#Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Market

[kenyatta]

The world of corporate intelligence has quietly ballooned into a market valued at over $20 billion. The Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) market alone, valued at around $9.81 billion in 2024. This exponential growth reflects an important shift: intelligence gathering, once the exclusive domain of nation-states, has been privatized and commodified. [...] The methods these firms employ have evolved into a sophisticated doctrine that combines centuries-old espionage techniques with new technology. Understanding their playbook is important to grasping how democracy itself is being undermined. [...] This practice is disturbingly widespread. A report by the Center for Corporate Policy titled “Spooky Business” estimated that as many as one in four activists in some campaigns may be corporate spies. The report documented how “a diverse array of nonprofits have been targeted by espionage, including environmental, anti-war, public interest, consumer, food safety, pesticide reform, nursing home reform, gun control, social justice, animal rights and arms control groups.” The psychological doctrine these firms follow was laid bare in leaked Stratfor documents. Their manual for neutralizing movements divides activists into four categories, each with specific tactics for neutralization: 1. Radicals: Those who see the system as fundamentally corrupt. The strategy is to isolate and discredit them through character assassination and false charges, making them appear extreme and irrational to potential supporters. 2. Idealists: Well-meaning individuals who can be swayed by data. The goal is to engage them with counter-information, confuse them about facts, and gradually pull them away from the radical camp toward more “realistic” positions. 3. Realists: Pragmatists willing to work within the system. Corporations are advised to bargain with them, offering small, symbolic concessions that allow them to claim victory while abandoning larger systemic changes. 4. Opportunists: Those involved for personal gain, status, or excitement. These are considered the easiest to neutralize, often bought off with jobs, consulting contracts, or other personal benefits. [...] Some firms have industrialized specific tactics into product offerings. According to industry sources, “pretexting” services — where operatives pose as someone else to extract information — run $500-$2,000 per successful operation. Trash collection from target residences (“dumpster diving” in industry parlance) is billed at $200-$500 per retrieval. Installing GPS trackers runs $1,000-$2,500 including equipment and monitoring. The most chilling aspect is how these costs compare to their impact. For less than a mid-level executive’s annual salary, a corporation can fund a year-long campaign to destroy a grassroots movement. For the price of a Super Bowl commercial, they can orchestrate sophisticated operations that neutralize threats to their business model. Democracy, it turns out, can be subverted for less than the cost of a good law firm.

[mariacallous]

In the wake of Hamas’ deadly attacks on Israel this weekend—and the Israeli military’s response—journalists, researchers, open source intelligence (OSINT) experts, and fact-checkers rushed to verify the deluge of raw video footage and images being shared online by people on the ground. But users of X (formerly Twitter) seeking information on the conflict faced a flood of disinformation.

While all major world events are now accompanied almost instantly by a deluge of disinformation aimed at controlling the narrative, the scale and speed at which disinformation was being seeded about the Israel-Hamas conflict is unprecedented—particularly on X.

“For many reasons, this is the hardest time I’ve ever had covering a crisis on here,” Justin Peden, an OSINT researcher from Alabama known online as the Intel Crab, posted on X. “Credible links are now photos. On the ground news outlets struggle to reach audiences without an expensive blue check mark. Xenophobic goons are boosted by the platform’s CEO. End times, folks.”

When Peden covered the escalation in Gaza in 2021, the sources he was seeing in his feed were from people on the ground or credible news agencies. This weekend, he says, verified content or primary sources were virtually impossible to find on X.

“It’s getting incredibly hard to find people that actually live in Palestine or in southern Israel,” Peden tells WIRED. “It’s been incredibly hard to find their preliminary information and share their videos and photos. You have this perfect storm where on the ground, preliminary sources are not being amplified, especially those that maybe don’t speak English, which is a large majority of users in that area.”

Boosted by the algorithm that promotes users willing to pay X $8 a month for a premium subscription, posts from those with a blue checkmark shot to the top of news feeds for people seeking information about the conflict.

Rather than being shown verified and fact-checked information, X users were presented with video game footage passed off as footage of a Hamas attack and images of firework celebrations in Algeria presented as Israeli strikes on Hamas. There were faked pictures of soccer superstar Ronaldo holding the Palestinian flag, while a three-year-old video from the Syrian civil war repurposed to look like it was taken this weekend.

