What is an OSINT Investigation and Why Does it Matter?

An Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigation involves collecting and analyzing publicly available information to uncover insights, verify claims, and identify potential risks. Instead of relying on private databases or covert methods, an OSINT investigation leverages open sources like social media, public records, news articles, and online platforms to build a clearer picture of people, events, and activities.

Once considered a niche practice limited to government agencies and cybersecurity teams, OSINT has quickly become a mainstream investigative tool. This shift is fueled by the explosion of digital data and the growing need to verify information quickly and accurately in today’s online world.

The growth of OSINT reflects this demand. The global OSINT market was valued at $12.7 billion in 2025 and is projected to surge to $133.6 billion by 2035, according to Global Market Insights. That level of growth signals widespread adoption across industries that depend on intelligence, verification, and risk mitigation.

As fraud schemes become more digital and more sophisticated, organizations are increasingly turning to OSINT to uncover insights that traditional data sources alone can’t provide.

What is an OSINT Investigation?

In insurance investigations, OSINT is used to validate claims, identify inconsistencies, and uncover risk indicators using information that is legally and publicly accessible.

Investigators may analyze:

• Social media activity
• Public records and court filings
• Business registrations
• Online marketplaces
• News coverage and digital footprints
• Open web and dark web references

Example:

Imagine a claimant reports a serious back injury from a workplace accident and states they are unable to lift heavy objects or participate in physical activity. During an OSINT investigation, an investigator discovers recent public social media posts showing the individual moving furniture, attending a recreational sports event, and posting photos from a weekend hiking trip. Additionally, public business records reveal the claimant recently registered a small landscaping company, an activity that directly conflicts with the reported physical limitations. None of this information was disclosed during the claims process.

In this scenario, the OSINT investigation raises important red flags that warrant further review. By connecting digital behavior with real-world claims, investigators gain valuable context that supports fair, accurate, and defensible claim decisions.

Why OSINT Matters

OSINT has become one of the most effective tools in modern investigations. Experts estimate that up to 80% of the intelligence material used by law enforcement agencies now comes from open sources, underscoring how essential publicly available information has become in building actionable insights.

Its value extends beyond law enforcement, playing a critical role in cybersecurity and fraud detection by helping teams monitor suspicious activity, track emerging threats, and connect the dots that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For insurance professionals, this highlights why OSINT investigations are so valuable. The same information used by fraudsters to target victims can be ethically and legally analyzed to detect inconsistencies, reduce losses, and protect legitimate policyholders. As fraud continues to evolve online, OSINT provides insurers with a scalable, efficient, and increasingly indispensable investigative capability.

The Impact of AI on the OSINT Investigation

Artificial intelligence is transforming how OSINT investigations are conducted. Instead of manually searching through endless websites and social platforms, AI-powered tools can scan thousands of sources in real time to collect relevant information faster and more efficiently.

AI also helps make sense of massive data sets by identifying patterns, trends, and connections that human analysts might miss. This allows investigators to detect potential risks sooner, monitor online activity, and uncover emerging threats more effectively.

Areas where AI is already making an impact include:

• Cybersecurity monitoring: Detecting suspicious online behavior and potential data breaches before they escalate
• Social media analysis: Tracking emerging trends, coordinated activity, and public sentiment around major events
• Threat intelligence: Identifying criminal networks and dark web discussions tied to fraud and cybercrime
• Geospatial analysis: Reviewing satellite imagery to track natural disasters, infrastructure changes, or high-risk activity
• Automated alerts: Flagging keywords or behavior patterns that may indicate emerging threats

However, AI isn’t without challenges. The same technology can contribute to the spread of misinformation, including deepfakes and automated fake news campaigns. That’s why responsible use matters. OSINT professionals must verify AI-generated findings, cross-check sources, and apply human judgment to ensure accuracy.

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Check out our sources:

Global Market Insights, Inc. Open‑Source Intelligence (OSINT) Market Size, Growth Opportunity 2035. Global Market Insights, Inc., Dec. 2025, www.gminsights.com/industry‑analysis/open‑source‑intelligence‑osint‑market.

“How AI Is Changing OSINT, Opportunities and Challenges.” OSINT Ambition, 7 Mar. 2025, publication.osintambition.org/how‑ai‑is‑changing‑osint‑opportunities‑and‑challenges‑840662a7b0a9.

Picca, Armmy. “The Rise of OSINT: Few Rules, Many Opportunities.” AFCEA International, www.afcea.org/signal‑media/intelligence/rise‑osint‑few‑rules‑many‑opportunities.