. This information helps companies mitigate risks before they escalate.
- Â Financial Intelligence
Financial institutions use OSINT to detect fraudulent activities, track money laundering, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. OSINT platforms scan financial news, corporate filings, and transaction records for irregularities. Advanced algorithms can cross-reference this data with known fraud patterns or blacklists, helping institutions flag suspicious activities in real time.
How OSINT Works
OSINT takes a simple approach to data analysis: Given the vast amount of public data available, there’s a high likelihood that relevant connections exist — finding them is the challenge. ShadowDragon offers an advanced link-analysis platform to help investigators and analysts visualize and uncover linkages that would otherwise stay hidden.
Traditional intelligence tools, meanwhile, look to narrow their search field by prioritizing specific signals. Consider a law enforcement agency trying to find criminals who have suddenly dropped off the map. Using purpose-built intelligence tools, staff look for relevant indicators such as GPS phone locations or criminal activity reports that match a standard modus operandi — but searches don’t generate results.
OSINT looks at the problem from a different angle. In trying to identify a criminal’s location, they may not post a name or place but upload several images without context to social media sites. Using these images, OSINT tools can cross-reference them with publicly available data, such as information from official websites, travel review sites, and other social media users, in turn helping to pinpoint a targets’ location.
OSINT in Operation
So, what does OSINT look like in operation? Here’s a look at some potential industries and use cases:
- Â Real estate: Tenant vetting
Real estate organizations may use OSINT to evaluate potential tenants. Publicly available information may contrast what prospective renters have listed on their applications — for example, they may indicate they have no pets, but social posts may prove otherwise.
- Â Finance: Fraud risk analysis
Banks and investment firms can leverage OSINT to analyze fraud risk. Evaluation of a new user who provides personal information may reveal previous charges or convictions for fraud, leading banks to turn down the request.
- Â Retail: Brand protection
Retail brands may use OSINT solutions to check for copyright infringement of slogans, logos, or other brand indicators. If duplicates are discovered, cease-and-desist notices can be issued.
- Â Law: Insurance claim investigation
In the legal industry, analysis of public posts can help spot insurance fraud. Fraudulent claimants may be exposed by social media if posts and public camera footage show opposing evidence to their claim.
The Ethical Considerations of OSINT
While OSINT is a powerful tool, it also raises important ethical questions. The line between public and private information can be blurred, and the use of OSINT in surveillance and profiling has led to concerns about privacy and civil liberties. It’s crucial for organizations using OSINT to have clear policies in place that respect individual privacy and comply with legal standards.
Using OSINT effectively
OSINT helps companies leverage the power of public information. However, it’s important to recognize that open source intelligence isn’t infinite or infallible. Instead, OSINT tools offer a way to think outside the box and discover unexpected connections that can inform business operations. By harnessing the vast amounts of data available online, organizations across sectors can gain critical insights, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions. As OSINT continues to evolve, its potential to impact everything from national security to humanitarian efforts will only grow.