As a result, Peden says that he and his fellow OSINT researchers have to spend their time debunking years-old content rather than verifying and sharing real footage from the conflict.

Many of these videos and images racked up hundreds of thousands of views and engagements. While some later featured a note from X’s decimated community fact-checking system, many more remained untouched. And as Elon Musk has repeatedly done in recent incidents, the platform’s CEO made the situation much worse.

“For following the war in real-time, @WarMonitors & @sentdefender are good,” Musk wrote in a post to his 150 million followers on Sunday morning. Both the accounts Musk referenced are well-known spreaders of disinformation. For example, both accounts spread the lie that there had been an explosion near the White House in May, a story that made the US stock market briefly plummet before it was debunked.

Many users also pointed out that the @WarMonitors account had a history of posting antisemitic comments on X. Last year, the account replied to a post from Ye (formerly Kanye West) thanking the rapper and adding: “The overwhelming majority of people in the media and banks are zi0nists” while telling another X user in June to “go worship a jew lil bro.”

Musk deleted his recommendation soon after posting it, but not before it was viewed over 11 million times. Later on Sunday, Musk wrote: “As always, please try to stay as close to the truth as possible, even for stuff you don’t like.”

Experts believe that the proliferation of disinformation on X around the Israel-Hamas conflict this weekend is largely the result of changes Musk has made to the platform over the past year, including his decision to fire most of the people responsible for tackling disinformation.

“Elon Musk’s changes to the platform work entirely to the benefit of terrorists and war propagandists,” Emerson Brooking, a researcher at the Atlantic Council Digital Forensics Research Lab, tells WIRED. “Changes in profit and incentive structure mean that there’s a lot more tendency for people to share at high volume information which may not be true because they are trying to maximize view counts. Anyone can buy one of those little blue checks and change their profile picture to something that’s seemingly a media outlet. It takes quite a bit of work to vet who’s telling the truth and who’s not.”

X, which eliminated its entire PR team last year, responded to WIRED’s request for comment on the proliferation of disinformation on its platform with the automated message: “Busy now, please check back later.”

Peden says the Twitter algorithm has been designed to boost content that gets the most engagement, which incentivizes bad actors to share disinformation.

“The videos and images that you’re seeing of air strikes, they’re very prolific,” Peden says. “They’re very hard-hitting, and unfortunately that means engagement does incredibly, incredibly well. These images are horrible and dramatic, and they perform well. So there is an incentive by others, especially those trying to push a narrative to share an old video from years ago, just because people love looking at the stuff.”

In an echo of what happened when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, much of the primary footage emerging from the Israel-Hamas conflict over the weekend was posted first on the encrypted message platform Telegram. From there, it was taken and reshared on other platforms, but in most cases the footage was not fact-checked first or it was taken out of context to suit the narrative being pushed by the poster.

“There’s an immense amount of primary content that was first posted in Telegram groups in one form or another, but there’s essentially no way to vet that information. Then that primary information hits others platforms, notably Twitter, where there’s an immense battle of spin and narrative taking place,” Brooking says. “You have artisans on every side, as well as sympathizers from one group or another, who are also joining this [battle].”

The situation is so bad on X right now that even seasoned OSINT researchers are being duped by fake accounts, including one that shared a false claim about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu being hospitalized over the weekend.

“Any sort of ground truth, which was always hard to get on Twitter, is now entirely out of reach,” Brooking says.

[admkltdusa]

Effective Intelligence Gathering and Cryptocurrency Recovery Solutions by Admkltd

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, intelligence gathering techniques are more critical than ever for ensuring the security and privacy of individuals and organizations alike. With the rising prevalence of cyber threats, having a robust strategy for gathering intelligence can make the difference between safeguarding sensitive information and falling victim to malicious attacks. At the forefront of these solutions is Admkltd, a company renowned for its expertise in providing top-notch crypto asset recovery services.

Intelligence gathering techniques encompass a broad spectrum of methods used to collect, analyze, and utilize information for decision-making purposes. These techniques are vital not only for governments and large corporations but also for individuals looking to protect their digital assets. From open-source intelligence (OSINT) to human intelligence (HUMINT), the goal is to gather relevant data that can be used to anticipate and mitigate potential threats.

One area where these techniques are particularly crucial is in the realm of cryptocurrency. As digital currencies gain popularity, they also attract cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities. Whether through phishing scams, hacking, or other illicit methods, crypto assets can be stolen or lost, leaving individuals in dire need of recovery solutions. This is where Admkltd comes in, offering the best crypto recovery service available in the market.

