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today are more sophisticated than ever before, making it essential for them to stay one step ahead
of their adversaries and being more proactive and strategic in their approach in safeguarding their
most critical assets, whether that is (or a combination of) people, property and information. Any
information gathered can be extremely valuable for identifying, mitigating and managing potential
threats and/or risks.
Using OSINT can enhance security in many ways. Organisations can be alerted in real time of any
potential threats they may face, this can be in the form of monitoring online ‘chatter’ from activist
groups. Organisations can then use this information to plan or take appropriate measures to
mitigate those threats.
With the intel that organisations receive, this can provide useful historical data to tailor site specific
training or awareness campaigns. A location where there is a high number of demonstrations may
benefit from specific information in activist recognition and response. An area with a high number of
phone snatches would benefit from awareness campaigns in what to do when leaving the office and
keeping yourself safe. OSINT can also provide organisations the tactics and techniques adversaries
take. By finding out this information, organisations can develop appropriate procedures and
responses if an event does occur.
The power of OSINT is huge, as the world becomes increasingly connected, the need for OSINT
will only continue to grow, making it an essential tool for any organisation and with continued
advancements in technology and increasing demand for information, it is safe to say that OSINT will
continue to be a vital part of our intelligence-gathering landscape for years to come whilst ensuring
that organisations stay ahead of emerging threats.