INTRODUCTION information is worth OSINT Open Source Intelligence

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2 INTRODUCTION In an era where information is worth more than assets, knowing how to manage it is the secret to success. In recent years, the digitisation of information and real-time sharing through which anyone can take pictures, write and make recommendations on numerous platforms, blogs and social networks has proven to be a powerful weapon, which individuals and businesses can no longer afford to underestimate. The term OSINT, an acronym of Open Source Intelligence, refers to a process of analysis and investigation targeted at the collection and processing of information from open sources (databases, journalistic content, social media, press releases, academic articles, books and whatever else may be available to the public). The NATO manual ("NATO Open Source Intelligence Handbook") defines intelligence originating from open sources as: "unclassified information that has been deliberately discovered, discriminated, distilled and disseminated to a select audience in order to address a specific question". From this definition it is clear that OSInt aims to provide an answer to a specific question or request posed by an established party by searching for information to be analysed and evaluated, specifically in relation to the recipient and its predefined purpose. The fact that a particular piece of information originates from an "open" source does not necessarily imply that it is free or unintentional in nature; what differentiates an open source from a hidden source is not its accessibility, whether it is free or available, but instead the ability to collect it within the law and without carrying out clandestine activities. Although it is publicly accessible, this information is often difficult to find and is of little use on an individual basis, but if carefully examined and viewed in relation to one another the different elements can be transformed into knowledge. OSInt is more than just research; it is an intelligence-based process in which all the information is gathered, analysed, evaluated and correlated in order to transform the raw data information into a useful "report" for the purposes of the investigation. The acquisition and analysis of Open Source content is therefore intended to create, from a "chaotic" mass of data, knowledge that can be used to support the strategic and operational decisions of an organisation. Thanks to Open Source Intelligence, any company can promptly find relevant information related to individuals, organisations, institutions, products and services, and, generally speaking, the stakeholders with which it interacts. This allows the company to undertake preventive countermeasures or recovery operations in the areas of corporate security, marketing and communications and commercial competition.

3 ABOUT US OSINT was built on a foundation of passion for their work, always prioritising preparation and technical ability. OSINT uses a structured team of analysts from diverse backgrounds, with many years of experience in the field. The experience, professionalism and extensive knowledge we have acquired allow us to provide effective investigative tools, capable of solving any problem, whether personal or corporate. Our innovative approach allows you to liaise directly and on a personal basis with our professional staff, who are equipped with all the necessary skills to guide you through our numerous and effective investigative tools, helping you choose the most convenient way to resolve your problems by recommending the optimal solution. WHAT WE DO OSINT technology is dedicated to the reduction of the strategic (linked to individual or corporate reputation) and operational risks (business assets, management inefficiencies, cyber attacks) to which any complex organisation is susceptible. Today OSInt fulfils a central role in the world of Intelligence, and is seen as a very useful discipline in terms of avoiding the use of HUMINT (Human Intelligence), which involves greater costs and exploitation of resources, with the associated problems related to the secrecy of the actions to be undertaken. To monitor large volumes of structured and/or unstructured heterogeneous data, whether present on the Web or originating from corporate systems, OSINT employs a team of specialist analysts with specific software. OSInt therefore does not involve gathering all the information available, but instead a "targeted" collection process, followed by the analysis and correlation of the contents of freely accessible and suitably reliable sources. For years OSINT has been compiling reputation reports and retrieving information taken from the internet, using cutting-edge methodologies and innovative tools, including software and hardware. These services offer companies assistance in terms of: due diligence, anti-money laundering, screening of employees/partners/suppliers, corporate image monitoring, the reputational situation of partners/suppliers, retrieving information, and any other service that is useful to the company, both in Italy and abroad.

