In today's divisive political climate, "the most dangerous risk may be the one you did not foresee." Maintaining preventative, proactive methodology to threats has proven more beneficial and cost effective than reactive approaches.
Track24 explores why social media is at the forefront of protective intelligence. Protective intelligence in security is the process used to identify and assess threats.
OSINT and SOSINT: Social Media's Role
The largest collection of information available to intelligence agencies is open source intelligence (OSINT)—intelligence collected from publicly available sources like social media. Social media is the largest and broadest field of OSINT due to its integrated technology enabling low-cost user-generated content. This collective source is gaining its own acronym: SOSINT (Social Open Source Intelligence).
However, social media also poses security threats. From January to April 2020, companies reported a 300% increase in COVID-19 and threat-related data through social media.
Real-World Examples
The LexisNexis Social Media Use in Law Enforcement identified examples where social media prevented crime in the USA, such as stopping active shooters, tracking gang behaviour, and mitigating threats. For private investigators, analyzing status updates, check-ins and photos may provide information to determine if legitimate threats exist.
Malicious Activity and Social Media
Social media can be used maliciously by hackers to target individuals with personal data for gain. The Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler demonstrates such threats. Elon Musk challenged someone posting his private flight details online—a substantial security risk requiring protective intelligence.
Staying Savvy: Protective Intelligence for Organisations
Organisations should implement protective intelligence measures proactively. While social media benefits are clear, 59% of organizations experienced material incidents recently. Denida Grow, Athena Worldwide founder, states: "Social media gives the world the ability to look into people's lives with a push of a button. In personal security, social media can advance protective detail; however, one must know how to utilize it properly."
High-profile organizations have become victims through social media hacking. The International Olympics Committee accounts were hacked through third-party analytics apps, as was FC Barcelona. LinkedIn reports 21.6 million fake accounts in six months alone.
How Social Media Supports Protective Intelligence
Track24 recommends using social media to:
- Include findings in Risk and Threat Assessments
- Identify individuals posing risk or threat (stalkers, extremists)
- Identify hate groups or terrorist organisations
- Identify people or businesses to avoid partnerships with
- Identify workplace violence or insider threat indicators
- Determine public opinion regarding your business or clients
- Detect unauthorized use of your business or client names
In conclusion, social media is at the forefront of protective intelligence. Deploy SOSINT strategies to protect yourself and mitigate threats personally and at business levels.
