OSINT: Learn How Open Source Intelligence Helps Protect Businesses!

Do you know about OSINT strategies? No? If you work with a company that has social media accounts, you should pay attention to this topic!

Most organizations have a presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, so some information about these companies is exposed on these networks. This exposure can affect sensitive data that may impact business success.

Given that cybercriminals can use this information to breach systems or bypass existing security measures, it's important to be aware of this exposure. Strategies like Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) provide a way to have more control over what is shared in the digital world.

Want to learn more about OSINT strategies and how they work? We created this article just for that. Read on!

What is OSINT?

Literally, the acronym for Open Source Intelligence translates to “Inteligência de Fonte Aberta” or Open Source Intelligence in Portuguese.

OSINT involves collecting, storing, and analyzing information from public sources. In other words, any data about a company or person that can be found through internet tools.

Examples include information published on websites, forums, and chats. However, most OSINT resources are not found using common search engines like Google, as many are “hidden” in the deep and dark web, which makes up 96% of web content.

In summary: OSINT is a set of activities to collect, store, and analyze information from public sources without violating copyright or privacy laws—basically, any data about a company or person that can be found using internet tools or OSINT frameworks like search engines.

How is OSINT Used?

In the field of cybersecurity, OSINT is very useful for professionals working with information security, particularly those using techniques and tools to discover weaknesses in IT systems—such as BugHunters.

Common vulnerabilities include accidental leaks of confidential information on social media sites.

Open Source Intelligence is used alongside methods and tools that assist in collecting and analyzing information:

• Nmap
• Maltego
• OSINT Framework

On the other side, cybercriminals use OSINT to find information about their targets, identify weaknesses, and explore ways to exploit them.

Because of this, OSINT strategies are seen as valuable tools in phishing attacks, with the first phase of most vulnerability tests typically starting with reconnaissance, i.e., using OSINT.

Practical Application: How OSINT Works

By now, you should understand what OSINT is and where it can be applied, right?

In practice, OSINT can be used by IT professionals, hackers, and even state agents. Furthermore, a significant number of companies have some structure to handle this type of information—not just with production and dissemination of data but also with collection and storage.

OSINT practices can be divided into three stages. Here’s what they are:

1. Public Channels OSINT directly helps IT professionals by allowing access to public information channels that contain data about the company.

This includes not just official channels but also any channels belonging to other users or companies mentioning the company. This practice is crucial for mapping information and defining how companies can anticipate attacks.

2. Aggregation of Information and Accessibility OSINT allows for the aggregation of all data to be easily accessed. In fact, this process is where many pieces of information are collected, especially in large companies.

Since some tools cannot capture data, OSINT helps organize this data, making specific information easier to access.

3. Relevant Data Outside the Organization This function focuses on finding relevant data outside the company’s online ecosystem. Relevant data means not just basic information like the address or company name.

Here, the focus is on confidential data that might be found in a post or domain, for example.

Are There Benefits for the Company?

Taking a crucial position to maintain control and avoid attack attempts or theft based on social engineering, phishing, and other cyber threats, Open Source Intelligence is a strategy that can bring many benefits to the business.

Here are the two main benefits:

1. Fewer Risks and Greater Cost-Effectiveness There are other ways to obtain this information, but using espionage software or human sources is not as secure.

The great advantage of OSINT is that it not only reduces risks in data access but also helps the company avoid illegal practices to obtain this data.

Additionally, OSINT collection tools are much cheaper than other capture methods. Even Google can be used as part of the strategy.

2. Ease of Access By applying Open Source Intelligence, you’ll find that sources are much easier to use, as they are publicly accessible.

Regardless of where the user is or what type of device is used, if there’s internet access, some information can be obtained.

For example, a fintech might analyze specific social media pages about financing and look for user activities that could reveal flaws and vulnerabilities in its system.

OSINT is Ethical, Legal, and You Can Use It Without Any Issues!

It’s reassuring to know that there are programs designed to assist in searching for public information and that, due to their legality, they are even used by government agencies—they not only use the tools but also employ techniques to discover security gaps in their systems.

Our advice is to establish a code of conduct to guide professionals in both capturing and handling this data before implementing or defining an OSINT strategy.

OSINT and other strategies are highly recommended for any company that aims to achieve good security results—especially those intending to anticipate malicious activities and better control what is disclosed.

Protect Your Company’s Digital Security! Become a BugHunt partner!

By partnering with Brazil's first Bug Bounty platform, your company will benefit from top-level experts constantly analyzing your systems for vulnerabilities, which helps anticipate potential cyberattacks.

Now that you understand the basics of cybersecurity and how you can intervene in your organization's digital security, BugHunt can help you.

Don’t risk the damage—stay ahead, and get to know our platform!