What is OSINT in Cyber Security?

In today's world, where digital technologies cover almost all spheres of life, cyber security is becoming one of the most relevant and urgent topics for Internet users.

Each of us faces the issues of data protection, privacy and vulnerability in the virtual space in one way or another. Cyber threats can affect everyone, and their damage has no limits. The main types of online threats include:

• Fraud
• Viruses and Trojans (malware)
• Extortion through software
• DDoS attacks on servers

To protect yourself from potential attacks on personal/business information of the user, you should use proven methods of fighting hackers.

OSINT or Open Source Intelligence is considered the most popular tool in the arsenal of cybersecurity specialists. Exploration is performed from open sources and guarantees accurate results and user security. OSINT is the process of collecting and analysing information from publicly available portals to produce intelligence.

These sources may include:

1. Internet - Various web resources, social media, blogs, forums and other virtual platforms.
2. Publications - Reports, studies, international market analysis, and academic articles are analysed here.
3. Media - News, television programmes, newspaper excerpts, radio, blogs and podcasts.

A large number of information sources are also involved, such as databases, open archives, which are accessible via Internet connection. OSINT does not use classified or sensitive material, making it legitimate and accessible to a wide range of users. It is an effective and secure tool that produces accurate results in minutes.

Cybersecurity: Peculiarities of OSINT system application

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and harder to recognize at the time of attack. It requires users and organisations to not only raise awareness, but also to actively implement new security technologies.

Predicting and preventing data breaches is becoming much easier in a world where artificial intelligence and machine learning are actively used. Now, there is no need to spend hours analysing the actions of potential Internet criminals and putting all the material obtained on paper.

If we are talking about a specific direction - cybersecurity, OSINT has become an indispensable tool for it. It is actively used for various purposes, including:

• Monitoring the activity of cybercriminals. Studying their methods and tools. Identifying potential vulnerabilities in the organisation's network infrastructure.
• Assessing the risks associated with social engineering and for employee training.
• Reconstructing the sequence of events: from finding the source of an attack to analysing the causes and consequences.

This resource is also used in leading countries to collect data on new threats. This way, the military OSINT sphere receives continuous alerts about modernised attacks and is aware of the latest trends. They create all conditions for this to respond quickly to emerging threats in the future. 

Pros of OSINT Operation

Any cyber attack on sensitive information causes many problems for both the user and his environment. The widespread use of OSINT as a cyber defence is due to several advantages:

1. Accessibility, where public data used in OSINT can be leveraged by most companies.
2. Cost-effectiveness. Compared to other intelligence gathering resources, for example SIGINT (signals intelligence), OSINT does not require large financial outlays.
3. Efficiency. The cyber tool responds quickly to an emerging threat because the information is accessed in real time, without delays or disruptions.

It is excellent at dealing with different types of challenges, from identity leaks to cyberbullying and financial fraud. 

User protection in a digital world: Recommendations

Specialists use classified or open sources of information and have access to a wide range of databases. However, what should ordinary users do to avoid threats in the virtual space? To do this, you will need to:

• Use strong passwords
• Activate two-factor authentication
• Regularly update software

Also, using modern services such as OSINT and X-Ray contact can help you recognize potential threats and significantly increase your security.