Protecting the information is no longer just a task for large corporations or government departments. Every company, regardless of size, is exposed to risks that evolve at a dizzying pace.
In this context, open source intelligence (OSINT) has become a key tool in cybersecurity. But what exactly does applying OSINT mean in the professional field, and how can it make a difference in an increasingly hostile digital environment?
Before delving into the details, it’s worth highlighting the role of Kartos, Enthec’s solution designed specifically for companies seeking to elevate their cybersecurity strategy to the next level. Kartos allows you to continuously monitor your exposure to external threats, automating processes for collecting and analyzing public information about the company, its employees, and its digital infrastructure.
What is OSINT?
The term OSINT (Open Source Intelligence)refers to a process by which publicly available information is collected, analyzed, and utilized, information that is legally accessible to anyone, to obtain practical knowledge.
In cybersecurity, this means detecting potential attack vectors before they are exploited, finding leaked information from an organization, or anticipating vulnerabilities using data available on the network.
Why is OSINT important in cybersecurity?
Applying OSINT techniques enables security teams to anticipate threats, gain a deeper understanding of their public exposure, and identify and address weaknesses before malicious actors can exploit them. It’s like conducting an audit from the attacker’s point of view.
Among the most relevant benefits, the following stand out:
- Early identification of information leaks.
- Detection of fake domains or profiles that impersonate the brand.
- Assessment of the level of exposure of key employees.
- Discovery of leaked credentials on forums and dark websites.
All of this can be accomplished without compromising the legality of the process, as all the information is extracted from open-source OSINT sources, including search engines, social networks, public databases, forums, among others.
The OSINT process step by step
Although there are many methodologies, the OSINT process is typically divided into five fundamental phases. Understanding them is key to effectively integrating this discipline into cybersecurity workflows.
1. Definition of objectives
Before you start searching for data, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. This could include research on a specific company’s exposure, a manager’s fingerprint, or the evaluation of an external supplier.
2. Selection of OSINT sources
This is where open-source OSINT comes in: from Google and social media, to logs, DNS records, pastebin services, forums on the deep web, or platforms like Shodan or Have I Been Pwned.
3. Data collection
At this stage, we utilize automated or semi-automated OSINT tools to facilitate the gathering of large amounts of information. . This is essential to document this phase well, so that the data is traceable and verifiable.
4. Analysis and correlation
Data alone is worthless if it’s not interpreted correctly. Here, the collected information is analyzed, irrelevant information is discarded, and hypotheses about potential risks or vulnerabilities are generated.
5. Presentation and performance
Once the level of exposure is understood, action is necessary: delete sensitive information, change leaked passwords, and contact platforms to remove unauthorized content, among other measures.
Apply OSINT with a strategic vision
OSINT is often associated with specific investigative tasks, such as “ethical hacking.” However, the true power of OSINT lies in its integration into a continuous defense strategy, known as CTEM (Continuous Threat Exposure Management).
In this sense, Kartos allows you to make that leap in quality by offering:
- Daily automation of the OSINT cycle.
- Customized reports for each company.
- Proactive detection of leaks, malicious domains, data leaks, and impersonation.
- Integration with existing cybersecurity team workflows.
With a tool like Kartos, companies can stop being defensive and start playing offense digitally, understanding what sensitive information is being leaked or published without authorization.
Good practices for applying OSINT in teams
In addition to having adequate tools, it is essential to develop operational routines and internal policies that allow you to get the most out of OSINT:
- Train employees about what information they can share on networks.
- Establish periodic controls on the organization’s digital footprint.
- Define clear responsibilities within the security team to manage these tasks.
- Combine OSINT with other disciplines, such as threat intelligence, red teaming, or risk management.
The use of OSINT in cybersecurity is not a fad or a mere technical curiosity. It is a real necessity in a context where every leaked or mismanaged piece of data can be a security breach.. Therefore, adopting a proactive approach, with tools like Enthec’s Kartos, can mean a considerable advantage for companies that prioritize their digital security.
Cybersecurity is not just about reacting to incidents; it’s about anticipating them. And to anticipate, nothing better than seeing what the attackers see.
Do you want to know what information about your company is circulating online before it’s too late?
Discover Kartos, our solution that automates and monitors your exposure to digital threats. Start protecting your organization from a professional, real-time OSINT perspective. Contact us.
Enthec, specialists in cyber surveillance, OSINT, and proactive digital exposure management. With solutions like Kartos for businesses and Qondar for individual users, we help prevent rather than cure.