Blackdot Solutions

A need for efficient investigations is one of the main reasons why you might invest in an OSINT tool. If efficiency is your main goal, what should you look for in a tool? Here are a few features that mean an OSINT tool is likely to provide efficiency gains: 1️⃣ All-in-one platform: If you can conduct your entire investigation in one platform, you’ll save valuable time that would otherwise be spent switching between different tools and sources. 2️⃣ Automation of manual tasks: OSINT often requires repetitive, manual tasks which can take a lot of time. Tools that automate these tasks will increase efficiency. However, you should ensure that they still allow human oversight and provide accurate results – there’s no point conducting efficient OSINT if it’s not producing reliable intelligence. 3️⃣ Repeatable processes: Efficiency is often a priority in teams where there’s a high volume of investigations. Tools that allow for easy-to-follow, repeatable workflows to be established help investigators not to fall behind. #OSINT #OSINTForGood #Investigations

TD Bank’s record fine for serious gaps in their anti-money laundering processes was announced earlier this month. What can other financial institutions learn from this? Read the full article to understand why this case presents an opportunity for banks to strengthen their AML measures in order to avoid similar fines, and how they can achieve this: https://hubs.li/Q02VK6R80 #Banking #FinancialCrime #AntiMoneyLaundering

Both public and private sector organisations need effective vetting processes to reduce insider threat and avoid reputational damage. Simply consulting fixed datasets isn’t enough, especially for more sensitive or higher-risk roles. Robust vetting procedures must use OSINT in order to build out a wider understanding of an individual and their network, to ensure that they don't present a potential threat. But it’s hard to achieve good vetting with OSINT if you’re working manually – which means tools are required. Here is are two ways an OSINT tool can support better vetting: ➡️ Efficiency gains: Since good vetting isn’t one-off screening, but rather an ongoing process, checks must be smooth, efficient and repeatable. Efficiency gains might come from automation of manual processes or the ability to conduct an entire investigation within one tool. ➡️ Auditability: Any tool used must be fully auditable, so organisations can demonstrate that OSINT is being used proportionately and ethically. #Vetting #InsiderThreat #BackgroundChecks

With new ESG regulations coming into effect, major changes are on the horizon for environmental investigations. See why OSINT will continue to be crucial despite these changes and understand how it’s being used to uncover environmental transgressions: https://hubs.li/Q02TZbG-0 #OSINT #Deforestation #WildlifeCrime

Because there are so many free OSINT tools out there, it’s certainly possible to lead an in-depth investigation without spending money on specialised software. So what’s the point of investing in OSINT tools for your investigation? The truth is, investing in OSINT tools isn’t for everyone – it largely depends on your use case and the way you conduct investigations. Here are some examples of when it’s a good idea to invest in an OSINT solution: ➡️ Your investigations require quick turnaround, or you’re dealing with high volumes of work. Paid-for tools often come with serious efficiency gains, allowing you to lead deep investigations in a fraction of the time it would take otherwise. ➡️ You work on high-risk cases. When you’re fighting serious crime, missing something or working slowly could have catastrophic consequences. Investing in a good tool helps you find the relevant data faster and assists in analysis so you’re less likely to miss something key. Plus, good tools can help you remain secure and anonymous. ➡️ You need to standardise OSINT practices within your team. Investing in an enterprise-grade tool ensures everyone is working to the same standard and with the same processes. #OSINTTools #OSINT #OpenSourceResearch

Navigating unreliable sources is nothing new for seasoned OSINT investigators. But with dis- and misinformation on the rise, it’s becoming more difficult to separate fact from fiction. Even news sources, which have historically been seen as ‘more trustworthy’, can’t always be relied on to tell the truth. Learn how to use OSINT to assess the validity of news articles and claims in our latest blog post: https://hubs.ly/Q02T51QK0 #OSINT #FakeNews #Misinformation

Today marks World Mental Health Day. Although it’s important to recognise this day regardless of industry, it holds extra meaning for the OSINT community. OSINT investigators often have to deal with challenging content on a day-to-day basis, which can have a negative impact on their mental health. But there are ways to reduce this impact, including learning techniques to minimise exposure to traumatic content – we’ve linked CIR’s guidelines on this topic below: https://hubs.ly/Q02SkRsQ0 #MentalHealth #OSINT #MentalHealthDay

Could AI become a major player in countering crime? Although AI may not always be reliable, it’s clear that criminals have started using it to their advantage. If Law Enforcement organisations want to stay ahead, they need to use it too. However, there are some potential pitfalls they should be aware of – read more below: https://hubs.li/Q02SjWvT0 #OSINT #OpenSourceIntelligence #Policing

On Thursday 10 October we are hosting a webinar together with Blackdot Solutions: Partners in crime? How OSINT technology can maximise collaboration across investigative teams. Collaboration is essential to criminal networks’ success – yet it’s seen as a major challenge among those fighting crime. Technology can be key to the effective use of OSINT across teams, facilitating easier access for all kinds of investigators and providing new insights with advanced analytical capabilities. In this webinar, Helmi van den Brink and Antonia Edmunds will explore: - How analytics tools can help both experienced and new investigators draw real, actionable and shareable intelligence from OSINT - How technology can facilitate more effective use of OSINT in collaboration between specialist and non-specialist teams - How investigations teams are already using OSINT collaboratively to identify, share and build on intelligence, and fight crime effectively Register now to secure your spot for this interesting webinar: https://lnkd.in/emBzPkEA

Next week, we’re excited to partner with DataExpert to deliver a webinar on how technology can facilitate collaboration across investigations teams. Collaboration is key to fighting crime, especially when it comes to teams wanting to get more out of OSINT. Yet this can often be difficult to achieve – which is where technology comes in. Learn more by registering for the webinar below: https://hubs.ly/Q02RnMQP0 #OSINT #Investigations #DigitalInvestigation