OSINT in Insurance: Evolving From Tools to Frameworks

Introduction

As insurers increasingly harness Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) to detect fraud, assess risk, and underwrite, they also face a new challenge: keeping pace with the rapid evolution of OSINT technologies, methodologies, and threats. In response, leading organisations are already shifting from deploying standalone OSINT platforms to implementing comprehensive OSINT frameworks, which are structured, durable, and strategically integrated tools and solutions offering enhanced flexibility, control, and security.

This article discusses why this shift is necessary, explores some specific use-cases, and sets out what insurers must do to ensure data integrity, ethical use, and investigative flexibility when developing an OSINT framework.

Why Move from OSINT Platforms to OSINT Frameworks?

While OSINT software provides insurers with powerful capabilities to gather and examine publicly available data, they are generally subject to the following drawbacks: cost, scalability, tool reliance, and rigid vendor updates. A framework-based approach gives insurers greater flexibility to alter and enhance in line with their business needs.

The commercial rationale for this development becomes clear when we consider real-world pressures facing insurance investigators today. Cost management has become a primary concern, with license fees for commercial OSINT software often becoming financially burdensome over time. What begins as a modest monthly subscription can quickly escalate into a significant budget expense, especially for organisations conducting extended investigations or large-scale fraud detection efforts. The framework approach provides a practical solution by allowing teams to select and assemble the most suitable tools from any source, open-source, commercial, or in-house, creating a customised toolkit that aligns more precisely with their operational needs and financial limits.

The pace of technological change offers a further compelling argument for the development of frameworks. All OSINT practitioners know the frustration of investing heavily in a platform, only for it to become outdated or be surpassed by more capable solutions. Traditional platform solutions lock organisations into vendor update cycles that may not align with their investigative requirements. A framework-based approach gives the flexibility to replace poorly performing tools without impacting established workflows, enabling teams to remain at the forefront of investigative technology.

Most importantly, the complex regulatory environment of insurance activities requires a level of customisation that off-the-shelf platforms cannot deliver. Insurers today must navigate a complicated maze of compliance requirements, from the strict data protection regulations of GDPR to the health information safeguards of HIPAA. A framework approach enables organisations to incorporate these ethical and legal demands directly into investigative workflows, ensuring compliance is not an afterthought but a core design consideration.

Establishing a Resilient OSINT Framework for Insurance

The architecture of a successful OSINT framework goes well beyond choosing tools. Organisations must establish a clear policy on collecting, using, and storing data, balancing legal requirements with practical operations. These policies form the ethical basis of the framework and direct all decisions from initial data gathering to case closure. The most effective frameworks use modular toolkits that combine open-source and commercial tools in a complementary way, offering a hybrid platform that maximises capability while reducing costs.

Successful deployment requires clearly defined processes encompassing the full spectrum of insurance intelligence needs. Each process must be mapped out and integrated within the framework structure, from fraud investigations to claims management, background checking or underwriting review. The systematic approach ensures consistency across various investigations without compromising flexibility to manage unique circumstances.

Verification protocols are arguably the most crucial element of any mature OSINT system if reliable conclusions are to be reached. These protocols must be sufficiently advanced to authenticate the credibility of intelligence obtained from unverified open sources while remaining simple enough to be used in routine operations.

Complementing these processes, role-based access controls add an extra layer of security by ensuring that high-risk or sensitive information is only accessible to authorised personnel with legitimate investigation needs.

Regular reviews and updates of the framework ensure flexibility, allowing the system to respond effectively to changing technologies and emerging threats.

Together, these measures help not only improve investigative outcomes but also support regulatory compliance and contribute to the overall success of the business.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection in OSINT

OSINT, as it becomes the focus of investigative work, must comply with the same level of cybersecurity and data protection as other enterprise systems.

The cybersecurity implications of OSINT operations have become clearer as they shift from supporting roles to central business processes. While access controls remain the first line of defence, their implementation must extend beyond basic password protection, a requirement emphasised by leading cybersecurity guidelines such as those from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, 2020). Modern OSINT models demand advanced authentication systems that can recognise different user roles and adjust access rights accordingly. The days are gone when the entire suite of tools was accessible to every analyst; security-aware organisations now employ fine-grained controls that restrict access based on specific job duties and case needs.

When OSINT activities involve data sharing with third parties or transfers across organisational boundaries, encryption and secure communication protocols are essential. Vulnerability in intelligence work is often connected to the transfer of sensitive data to external entities, such as partners, controllers, or law enforcement agencies. Without encryption, these communications can become weak points that could reveal the intelligence itself, and the methods and sources used in its collection.

Purging and minimisation policies help address another common challenge in OSINT operations. The capacity to store "potentially useful" information indefinitely can easily result in overly large databases filled with outdated or redundant data. Effective frameworks set clear retention schedules that meet both investigative and privacy needs, deleting information when it is no longer relevant for legitimate purposes. Regular security audits complete the cybersecurity overview, providing ongoing vulnerability assessments and ensuring security controls stay updated with changing threats.

Finally, transparency is vital. Developing and publishing a data security policy specific to OSINT procedures can help build trust with regulators, customers, and the general public.

OSINT Data Verification and Reliability

OSINT's intrinsic limitation is that it is sourced from unconfirmed open sources meaning the verification challenge for OSINT operations cannot be overstated. Unlike other intelligence fields that may depend on traditional sources or controlled collection methods, OSINT analysts must constantly grapple with the unpredictability of information available in the public domain. The internet is filled with disinformation, outdated data, and deliberately misleading content, making verifying sources an essential skill for any competent OSINT operator.

