The primary function of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is to collect and analyze information from publicly available sources. This data can include:
* Social Media Profiles:Gaining insights into employees or organizational activities.
* Public Websites:Extracting data from corporate pages, forums, or blogs.
* Government and Legal Databases:Collecting information from public records and legal filings.
* Search Engine Results:Finding indexed data, reports, or leaked documents.
* Technical Footprinting:Gathering information from publicly exposed systems or DNS records.
OSINT is crucial in both defensive and offensive security strategies, providing insights into potential attack vectors or organizational vulnerabilities.
Incorrect Options:
* A. Encoding stolen data prior to exfiltration:This relates to data exfiltration techniques, not OSINT.
* B. Initiating active probes for open ports:This is part of network scanning, not passive intelligence gathering.
* C. Delivering remote access malware via social engineering:This is an attack vector rather than intelligence gathering.
Exact Extract from CCOA Official Review Manual, 1st Edition:
Refer to Chapter 2, Section "Threat Intelligence and OSINT", Subsection "Roles and Applications of OSINT"
- OSINT involves leveraging publicly available sources to gather information on potential targets, be it individuals or organizations.