Jul 05, 2023 By Priyanka Tomar Back

How OSINT can bridge the Information Gap to assist Security Teams

OSINT platforms play a crucial role in assisting enterprise security teams in identifying and responding to risks. Social media platforms provide real-time updates on on-the-ground threats such as threats for offices, employees, and corporate events.

Deep and dark web platforms, paste sites, and forums often serve as early indicators of data breaches and executive-targeted doxing. By monitoring anonymized discussions on these covert sites, security teams can identify fraud, insider threats, and cyber-attack strategies directly from the source.

In conjunction with other risk management feeds and tools, OSINT platforms provide cyber security teams with more context and earlier risk indicators, enabling faster response times and reducing blind spots.

However, many organizations face challenges in responding quickly and effectively to risks, especially as the demand for OSINT expands across various enterprise teams, from marketing to IT and compliance.

According to a 2021 report by Forrester Research, 42% of corporate decision-makers currently improvise when it comes to risk management. Nearly 70% indicate that risk information is fragmented across different departments, and only 29% express confidence in their risk management technologies.

To address information gaps, security teams require the following features from OSINT platforms:

Broad Data Coverage: OSINT solutions should encompass thousands of online sources, including social media platforms and the deep and dark web, where relevant risk data may be hidden. While some risk management tools focus on specific data source types, such as social media or the dark web, a more ideal solution combines a variety of these sources within a single platform, eliminating the need for multiple tools and preventing information gaps and slower response times.

Harmony in Design: OSINT solutions should be accessible to personnel across the organization, even those without technical backgrounds. The tools should offer user-friendly interfaces, streamlined processes, and easily digestible formats, allowing personnel to quickly separate the most pertinent data. Harnessing Simplicity and Usability for Seamless User Experiences is must now.

Instant Insights: OSINT tools that prioritize real-time data enable security teams to gain critical insights faster. This enhanced speed provides organizations with a better chance of avoiding or mitigating threats from multiple angles. OSINT tools should unleash the power of Quick Information.

Collaborate and Conquer: OSINT solutions should offer permission settings and collaboration features, allowing cross-departmental visibility when addressing risks. This facilitates teamwork and coordinated responses to security threats, ensuring efficient information sharing and response efforts.

Integrations: Since many organizations already use a suite of risk management tools, OSINT solutions should be integrated easily with existing third-party solutions. This integration can take the form of a user interface or direct data funnelling into existing systems, streamlining workflows and enhancing data integration.