Open-source intelligence (OSINT) collects, analyzes, and interprets information that’s available to the public through open sources such as websites and social media.
Financial institutions face ongoing challenges combating fraud schemes that impact their operations and customer trust. In this context, one of the most valuable tools is OSINT.
So, what exactly is OSINT, and how can it be used to prevent fraud? Let’s explore its importance in protecting organizations from fraudulent activities.
OSINT refers to the collection, analysis and interpretation of information that’s available to the public through open sources such as websites, social media, online forums, public records and other sources. This approach grants access to an extensive range of public data, offering valuable insights into potential threats and malicious activities.
Constant monitoring of open-source data is essential in identifying trends and anticipating the emergence of potential threats. When organizations perform active surveillance of public information, they can detect suspicious patterns of behavior before they become major security incidents. This kind of proactive vigilance is vital for staying ahead of scammers and cybercriminals.
There are many examples of how threats can be detected using OSINT. For example, a company can identify phishing attempts aimed at its employees by monitoring forums on the dark web to look for leaks of corporate credentials.
Banks can also use OSINT. This technology traces online conversations about malware attacks against financial institutions, as well as phishing attempts, leaks of sensitive information, ongoing cyberattacks and fraud related to suspicious transactions. These are just a few examples of how OSINT can be used to detect and mitigate threats in real-time.
For fraud prevention, continuous monitoring of open sources plays a crucial role in cybersecurity. Analyzing public data allows organizations to identify potential scammers and proactively mitigate risks.
This proactive approach helps protect an organization’s assets and strengthens its clients' trust and security by anticipating and mitigating risks before they can cause significant damage.
For those who believe that analyzing open sources such as social media is a manual process, ClearSale’s Cyber Threat Intelligence solution holds the key. This tool offers an advanced OSINT platform that combines state-of-the-art technology with cyber threat intelligence to monitor and analyze information in real-time. The platform allows organizations across all sectors to detect emerging threats, investigate suspicious incidents and strengthen their defenses against fraud.
With over two decades of experience understanding consumer digital behavior, ClearSale monitors data breaches at various levels, provides alerts, detects malicious actors and investigates critical cases, tailoring its activities to meet the company’s specific needs. This allows each organization to choose the components that best suit their business needs.
Adopting OSINT practices and continuously monitoring open sources are fundamental strategies for protecting companies against increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes. Cyber Threat Intelligence’s OSINT module is an essential solution in this context, providing institutions with the tools they need to protect their assets and reputations by efficiently tackling digital security challenges.