Admkltd has built a solid reputation by leveraging advanced intelligence gathering techniques to track and recover stolen or lost crypto assets. Their team of experts uses a combination of blockchain analysis, cybersecurity measures, and forensic investigations to locate and retrieve digital currencies. Whether you've lost access to your wallet, fallen victim to a scam, or had your assets stolen, Admkltd's crypto asset recovery service is designed to help you regain control of your digital investments.

Read Also

The company's commitment to providing the best crypto recovery service is evident in its success rate and the trust it has garnered from clients worldwide. Admkltd understands the complexities of the cryptocurrency market and the ever-evolving tactics used by cybercriminals. By staying ahead of these threats through continuous research and the application of cutting-edge intelligence gathering techniques, they ensure that their clients' assets are recovered efficiently and securely.

In conclusion, as the digital world continues to expand, the need for reliable intelligence gathering techniques and crypto asset recovery services becomes increasingly important. Admkltd stands out as a leader in this field, offering unparalleled expertise and the best crypto recovery service to protect your digital investments. Whether you're an individual or an organization, partnering with Admkltd ensures that your assets are safeguarded against the growing threat of cybercrime.

[cr2433349]

Cristian Albeiro Carmona Dodges Spanish Justice Amid Crypto Scam Allegations

Cristian Albeiro Carmona Hernandez, a figure entangled in allegations of orchestrating a massive cryptocurrency scam through Kualian, has become a focal point of global scrutiny. With claims of defrauding investors of over €500 million across 50 countries, Carmona’s story is a stark reminder of the risks lurking in the unregulated crypto frontier. Our comprehensive investigation, drawing on a pivotal El Español report, open-source intelligence (OSINT), court documents, and social media insights, dissects his business ventures, personal background, and the profound risks he poses in terms of anti-money laundering (AML) and reputational damage. This 5,000-word report navigates the complex web of Carmona’s activities, offering a detailed and authoritative analysis.

The Rise and Fall of Kualian: Carmona’s Alleged Ponzi Scheme

At the heart of Cristian Albeiro Carmona Hernandez’s controversy lies Kualian, a cryptocurrency platform that promised investors extraordinary returns through automated trading algorithms and blockchain technology. According to a June 2022 El Español report, Kualian, co-founded by Carmona and David Humberto Morales, allegedly defrauded over 2,000 investors of €500 million across 50 countries. The platform’s model was simple yet deceptive: lure investors with guarantees of 20-30% monthly returns, only to collapse under the weight of its Ponzi-like structure, where payouts to early investors relied on funds from new ones.

Our investigation into Kualian’s operations reveals a sophisticated marketing campaign that leveraged webinars, social media, and in-person events to attract a global clientele. Spanish authorities, through Operation Gado, identified Kualian as a pyramid scheme, with Carmona as a central figure. The platform’s collapse left victims stranded, unable to withdraw funds, with many reporting losses in the tens of thousands of euros. We examine Kualian’s operational tactics, its reliance on offshore entities, and Carmona’s role in its meteoric rise and catastrophic fall.

Business Connections: A Shadowy Network of Crypto Ventures

Carmona’s business dealings extend beyond Kualian, forming a complex web of crypto-related entities that are difficult to trace. Using OSINT tools like Maltego and SpiderFoot, we uncovered links to offshore jurisdictions such as the Cayman Islands and Dubai, where Kualian and related entities were registered. Spanish business registries confirm Carmona’s involvement with Kualian but offer little clarity on other ventures, suggesting deliberate obfuscation of ownership structures.

Social media analysis, particularly on LinkedIn and X, reveals Carmona’s attempts to position himself as a thought leader in decentralized finance (DeFi). However, no reputable institutions or industry leaders have publicly endorsed him, and his network appears limited to lesser-known crypto influencers. The absence of transparent partnerships raises suspicions of undisclosed relationships, potentially with high-risk entities or individuals. We explore these connections, highlighting the regulatory and reputational risks they pose for investors and financial institutions.

