What is Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)?
- Author Christopher Fields
- Published March 3, 2022
- Word count 812
(DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational and awareness purposes ONLY.)
What type of information about yourself is floating around in the world? It’s no secret that the majority of the world has turned to becoming a technology-reliant world. With that being said, information that used to take time and effort to accumulate, is now readily available at your fingertips.
OSINT stands for Open-Source Intelligence. OSINT is the process of obtaining information about a person or group through social media, search engines, and public records.
In this article, I’ll go over the types of individuals that use Open-Source Intelligence, why they use this, types of information that can be found, and how to mitigate risks.
WHO USES OPEN-SOURCE INTELLIGENCE?
There are many reasons to conduct Open-Source Intelligence searches, unfortunately, I would estimate that only 30% of those searches are ethical or in good faith.
Social Engineers/Hackers – Prior to 90% of cyber-attacks, hackers obtain identifiable information through search engines, social media, and public records. The more information they have, the easier it comes to perfecting a direct attack on an individual.
Future Employers – It should be no surprise that almost all mid-to-large size companies perform basic OSINT searches on their applicants. It’s an easy method to understand a background or personality of their potential employee (per se).
Investigators – Whether you’re currently in a civil suit, under criminal investigation, or simply a party to either, you should be expecting a Private Investigator or government agency to pull as many of your details as possible. This includes; whereabouts, family members, friends, frequent hangouts, photos, vehicles, and so on, and so forth.
Competitors – Competitive Intelligence research is conducted by Investigators or third parties on behalf of a competing business to understand the ins-and-outs of their competition. Something as simple as a Google Review can provide great information to a competing business.
EX Spouse/Significant Other – Everyone knows at least ONE person that has dealt with an unhinged and unhappy ex. Whether it’s part of a divorce/custody trial, or simply a previous significant other than can’t seem to move on, the amount of information a person throws around on the internet can seriously affect a their future.
TYPES OF INFORMATION THAT CAN BE FOUND
Unfortunately, most people believe that just because they can open up a Google search page, they’re automatically an “Investigator”. Aside from how valuable search engines may be, this is far from the truth. Furthermore, the basic internet that we use from day-to-day if roughly only about 5-10% of the ACTUAL internet. The Deep Web consists of over 90% of online information. However, this information isn’t “indexed” like Google and other search platforms. With that being said, there are far easier ways that individuals can locate information about you;
Social Media
• Relationship status
• Children
• Workplace
• College/School
• Friends/Acquaintances
• Location Tags
• Hashtags
• Photos of your home address
• Online Questionnaires that provide sensitive information
• Date of Birth
• Most Visited shopping places
Online Databases
(Used by Investigators, Law Enforcement, and Attorneys)
• SSN
• Date of Birth
• Phone numbers
• Email addresses
• Current and previous home addresses
• Family tree
• Vehicle tag information
• Criminal cases
• Civil cases
• Much, much more
Search Engines
• Reverse image searches
• Google reviews
• Links to previous accounts/photos
Business License Search
• Business name
• Company addresses
• Company Officers/Owners
• Contact information
Tax Assessors
• Home address
• Owner name
• Contact information
• Blueprint of home
Courts
• Criminal cases
• Civil cases
• Traffic citations
• DOB
• SSN
• Associated parties
• Attorney office name
• Vehicle description
• Phone number
• Home addresses
• Names of children
• Financial affidavits
• Much, much more
ARE OSINT SEARCHES LEGAL?
Are Open-Source Intelligence searches legal? Well, yes and no. The legalities surrounding OSINT are a bit vague. OSINT searches are legal if a person, with no malicious intent or breach of privacy, obtains information that a “reasonable person” could locate. In other words, if it seems wrong, it is wrong.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Unfortunately, there is no full-proof way of protecting yourself on the internet. As most Investigators know, “if there’s a will, there’s a way”. However, there are a few steps you can take to reduce potential risks.
-
Keep all of your social media pages private.
-
If you are public with your significant other or spouse, ensure that their pages are also private. This is sometimes used as a backdoor.
-
Remove online reviews. Many, many times this has been used to identify the location of a person, their friends, and places they frequently visit.
-
Treat the information you give online or to others as a “need to know basis”. This means absolutely DO NO fill out an online questionnaire asking for your birthplace, pet’s name, school mascot, etc.
-
The best method to understand and prevent OSINT searches is to research yourself from the sources that were previously listed. You will discover how much of your personal information is readily accessible to the average stranger.
Christopher Fields is a Social Engineering Awareness Consultant and Speaker. He operates a Consulting Firm that focuses on Training, Security Protocols, and Research.
As a career Private Investigator, Chris obtained certifications as a Certified International Investigator (CII) with the Council of International Investigators, a Master Certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and currently holds an active Private Investigation license with the GBPDSA.
www.CBFields.com
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- The Process to Make Cannabis Oil
- Your Castle Needs Care: A Homeowner's Guide to Keeping Things Top-Notch
- Locked Out? Regain Access to Your Home or Car
- The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Venue for Your Event
- How Brands Can Harness the Power of Savings to Drive Engagement
- What is a Durlacher corn on the foot?
- What does the future hole for Alzheimers disease?
- Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?
- What Are the Reasons to Work with a Prosthodontist?
- Cosmetic Dentistry: The Trends, Procedures, And Patient Perspectives
- Navigating TSA Regulations for Carrying Beer on a Plane
- Ixellion vs EY: 850 million euro compensation on the Mediator's table
- Greener Living: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Your Home Eco-Friendly
- Why Choose JianTai for Your Recycled Plastic Extruder Needs
- Leading Plastic Recycling Machine Manufacturers: Why JianTai Stands Out
- Does Taobao Have an English Version?
- How to Choose a Taobao Agent in 2024
- Sustainable Comfort: Exploring Heat Pump Replacement Services in Milwaukee
- How can moisture between the toes be treated?
- How can runners deal with a bump on the back of their heel bone?
- Your Trusted Bentleigh Electrician: Landmark Electrical
- Your Trusted Kew Electrician: Landmark Electrical
- Your Trusted Ferntree Gully Electrician: Landmark Electrical
- Your Trusted Brighton Electrician: Landmark Electrical
- Your Go-To Burwood Electrician: Landmark Electrical
- 5 Simple Steps to Enrich Your Life
- Learn Email Limits: Less is More for Effective Email Campaigns
- Strategies for Enhancing Cash Flow through Supply Chain Innovations
- Super Patch-Changing the Way We Fight Pain & Depression
- Why Choose JianTai's Recycled Plastic Extrusion Machines?