We often discuss the importance of OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) in cyber threat intelligence. But what exactly is OSINT, and why should an organization care? Read on to get a high-level view of the concepts and its applicability in securing an organization.
What is OSINT
OSINT refers to the collection and analysis of information from publicly available sources. This can include social media, websites, forums, online search engines, and other online resources. OSINT is like a detective gathering clues and piecing together a puzzle – it involves using various sources of information to gain a complete understanding of a situation, target, or threat.
Why you should care
So, why should an organization care about OSINT? In the cyber security world, OSINT can be used to gather information on potential victims, for use in attacks such as malware campaigns or phishing scams. By collecting and analyzing this information, organizations can proactively protect themselves from potential attacks.
OSINT can also be used to gather intelligence on an organization’s competitors or the broader market. By understanding what information is available about your organization online, you can identify any potential vulnerabilities and take steps to protect your assets.
Attackers performing thorough reconnaissance against their target often gives them the needed information to successfully attack an organization. Advanced persistent threats also known as APT’s, perform this to a very high degree and is often the success factor in their attempts to breach a target.
Conclusion
In summary, OSINT is a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve their cybersecurity. By collecting and analyzing public information, organizations can identify potential vulnerabilities and threats, as well as stay up to date on the latest trends and threats in the cybersecurity landscape.
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