Open-source intelligence (OSINT) has become an indispensable tool for defence, law enforcement and security agencies worldwide. In particular thanks to the internet, and with the exponential growth of online, freely flowing and easily accessible data, OSINT provides a critical window into global events, enabling decision-makers to identify and respond to threats in real-time.
“In an era of escalating geopolitical tensions,” says Fivecast CEO and co-founder, Dr Brenton Cooper, “OSINT has emerged as an indispensable asset for defence intelligence agencies. OSINT enables rapid comprehension of global events, empowering decision-makers to act quickly and effectively, even with constrained time and resources.” Unlike traditional intelligence-gathering methods, OSINT leverages publicly available information, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming covert operations. This allows organisations to gather critical insights without compromising their security, endangering assets in the field or violating ethical boundaries.
Combating misinformation and disinformation
However, the abundance of online data presents a unique challenge: the rise of misinformation and disinformation. To address this, Fivecast has developed advanced, AI-enabled tools to help analysts rapidly collect and analyse data and filter out false or misleading information, ensuring that decisions are based on accurate and verifiable data. “Fivecast employs exclusive proprietary technology for secure and obfuscated data collection, ensuring the protection of our customers’ identities,” Cooper explains. “This is crucial for safeguarding analysts and the organisations they work with during investigations.” By combining AI-powered automation that is then guided, shaped and assessed by human experts, Fivecast helps organisations sift through the noise and focus only on reliable sources of information.
The applications of Fivecast’s OSINT solutions are vast and varied. From identifying individuals involved in foreign military recruitment to monitoring and predicting attack patterns, Fivecast provides critical insights that inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness and could even save lives and investments. For example, Fivecast tradecraft experts applied their skills, leveraging Fivecast ONYX to discover, collect and analyse open-source data uncovering Houthi activity and networks to help defence and intelligence initiatives and force protection. By analysing publicly available data, Fivecast ONYX was able to identify potential threats from the Iran-backed group and provide timely warnings, ultimately helping to protect commercial shipping vessels in the region.
In another case, Fivecast’s technology was used to assess the foreign military capabilities of a nation-state actor. By analysing open-source data such as social media posts, news articles and satellite imagery, Fivecast was able to provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s military strength, including its weapons systems, troop deployments and strategic objectives. This information proved invaluable in informing national security policy and strategic planning.
A varied toolkit and capability
Furthermore, Fivecast’s technology plays a crucial role in detecting and countering foreign influence operations, such as those aimed at manipulating public opinion or interfering in elections. By identifying malicious actors and their online activities, Fivecast helps to safeguard democratic processes and protect national security. This is particularly important in the context of the Five Eyes alliance, comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, underscoring a commitment to shared intelligence and security cooperation.
Fivecast’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the field of OSINT has been recognised through numerous accolades, including winning the ‘Advanced Technologies Award’ at the Australian Export Awards, not only in 2024 and 2023, but also being recognised as a finalist in 2021 and 2022. This award highlights Fivecast’s dedication to providing cutting-edge OSINT solutions that address the evolving challenges faced by organisations worldwide.
As the volume and complexity of online data continue to grow, OSINT will play an increasingly vital role in informing decision-making and safeguarding national security. Fivecast’s innovative solutions and unwavering commitment to excellence make it a leader in this rapidly evolving field, ensuring that organisations can make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve. With Fivecast, the power of OSINT is at your fingertips.
