IT Forensics · OSINT

Detecting cyberattack early warnings using OSINT – Forensically documenting early public warning signs

Upcoming or ongoing cyberattacks are sometimes foreshadowed by publicly visible warning signs, such as mentions in underground forums, newly registered phishing domains or exposed test systems.

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As part of existing security investigations, we carry out structured research into such publicly visible warning signs relating to the company in question.

Why LanCologne?

Since its foundation, LanCologne has specialised in professional IT forensics. Our staff have decades of experience in the field of information technology and assist companies, solicitors, private individuals and, on a regular basis, the courts in the technical investigation of complex digital matters.

Our OSINT investigations are always carried out as a complementary component to existing IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries. Every step of the investigation and every piece of digital evidence found is documented and, where technically possible, archived to ensure traceability even if the original online content is subsequently altered or deleted.

Our services

We search publicly available sources for identifiable warning signs relating to a relevant organisation and document our findings in a manner that is forensically verifiable.

Typical areas of application

Identifying early warning signs as part of existing safety investigations
Supplementing threat analyses before or after an incident
Support in assessing an acute risk
Documentation for internal security reports
Judicial and non-judicial expert reports
Collaboration with IT security teams

This is how an investigation into early warnings of cyber-attacks is carried out

Relevant public sources, such as underground forums, newly registered domains and compromised systems, are systematically scanned using SpiderFoot and Shodan for mentions relating to the organisation in question, and any findings are documented.

Why is the investigation of early warnings of cyber attacks relevant from a forensic perspective?

Identifying warning signs at an early stage can enable a company to take protective measures before an attack has its full impact.

Furthermore, the forensic documentation of such warning signs may prove relevant in retrospect when reconstructing the chronology of an incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this investigation reliably prevent an attack?+
No, it increases the likelihood of early detection, but cannot rule out an attack.
Is this research carried out on an ongoing basis or on a one-off basis?+
Both are possible; we tailor the specific approach to the specific circumstances of the case or the terms of the brief.
Are warning signals relating to business partners also taken into account?+
Only to the extent that this is relevant to and has been commissioned in relation to the client’s current enquiry.

LanCologne – IT Forensics OSINT Cologne

Do you require a professional OSINT investigation into „Identifying early warnings of cyberattacks using OSINT"? LanCologne can assist you with the transparent, documented analysis of publicly available digital sources to complement your IT forensic, legal or internal corporate enquiries.

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