Personal Profile: The Elusive Figure Behind the Allegations

Cristian Albeiro Carmona Hernandez remains an enigmatic figure. Born in Colombia, as confirmed by El Español, Carmona has since relocated to Abu Dhabi, a move that aligns with efforts to evade legal scrutiny. His now-deactivated LinkedIn profile described him as a blockchain entrepreneur, yet no verifiable educational or professional credentials support these claims. Attempts to confirm his background through academic institutions or former employers yielded no results, raising questions about his legitimacy as a financial expert.

X posts and Quora threads, including a June 2024 discussion labeling him a “tremendous scammer,” reflect growing public distrust. Carmona’s minimal digital footprint suggests active reputation management, possibly through firms like Eliminalia, known for scrubbing negative content for controversial figures. This section delves into his personal history, relocation to a low-oversight jurisdiction, and the implications of his elusive persona.

OSINT Findings: Peeling Back Layers of Secrecy

Our OSINT investigation, utilizing tools like web archives, Maltego, and social media analytics, reveals a pattern of deliberate obscurity. Carmona’s online presence is sparse, with most content tied to Kualian’s promotional efforts. This scarcity suggests a concerted effort to suppress adverse information, a tactic common among individuals facing legal or reputational challenges. We also explored potential ties to organized crime or high-risk jurisdictions, given Kualian’s global reach and offshore operations.

While no direct links to known criminal networks surfaced, the use of jurisdictions like Dubai and the Cayman Islands—known for lax AML regulations—raises red flags. Spanish authorities suspect Carmona used offshore entities to funnel funds, a strategy consistent with money laundering schemes. This section details our OSINT methodology and findings, emphasizing the challenges of tracing Carmona’s activities in a digital age.

Scam Allegations: A Global Trail of Financial Devastation

The scam allegations against Carmona are both widespread and severe. El Español’s report documents over 2,000 victims who lost significant sums to Kualian, with some claiming individual losses exceeding €100,000. Investors were drawn by promises of high returns, only to face blocked withdrawals and unresponsive support. Spanish police, under Operation Gado, confirmed Kualian’s Ponzi-like structure, with Carmona and Morales as primary suspects.

Online forums, including Reddit and X, are rife with victim testimonies describing aggressive marketing, lack of transparency, and financial ruin. While consumer complaint databases like the Better Business Bureau lack filings against Carmona—likely due to Kualian’s offshore status—these anecdotal reports align with official allegations. We compile these accounts, highlighting the human cost of Kualian’s collapse and Carmona’s alleged role.

Red Flags: Indicators of Financial Misconduct

Several red flags mark Carmona’s operations as high-risk. The lack of audited financials for Kualian, coupled with its offshore structure, suggests potential money laundering or tax evasion. Unrealistic return promises, a hallmark of Ponzi schemes, were a key lure for investors. Carmona’s relocation to Abu Dhabi, a jurisdiction with limited regulatory oversight, further heightens concerns, as does evidence of reputation management to suppress negative publicity.

We also note the absence of transparent fund flows, a critical issue in AML compliance. Kualian’s operations across 50 countries increase the risk of sanctions evasion or terrorist financing. This section outlines these warning signs, drawing parallels with other crypto scams and emphasizing their implications for due diligence.

Criminal Proceedings: A Battle in Spanish Courts

Carmona’s legal troubles are well-documented. In June 2022, El Español reported that Spain’s National Court, led by Judge Manuel García-Castellón, rejected Carmona and Morales’ request to testify via videoconference from Abu Dhabi, citing obstruction of justice. The court demanded their in-person testimony in a case involving €500 million in alleged fraud. Operation Gado targets Kualian for fraud, money laundering, and operating an illegal financial institution, with Carmona as a key figure.

As of March 2025, no convictions have been reported, but the ongoing investigation signals significant legal risk. Carmona’s refusal to return to Spain and his residence in a non-extradition-friendly jurisdiction complicate prosecution efforts. We analyze the charges, judicial developments, and the challenges of cross-border accountability.

Lawsuits and Sanctions: A Limited but Telling Record

No civil lawsuits naming Carmona as a plaintiff or defendant appear in Spanish or U.S. court records (via Pacer.gov and Ministerio de Justicia). This absence may reflect victims’ struggles to pursue legal action across jurisdictions rather than a lack of wrongdoing. Similarly, no sanctions are listed by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or Spanish regulators, though Carmona’s Interpol status remains unclear due to Spain’s calls for international cooperation.

The lack of formal sanctions does not negate the risks, as Carmona’s offshore operations and alleged obstruction suggest a calculated effort to evade accountability. We explore these gaps and their implications for investors and regulators seeking justice.