4 HOW WE DO IT The OSINT cycle consists of four phases, defined as the 4 "D"s: DISCOVERY The purpose of this phase is to identify the source, i.e. to understand who is in possession of certain information. The identification of a source is an important process, because the use of optimal open sources not only saves time but also allows for direct access to the information requested; it may therefore be useful to make use of experts in the field to have the best and most up-to-date information on a given topic. In terms of finding the sources, obstacles may arise due to any inherent privacy restrictions for a given subject, or due to the language of a source. The source may exist only in its original language, having never been translated into English or Italian, thereby necessitating the use of appropriate translation services. DISCRIMINATION a selection must be made, "discriminating" in terms of whether a source is current or dated, relevant or useless, accessible and cost-effective or prohibitive and impossible. This selection may be performed by an analyst with a thorough knowledge of the subject in question, based on the need to respond quickly to events or periodic monitoring and updating. To avoid repeated evaluation of the reliability of the source and the veracity of the news, it is useful to create a catalogue of suitable open sources divided according to different themes, reliability and usability. DISTILLATION the essential information must be "distilled" so that it can be reported in a brief format, while retaining a level of accuracy to facilitate decision making. This is considered the most complex and difficult task for the analyst, because they must be able to discern between information and fact, always referring back to the source that provided the information; they must also avoid errors due to bias, excessive rationalism, ethnocentrism, and their own political views. DISSEMINATION the information must be transmitted rapidly via a report or a data storage device that can be used and read by the supplied system.

5 OUR SERVICES OSInt. for targeted searches against the counterfeiting of products and brands Thanks to globalisation, today's market is full of examples of counterfeit brands and products, from garments to food products, causing legitimate companies immeasurable economic damage, as well as seriously damaging their image. The crime of counterfeiting brands and patents provides citizens with legitimate evidence to distinguish and protect intellectual property and industrial products. Article 473 of the Criminal Code punishes anyone who, aware of the existence of an industrial property deed, counterfeits or alters trademarks, logos, patents, or industrial designs, both domestic and foreign. This regulation also punishes anyone who, without having been involved in the alteration or counterfeiting, make use of such forged or altered trademarks, patents etc. The identification of online channels for the distribution and sale of counterfeit products, with identification of the perpetrators, is included in the package of services offered by OSINT to protect your know-how and your company's assets. OSInt for targeted searches against unfair competition The use of distinctive names or signs which may lead to confusion with the distinctive names or signs lawfully used by others, the slavish imitation of a competitor's products, carrying out activities liable to create confusion with the products and activities of a competitor, the spreading of news and claims regarding the activity of a competitor in order to discredit them, the appropriation of the qualities of the goods or business of a competitor; all examples of punishable offenses under art of the Criminal Code. Those who use any other means, directly or indirectly, that are inconsistent with the principles of professional integrity and are targeted at damaging the other company are also subject to sanctions, alongside subordinate employees who carry out any of the same activities against the company at which they are currently employed. OSInt allows for the collection of evidence to support legal action and a simultaneous request for damages.

6 OSINT for targeted research to verify the corporate and personal reputation of customers and suppliers Reputation is an essential element in the establishment of a customer-supplier relationship based on trust, both in B2B and B2C markets. A company's reputation can act as its calling card, allowing it to expand and get to know buyers and sellers (including through market research, past behaviour and even rumours) in order to identify the most suitable choice to meet consumer needs. A good reputation impresses stakeholders, and represents a competitive advantage; its negative counterpart is reputational risk. OSInt is undoubtedly the best tool for evaluating the references and the reliability of a potential business partner, even more so if they are based in a foreign country and their past cannot be uncovered through conventional channels. Our OSInt reports check reference lists, Chamber information and financial data, and are a useful tool to outline the background, economic and financial situation and networks of a company and given individuals. OSINT for the identification and prevention of corporate fraud Corporate fraud in Italy is a rapidly growing phenomenon that calls for detailed analysis. The most frequent cases involve the general theft and misappropriation of material, although the phenomenon of fraudulent orders and passing information to the competition should not be underestimated; alongside cyber attacks, they now represent the fastest way to get data and information on a competitor. OSInt allows for the collection of evidence to support legal action and a simultaneous request for damages, as well as the lawful dismissal of the untrustworthy employee. OSINT for the identification and analysis of candidates for job positions Investigations carried out to verify the reliability of a candidate's CV and previous work experience. To carry out this search we analyse the candidate's profile, seeking out any false information.

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