What is OSINT?

OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) is the practice of collecting and analysing data from publicly available sources. The primary goal of OSINT is to gather intelligence quickly and cost-effectively without resorting to costly and invasive methods. It can be used for a variety of purposes, such as identifying potential targets, uncovering previously unknown relationships between individuals or groups, or even tracking down malicious actors.

OSINT tools and techniques can be divided into two main categories: passive OSINT and active OSINT.

Passive OSINT

Passive OSINT is the process of using publicly available data sources to learn as much as possible about a target without taking any direct action or making contact. In this type of intelligence-gathering,  researchers use existing sources of information, such as social media posts and public records, to uncover key information.

Active OSINT

Active OSINT goes beyond the passive approach by actively interacting with a target in order to collect intelligence. This type of OSINT typically involves engaging with the target directly through methods such as phishing or other forms of manipulation. It  requires a more in-depth approach and is often used to uncover sensitive information, such as passwords or financial data.

Benefits of OSINT

Benefits of OSINT include:

• Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional intelligence gathering methods, OSINT is generally less expensive because it relies on publicly available data.
• Speed: OSINT techniques allow for rapid collection and analysis of data, which can be particularly beneficial in time-sensitive situations.
• Lower risk: Since OSINT does not typically require direct contact with the target, it poses a relatively low risk to both the investigator and the target.
• Rich Information: OSINT can yield a wealth of information, pulling from a variety of sources such as social media, online databases, and public records. This wealth of data can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the target.

Challenges of OSINT

Despite its many advantages, OSINT does present several challenges. These include:

• Data Volume: The sheer volume of publicly available data can be overwhelming and difficult to manage, making it challenging to locate relevant and useful information quickly.
• Verification: Verifying the accuracy of collected data can be challenging. Misinformation or outdated data sources can lead to incorrect conclusions.
• Reliable Sources: Identifying and determining the reliability of data sources is a significant challenge, as the quality and credibility of sources can greatly vary.
• Relevance: Determining whether certain data is relevant or up-to-date can also be difficult, especially considering the fast-paced nature of online data.
• Security Threats: It is crucial to remember that malicious actors can also use OSINT techniques to collect information about individuals or organisations. Therefore, always be aware of potential threats and take appropriate security measures.

Overall, OSINT is a powerful tool for gathering and analysing intelligence quickly and cost-effectively. When used correctly, it can provide valuable insights that would otherwise be difficult or costly to obtain. As with any type of intelligence-gathering, however, it is important to use caution and ensure that the data being collected is accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, it's important to be aware of potential threats posed by malicious actors using OSINT techniques. Here at DarkInvader, we provide external attack surface management intelligence to help managers predict, plan and prepare for future security breaches.