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5 Big Advantages OSINT Brings to the Table

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Sudarsan
5 Big Advantages OSINT Brings to the Table

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is fast becoming a preferred method for conducting cybersecurity intelligence operations. A range of dark web OSINT tools, combined with an OSINT investigation platform becomes a powerful weapon in the fight against cybercrime.


Among the many differences between OSINT investigations and other forms of intelligence gathering is one particular characteristic that makes OSINT unique: it relies exclusively on information gathered from publicly available sources. Even so, it can be just as effective as other forms of intelligence.


Why would an organization choose OSINT over other forms of intelligence? OSINT expert and data intelligence provider DarkOwl suggests five big advantages OSINT brings to the table:


1. It Is Cost Effective


There are always organizations ready and willing to invest in more traditional forms of intelligence – if they could afford them. The fact is that closed source intelligence is prohibitively expensive to a lot of organizations. OSINT is just the opposite. It is cost effective because it does not rely on expensive proprietary databases, expensive equipment, and costly personnel.


Anyone with modest computer equipment and the right investigative skills can utilize darknet OSINT tools without spending a fortune. An open-source investigation platform installed on a modest computer can reap huge dividends.


2. It Is Accessible to Everyone


The power of OSINT lies in its accessibility. OSINT is completely legal because security personnel are only accessing publicly available information. That makes OSINT highly accessible. Investigators don't need special credentials. They do not need permission to access protected information.


Even smaller companies with limited IT staff can take advantage of OSINT tools and investigations. They only need the time and knowledge to do so.


3. OSINT Investigations Are Faster


Because OSINT investigations are based on publicly accessible information, all information is gathered in real time. This lends itself extremely well to fast turnaround when valuable information is gathered.


The speed at which OSINT investigations can be conducted allows for earlier detection of many types of threats. It encourages rapid responses and improves situational awareness regardless of the threat in question. By comparison, more traditional forms of intelligence tend to be slower and more resource intensive.


4. It Is Easily Scalable


Scalability is critical in cybersecurity because things change so quickly. Unlike more traditional forms of intelligence that are highly rigid, OSINT can be rapidly scaled based on the number of targets investigators are looking at. Information sources can also be scaled accordingly.


If a potential threat suggests more information is needed, additional sources can be put into the queue. As threats diminish, resources can be set aside. With OSINT tools, investigators can expand and narrow their investigations quickly and with very few issues.


5. Better Situational Awareness


As far as situational awareness specifically, darknet OSINT tools provide a wide-angle view of the topic at hand. By contrast, more traditional intelligence gathering methods tend to be more highly specialized. They zero in on single targets.


The target-specific approach is not necessarily a bad thing. But situational awareness is increased when a broader view is adopted. By looking at a topic from multiple angles, security investigators get a much more complete picture of what is going on. Increased situational awareness informs better decision making as security teams seek to proactively address potential threats.


One last thing to know is that OSINT investigations carry with them less risk and fewer compliance issues. Relying exclusively on publicly available information avoids the legal, ethical, and operational risks normally associated with more intrusive intelligence strategies. For organizations that have neither the budget nor desire to utilize traditional intelligence, OSINT represents an open door to better security.

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