Adverse Media: A Growing Narrative of Deception

Adverse media coverage paints Carmona as a central figure in one of Spain’s largest crypto scams. El Español’s 2022 report details Kualian’s fraud, while Confilegal notes the National Court’s frustration with Carmona’s non-compliance. Social media amplifies this narrative, with X posts and Quora threads branding him a “crypto scammer.” These accounts, while not legally binding, reflect a broader public perception of distrust.

Efforts to suppress negative content, possibly through reputation management firms, have only fueled speculation. We analyze key media reports and social media trends, highlighting how they shape Carmona’s tarnished reputation.

Negative Reviews and Consumer Complaints: Voices of the Defrauded

While formal consumer complaint platforms lack filings against Carmona, online forums tell a different story. Reddit threads and X posts document victims’ anguish, with some describing losses that shattered their financial stability. These accounts align with El Español’s reporting, detailing Kualian’s deceptive practices and unresponsive support. The absence of formal complaints likely stems from Kualian’s offshore status, which shields it from U.S. or European consumer protection mechanisms.

We compile these testimonies, emphasizing their consistency with official allegations and their role in amplifying Carmona’s negative public image.

Bankruptcy Records: A Financial Black Hole

Our searches through Spanish and U.S. bankruptcy registries found no filings under Carmona’s name or Kualian’s associated entities. This absence may reflect the offshore nature of Kualian’s operations, which obscures financial distress from public view. Alternatively, the lack of bankruptcy proceedings could indicate that victims bore the losses without formal recourse. We explore the implications of this opacity for creditors, investors, and regulators seeking transparency.

Anti-Money Laundering Risks: A High-Risk Profile

From an AML perspective, Carmona presents a high-risk profile. Kualian’s alleged €500 million fraud, facilitated through cryptocurrency transactions and offshore entities, raises serious money laundering concerns. Spanish authorities suspect the platform was used to obscure fund flows, a tactic consistent with AML red flags. Carmona’s presence in Abu Dhabi, a jurisdiction with limited AML enforcement, exacerbates these risks.

Key AML concerns include:

Source of Funds Opacity: Kualian’s lack of audited financials obscures the origin of investor funds, a critical AML issue.

Cross-Border Transactions: Operations in 50 countries increase the risk of sanctions evasion or illicit fund flows.

Crypto Vulnerabilities: The unregulated nature of Kualian’s crypto trading amplifies laundering risks, as noted in AMLwatcher.com’s analysis of similar schemes.

Financial institutions must implement enhanced due diligence (EDD), including transaction monitoring and ultimate beneficial owner (UBO) verification, to mitigate exposure to Carmona’s activities.

Reputational Risks: The Perils of Association

Associating with Carmona carries severe reputational consequences. The scale of Kualian’s alleged fraud has drawn global attention, with victims and media outlets vilifying Carmona. Businesses or individuals linked to him face:

Public Backlash: Social media campaigns on X and Reddit amplify victim outrage, deterring potential partners.

Media Scrutiny: Ongoing coverage by El Español and Confilegal ensures sustained negative publicity.

Regulatory Attention: Carmona’s Interpol scrutiny and Spanish investigations could implicate associates in probes.

Market Distrust: Investors and consumers are likely to shun entities tied to a figure accused of defrauding thousands.

We assess these risks, urging caution for those considering engagement with Carmona or his ventures.

The Barcelona Connection: A Contradictory Narrative

A Coinprwire article from October 2024 presents a conflicting portrayal, describing Carmona as a Barcelona-born AI and blockchain innovator. This narrative, claiming he revolutionized DeFi and earned global recognition, starkly contrasts with El Español’s allegations. Our analysis suggests this may be a paid promotional piece, as it lacks verifiable details and aligns with reputation management tactics. We explore this discrepancy, highlighting its implications for Carmona’s credibility and public perception.

Expert Opinion: A Cautionary Tale of Crypto Exploitation

In our expert view, Cristian Albeiro Carmona Hernandez epitomizes the dangers of the unregulated cryptocurrency landscape. The evidence—spanning court documents, victim testimonies, and adverse media—points to a sophisticated Ponzi scheme orchestrated through Kualian. His relocation to Abu Dhabi, use of offshore entities, and alleged obstruction of justice suggest a calculated effort to evade accountability. While no convictions have been secured as of March 2025, the scale of the allegations and ongoing investigations mark him as a high-risk figure.

