The easy accessibility of publicly available information across a variety of digital sources has led to the emergence of something known as Open-Source Intelligence Investigations (OSINTs). Such investigations take advantage of everything from social media to online forums to public records. Regardless of the purpose, dark web threat detection is intrinsically linked to OSINTs.
Leveraging the Dark Web
A person unfamiliar with the dark web might not see the connection between dark web threat detection and OSINTs. After all, the dark web is a hidden portion of the internet only accessible with specialized tools and networks. And yet the dark web is still publicly available. Anyone with the right tools can access it. Therefore, OSINT data sometimes includes information gleaned from the dark web.
To the investigator, every potential source of information is worth looking at. An investigator may look at dozens of sources and only find valuable information on a small number of them. But some of that information would have been missed had the investigator ignored some of his sources.
What does all of this have to do with dark web threat detection? In principle, dark web threat detection is not a direct OSINT tool. But the data gleaned from it can certainly be utilized for investigative purposes. Moreover, cybersecurity experts are now more likely to employ OSINT principles to enhance their ability to detect threats.
Revealing Hidden Information
Dark web threat detection’s main appeal, for security purposes and otherwise, is its ability to reveal hidden information. Take DarkOwl, a company that specializes in dark web threat intelligence. Its threat detection platform continuously monitors the dark web, looking around every corner and turning up every rock.
Information threat actors believe remains hidden on the dark web is revealed by sophisticated software. That is extremely helpful when cybersecurity experts are trying to identify potential threats so they can be stopped in their tracks. But the same information can be used for OSINT purposes.
Investing in Dark Web Threat Detection
Dark web threat detection has enough to offer a growing number of organizations that are investing in it. Whether they work with service providers or directly invest in hardware, software, and personnel, they are utilizing advanced tools and strategies to:
- Enhance Threat Intelligence – When OSINTs are being conducted for security purposes, dark web threat detection contributes by enhancing threat intelligence.
- Combat Fraud – Investigators and their cybersecurity counterparts utilize threat intelligence data to combat all sorts of online fraud, including identity theft.
- Support Law Enforcement – Dark web threat detection can support law enforcement agencies utilizing OSINTs for all sorts of criminal investigations. Dark web data can even be used to obtain convictions.
Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning he is also contributing by making dark web threat detection even more sophisticated. Not only can platforms scan the dark web for data, but they can also analyze the data they collect using AI-powered algorithms. The result is a better understanding of today’s intricate cyber threat landscape.
Finding Whatever Is Out There
OSINTs can be implemented for any number of reasons. Investigators might be looking at criminal activity or potential threats from rogue nations. They might be looking for deadbeats who have skipped town without paying their bills. The possibilities are endless. Regardless, combining the principles of dark web threat detection with OSINTs is all about finding whatever information is out there.
The modern digital world runs on information. And because it does, investigators can pursue even the tiniest bits of data to find what they are looking for. Dark web threat detection makes their efforts more productive.
