Modern OSINT – From Hobbyist Recon to National Security Asset

Remember that one time when you made up a sketchy, fake account to check your ex's post? Congratulations! Without even knowing, you are doing what is a part of OSINT. What was once the realm of hobbyists is now essential to national security. Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) has evolved into a core pillar of modern intelligence, allowing analysts to extract actionable insights from publicly available data.

At Verto, we always say - the most vulnerable part of any system are humans themselves. But as scary that may sound, that could actually help to mitigate certain risks for individuals, corporations and even countries when the data is properly analyzed.

NOT GOING TOO FAR, AN EXAMPLE:

In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, OSINT groups have tracked troop movements using satellite imagery, TikTok videos, and train schedules. OSINT has also exposed war crimes, verified fake news, and helped governments validate or refute claims.

There are CRAZY amount of tools out there which allows you to analyze almost every single piece of information you stumble upon

"Careful what you look for Mr. Reese, you might find it." (Harold Finch, Pearson of Interest series)

The power lies in the data—and the tools to connect it. From facial recognition to metadata analysis, OSINT software turns social posts and public records into operational intelligence.

What makes OSINT so compelling is its accessibility: anyone with a laptop and internet connection can join the hunt. But professionals take it further with automation, AI-enhanced filtering, and cross-platform correlation.

Verto is building next-gen OSINT tools to automate profiling, threat mapping, and real-time alerts. Our goal: bridge the gap between civilian data and military-grade analysis.