From an AML perspective, Carmona’s profile demands rigorous scrutiny. Financial institutions must prioritize EDD to avoid complicity in potential money laundering or sanctions evasion. Reputationally, he is a toxic associate, with the potential to irreparably harm public trust and brand integrity. We advise investors, businesses, and regulators to approach Carmona with extreme caution, as his case underscores the urgent need for stronger oversight in the crypto industry.

[analytx]

OSINT Solutions: Enhancing Analytx's Intelligence and Data Capabilities

OSINT Solutions: Enhancing Analytx's Intelligence and Data Capabilities

Analytx, a leading provider of AI solutions, software development, and IT services, stands at the forefront of technological innovation. With a strong focus on Big Data Analytics, Intelligence Solutions, and Digital Marketing Services, Analytx empowers businesses to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) solutions can significantly complement these offerings, providing invaluable insights and strengthening the overall intelligence framework.

What is OSINT?

OSINT involves collecting and analyzing publicly available information from various sources to produce actionable intelligence. These sources can include social media, news outlets, public records, forums, and the deep web. Unlike traditional intelligence gathering, OSINT leverages information that is openly accessible, making it a powerful and ethical tool for diverse applications.

How OSINT Solutions Benefit Analytx's Services

1. Augmenting Intelligence Solutions: Analytx's core "Intelligence Solutions" can be significantly enhanced by integrating OSINT methodologies. By incorporating publicly available data, Analytx can offer a more comprehensive threat intelligence, competitive analysis, and risk assessment services. OSINT provides real-time insights into emerging trends, public sentiment, and potential vulnerabilities, allowing Analytx to deliver more robust and proactive intelligence to its clients, especially when developing Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI Solutions for Enterprise Applications.

2. Enriching Big Data Analytics: The "Big Data Analytics" services provided by Analytx can greatly benefit from the vast amount of unstructured and structured data available through OSINT. By collecting and analyzing public data sets, Analytx can identify patterns, predict market shifts, and uncover hidden correlations that might not be apparent from internal data alone. This external data enriches predictive models and analytical outcomes, offering a 360-degree view for more accurate insights and strategic planning.

3. Powering Digital Marketing Strategies: Analytx's "Digital Marketing Services" can leverage OSINT for more targeted and effective campaigns. By monitoring online conversations, identifying key influencers, and understanding consumer behavior through publicly available data, Analytx can help clients refine their messaging, optimize their ad placements, and engage with their audience more effectively. OSINT provides the intelligence needed to craft data-driven marketing strategies that resonate with the target demographic.

4. Enhancing Risk Management and Due Diligence: For "Consulting Services," OSINT can be a crucial tool for due diligence and risk management. Before partnerships, investments, or expansions, OSINT can help gather comprehensive background information on entities, individuals, and markets. This proactive intelligence gathering can mitigate potential risks, identify red flags, and ensure more secure business operations.

Conclusion

Integrating OSINT solutions into Analytx's service portfolio offers a powerful synergy, enhancing its capabilities in intelligence, data analytics, and digital marketing. By harnessing the power of publicly available information, Analytx can further solidify its position as a holistic solution provider, empowering its clients with deeper insights and enabling them to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape with greater confidence.

[academie-digitaleghb]

Maîtriser l’OSINT en France : Une opportunité d’apprentissage stratégique

Dans un monde numérique en perpétuelle évolution, apprendre osint France est devenu une compétence incontournable pour les professionnels de la sécurité, de la veille stratégique, du journalisme d’investigation, mais aussi pour les curieux souhaitant développer leur esprit d’analyse. L’intelligence open source, ou OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), fait référence à la collecte et à l’analyse d’informations accessibles au public. Apprendre l’OSINT en France permet donc d’acquérir une capacité précieuse pour détecter, comprendre et anticiper les menaces ou opportunités dans divers secteurs.

La formation en intelligence open source s’impose comme une démarche structurée et rigoureuse pour ceux qui souhaitent exploiter intelligemment les données disponibles sur Internet, les réseaux sociaux, les bases de données publiques et bien d’autres sources ouvertes. Contrairement à une simple recherche sur le Web, l’OSINT exige une méthodologie spécifique, des outils spécialisés et une solide éthique d’utilisation. Cela en fait une compétence à la fois technique et stratégique.

