OPEN SOURCE INTELLIGENCE (OSINT): SIGNIFICANCE AND APPLICATIONS IN SECURITY AND BANKING

Аннотация

This article explores the role of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in today's information society, emphasizing its significance for security, intelligence, and business analysis professionals. The article covers the origin of the term, categories of information sources, and its applications, including military intelligence, cybersecurity, and the banking sector. It outlines the stages of working with OSINT, from goal definition to making informed decisions, with a focus on the importance of ethical use and compliance with confidentiality laws. In the context of the banking sector, it underscores that OSINT has become an indispensable tool, ensuring cybersecurity, combating fraud, and managing reputation in a rapidly changing financial environment. Keywords: OSINT, intelligence, information society, open-source data, methodology, source categories (OSD, OSI, OSINT, OSINT-V), military intelligence, cybersecurity, business intelligence, data analysis methods. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) has become a crucial tool for obtaining information in the contemporary information society. From public databases and social networks to news sources and government resources, vast amounts of data are accessible to those who know how to utilize them effectively. Let's first understand what OSINT is and how it works. OSINT is a method of collecting information from public and other open sources, commonly used by security professionals, national intelligence agencies, or cybercriminals. When employed by cybersecurity experts, the goal is to detect publicly available information related to their organization that malicious actors could exploit, taking measures to prevent future attacks. The term "OSINT" was initially introduced by the U.S. military in connection with the restructuring of the intelligence service and the growing need for new information approaches in the late 1980s. In 1996, the Aspin-Brown Commission, responsible for reforms in the American intelligence community, acknowledged the necessity for more active use of publicly available global information. 49 International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches” Volume 2 issue 2 (24) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2 Over time, guides and recommendations on OSINT have been actively developed, including within NATO, which identified four main categories of information sources. 1. Open Source Data (OSD): Raw data from primary sources, such as photos, records, satellite images, or personal letters, providing initial information for further analysis. 2. Open Source Information (OSI): Processed and edited data widely disseminated through newspapers, books, broadcasts, and other publicly accessible sources. 3. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT): Information intended for a narrow audience, including leadership and personnel, using traditional intelligence methods to analyze open sources. 4. Validated OSINT (OSINT-V): Information with a high degree of trustworthiness provided by intelligence specialists after analyzing all possible guaranteed open sources. To date, the scope of OSINT has significantly expanded. It is used not only in military intelligence but also in law enforcement, combating crime, and in the field of cybersecurity. Undoubtedly, OSINT has become a key tool for a broader range of professionals, including intelligence services, law enforcement agencies, and corporate security services. It plays a crucial role in ensuring access to reliable information and supports effective decision-making in the conditions of the modern information society. Unlike traditional intelligence methods based on closed and secret sources, OSINT utilizes publicly available data such as news, social networks, internet forums, government, and commercial websites, among other open resources. OSINT can be applied in various fields, including cybersecurity, law enforcement, business intelligence, and more. This methodology allows for obtaining a broad spectrum of information for analysis and decision-making without invading privacy or using illegal methods. How does OSINT work? 1. Goal Definition: The first stage in working with OSINT is defining objectives. Users clearly articulate the information they need, whether it's identifying potential cyber threats, analyzing competitors' activities, or investigating events. 2. Source Selection: After goal definition, suitable sources are chosen, including the internet, social networks, news resources, and other available databases. 3. Data Collection: The second stage involves using various methods such as web scanning, social profile analysis, and news monitoring to gather the required information. This can range from basic facts to in-depth analysis of open sources. 50 International scientific journal “Interpretation and researches” Volume 2 issue 2 (24) | ISSN: 2181-4163 | Impact Factor: 8.2 4. Information Analysis: The third stage includes a detailed analysis of the collected data, identifying connections, patterns, and t