L’intérêt croissant pour la formation en intelligence open source en France est directement lié à la numérisation massive de l’information et à la complexité croissante des enjeux sécuritaires et économiques. Des secteurs aussi variés que la cybersécurité, le renseignement d’entreprise, les ressources humaines ou encore le marketing digital intègrent désormais les compétences OSINT dans leurs pratiques quotidiennes. Cette approche permet d’obtenir une vision plus complète des environnements concurrentiels, sociaux ou géopolitiques.

De nombreuses initiatives de formation voient le jour, allant de simples introductions aux outils OSINT jusqu’à des cursus avancés incluant des études de cas, des simulations et des ateliers pratiques. Ces programmes permettent non seulement de développer une compréhension approfondie des techniques de collecte et d’analyse, mais aussi de maîtriser des outils tels que Maltego, TheHarvester, ou encore SpiderFoot. La qualité de ces formations dépend toutefois grandement de l’expertise des formateurs et de leur capacité à relier la théorie aux situations concrètes rencontrées sur le terrain.

Dans ce contexte, Academie-digitale.eu propose une approche pédagogique pensée pour les apprenants francophones souhaitant se spécialiser dans l’OSINT. Sans se limiter à un simple catalogue d’outils, les parcours offerts permettent de comprendre les logiques d’investigation, de structurer ses recherches et de vérifier la fiabilité des sources. Cela favorise l’autonomie et la rigueur, deux qualités essentielles dans la pratique de l’intelligence open source.

Il est essentiel de souligner que la formation en intelligence open source ne se limite pas à un usage technique ou professionnel. Elle touche aussi à la responsabilité citoyenne et à la capacité de chacun à faire preuve de discernement face à l’infobésité ambiante. Savoir identifier une désinformation, retracer une origine douteuse ou comprendre une campagne d’influence sont autant de compétences utiles dans un monde où l’information est devenue un levier de pouvoir.

Apprendre l’OSINT en France, c’est donc aussi s’armer intellectuellement pour faire face aux enjeux actuels de transparence, de cybersécurité et de veille concurrentielle. Cela suppose de sortir d’une logique passive de consommation d’information pour adopter une posture active et critique.

En intégrant ce type de formation dans un parcours professionnel ou académique, les apprenants s’ouvrent à de nouvelles perspectives d’évolution et de spécialisation. Qu’il s’agisse de rejoindre une cellule de veille stratégique, de travailler pour une organisation non gouvernementale, une entreprise ou une institution publique, les compétences en OSINT sont aujourd’hui de plus en plus valorisées.

Academie-digitale.eu s’inscrit ainsi dans cette dynamique de transformation numérique et de montée en compétences, en offrant un accompagnement adapté aux réalités du marché francophone. En investissant dans cette expertise, les apprenants participent activement à la construction d’un environnement informationnel plus transparent, fiable et sécurisé.

[sweetadamr]

How OSINT Can Give Your Small Business a Competitive Edge 

In 2001, I applied Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to help a salad dressing company gain a competitive edge. They needed insights on their competitors, and I used advanced search techniques to analyze market trends, ingredient sourcing, and pricing structures. Social media analysis revealed customer sentiment, while web scraping extracted key product data from competitor websites. WHOIS lookups identified hidden business connections, and metadata analysis uncovered internal documents that provided strategic insights. By compiling this data, I delivered a detailed competitive landscape report, allowing the company to refine its marketing and production strategies.

This project demonstrated that OSINT is not just for cybersecurity or law enforcement; it’s an invaluable tool for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the competition. Companies can leverage OSINT to monitor competitors, track industry trends, and gain strategic advantages. The ability to collect and analyze publicly available information can be a game-changer in refining business strategies and identifying new opportunities.

If you run a small business and need research on competitors, market trends, or customer insights, hiring me is simple. I specialize in gathering and analyzing publicly available data to help businesses make informed decisions. Whether you need to uncover new opportunities, assess industry risks, or gain deeper insight into your competitors, I can provide actionable intelligence tailored to your needs.

The process is straightforward. Contact me, and we can discuss your goals, outline a research plan, and get to work. No project is too small—if you need clear, data-driven insights, I can help. Let’s turn publicly available information into a strategic advantage for your business.

[vidyaitech]

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/01/09/3007089/0/en/Open-Source-Intelligence-OSINT-Market-Poised-for-Explosive-Growth-of-USD-62-99-billion-by-2032-Driven-by-Cybersecurity-Demand-and-Advanced-Data-Analytics-Solutions-Research-By-SNS-.html

[koronkowy]

Summary

🌐 Introduction to OSINT:

OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) involves gathering publicly available information for intelligence purposes.

Applicable across industries like government, law enforcement, business, and cybersecurity.

Ethical considerations are critical—OSINT should not involve invasions of privacy or illegal activities.

🔍 Key Concepts:

Definition: Publicly available information analyzed to meet a specific intelligence requirement.

Examples: Includes online content, court records, arrest reports, and even store signs.

Applications:

Military and Law Enforcement: For tracking foreign intelligence and criminal activities.

Business and Marketing: For understanding competitors and identifying market trends.

Cybersecurity: For mapping network structures, identifying IP addresses, and more.

🛠️ Practical Exercises:

Example of geolocating a vehicle using reflection data and online resources.

Case study: Identifying a suspect in a road-rage shooting through OSINT tools and methodologies.

🚨 Ethical Practices:

OSINT should only involve data made proactively public.

Ethical lines should never be crossed into illegal activities like network penetration or eavesdropping.

🎯 Best Practices:

Mindset: Develop an OSINT perspective by questioning how public data can be exploited.

Tools: Use platforms like Intel Techniques by Mike Bazell and others for advanced searches.

Validation: Always cross-reference findings to ensure accuracy.

[cat-coderrr]

Open Source / Google Dork like a pro! (repost)

“Oh no! I LOST the link to an old website/file/xyz I had and was dumb enough to NOT save it!” Yeah, I’m sure we’ve all been there at some point and we’re even more worried that it’s been - gasp - deleted! Anyways, I actually have this problem so let’s go on an adventure!

“What’s OSINT? Nobody uses your weird tech terms ya nerd” Basically it means Open-Source Intelligence, or gathering publicly available data. There’s other terms related to it such as SIGINT, and GEOINT.

PROBLEM: Someone on Reddit, pre-pandemic, posted a link of the full discography of an artist I listen to, including never-released-before remixes. Thing is, this artist is in Japan and only sells their content at Comiket Comic Market in-person.

GOAL: Find the link!

ARTIST: Kokyo Active NEETs from Tokyo, JP

Firstly, I headed over to Kokyo Active NEET’s Official YouTube Page to get a hint on what some of the cover art looks like. 

Sidenote: Looking through my browser history actually didn’t work! So for those asking… here you have it.

I also listened to some of their music as a refresher to jog my memory and attempted to remember some of it.

I then went directly to Reddit with the search terms, “Kokyo Active NEETs full discography”, “Kokyo Active NEETs OneDrive” (since it was uploaded to OneDrive) and similar terms only to be met with YouTube links. Suddenly in the middle of this whole shenanigans, I got the idea to just Google Kokyo Active NEETs All Albums and with scrolling down a little, I found a website that seemingly gave them away for free.

I went directly to Reddit with the search terms, “Kokyo Active NEETs full discography”, “Kokyo Active NEETs OneDrive” (since it was uploaded to OneDrive) and similar terms only to be met with YouTube links. Suddenly in the middle of this whole shenanigans, I got the idea to just Google Kokyo Active NEETs All Albums and with scrolling down a little, I found a website that seemingly gave them away for free.

All links led to MEGA/MediaFire File links that matched up with them. I was slightly suspicious, so I looked more into it. According to /r/Touhou on Reddit over a decade ago, DoujinStyle apparently hosts Pirated files.

Although it does seem like that is the only person saying such things. In any such case I downloaded Malwarebytes since I know they have a file scanner. 

I also added their free browser guard as an added bonus :)

Since I already had a subscription I just signed in and continued back with the files from before.

Since I am on Windows 11, I had to right-click > More Options > Scan with MalwareBytes. On my first ZIP File, nothing suspicious was shown. Of course MalwareBytes is not the only solution. 

I went to VirusTotal: Nothing Detected out of 100+ scanners.

I also went to FileScan.io: Showed “100 % suspicious” with only one MITRE Technique which was “Exfiltration by an attacker to Cloud Storage”. I personally take MITRE with a grain of salt if it’s the only one listed. I think it’s safe to say that they are generally safe files, but obviously I am going to scan every single one and practice safe security anyways…