It is because OSINT accuracy cannot be always assured, the use of OSINT by insurers must always include strict verification processes to ensure any actions are based on credible intelligence.

Cross-referencing multiple sources is now the gold standard for verification, but it demands more sophistication than simply reviewing two or three websites. Experienced analysts build networks of trusted sources and are skilled at identifying patterns that indicate either deception or reliability. They understand that contextual analysis - considering not only what information is provided but who released it, when, and for what purpose - can be more important than the raw data itself. This process requires familiarity with how different sources operate, from social media platforms to government databases and commercial data providers.

Integrating OSINT with other intelligence disciplines is often the most effective way to confirm information. If analysts can verify their findings through human intelligence (HUMINT) sources, commercial databases, or other intelligence channels, confidence in their assessments will rise considerably. This multi-source method also helps uncover potential bias or limitations within any intelligence stream. While training analysts in critical thinking and source validation techniques remains vital, organisations should recognise that formal training must be supported by practical experience and mentorship from experienced investigators.

As OSINT intelligence is increasingly recognised as admissible in legal evidence and regulatory compliance procedures, robust verification processes are more important than ever. Organisations must maintain detailed audit trails showing what information was gathered and how it was verified and validated.

These records serve three primary purposes:

1. They support the legal admissibility of intelligence findings,

2. Demonstrate compliance with regulatory standards, and

3. Lay the foundation for ongoing improvements in verification methods.

A formalised structure helps to formalise such practices and delivers consistency among investigations, reducing the possibility of acting on false or misleading information.

Blockchain Technology for OSINT Verification

Blockchain technologies offer significant potential to improve OSINT data verification and integrity processes. Organisations are increasingly exploring how distributed ledger technology can help address some fundamental challenges in OSINT verification, and the insurance sector is likely to follow.

The rise of blockchain technology as a potential solution to OSINT verification issues is perhaps one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in the discipline. In its early stages, blockchain's potential was rooted in its ability to create tamper-proof records of data collection and verification processes. Companies are now recognising how distributed ledger technology might be used to address some of the fundamental trust issues that affect open-source intelligence work.

Immutable data provenance should be of particular interest for insurance research as mature OSINT processes often struggle to authenticate and provide a clear chain of custody for digital evidence. Blockchain technology can help address this by creating records that cannot be modified, showing when data was recorded, by whom and where it came from. This provides a level of evidence integrity that might be hard to achieve through traditional methods. This capability is especially valuable when the authenticity of evidence is paramount – for example, when presenting OSINT findings in court or during regulatory investigations.

Decentralised verification networks offer another compelling use case. Blockchain-based systems can allow multiple agencies or entities to verify intelligence independently through consensus mechanisms instead of relying solely on a single analyst or agency to validate OSINT findings. This approach reduces the risk of bias or errors and boosts confidence in the results. The insurance industry's collaborative nature, where companies share threat and fraud intelligence, makes it ideal for a distributed verification system.

Although still in the early stages, blockchain-based OSINT verification systems have the potential to significantly enhance the credibility and legal recognition of open-source intelligence in insurance investigations.

Executive Hire Vetting

Given the increasing complexity of global insurance operations, the importance of reputational risk, regulatory scrutiny, and ethical standards in respect of those in leadership and executive positions, is at an all-time high. These leaders are not only responsible for strategic direction but also serve as the public face of the company and any oversight in the vetting and background process could have significant consequences further down the line. Further, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other regulatory bodies have emphasised the importance of thorough due diligence and ongoing monitoring, especially for individuals in senior management functions. Relying solely on traditional vetting methods and single data sources is no longer sufficient leaving a gap which is increasingly being filled by an OSINT capability.

As OSINT leverages publicly available information from a wide array of sources - including news articles, regulatory filings, social media, court records, and professional and social networks – it can augment traditional methods by providing a more comprehensive and nuanced view of a candidate’s background, affiliations, and potential risk factors.

This means that by integrating OSINT into their due diligence framework, insurers can uncover red flags that might otherwise go unnoticed, such as undisclosed conflicts of interest, past litigation, regulatory sanctions, or problematic social media activity. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), robust background checks—including the use of OSINT—are a key component in preventing occupational fraud and misconduct at the executive level.

However, it is important to note that his application of OSINT is probably the perfect example of why the verification process is so essential. No single source of information can provide a complete or fully accurate picture. For example, while a candidate’s LinkedIn profile may present a polished professional history, cross-referencing this with news archives, regulatory databases, and industry forums can reveal discrepancies or omitted details. Alternatively, an insurer could reject an outstanding candidate because of an unvalidated and incorrect piece of information that surfaced online and was accepted at first glance without verification.

Strategic Talent Recruitment in OSINT

The increasing importance of OSINT in helping better manage risk has is leading companies to recruit top-level intelligence professionals, recognising that effective use of OSINT demands skilled leadership and expertise.

The shift of OSINT from a specialised investigative tool to a strategic business driver is changing the talent landscape. Firms that once regarded intelligence gathering as a clerical task now see it as a key competency requiring dedicated leadership and specialised talent. This shift has resulted in a surge of senior intelligence related appointments, highlighting the growing significance of intelligence operations in contemporary businesses.

The creation of Chief Intelligence Officer roles is the clearest sign of this trend. These top executive positions show that intelligence functions have advanced from fraud investigation teams and are now part of strategic planning. The people filling these roles usually have extensive experience in government intelligence agencies, military intelligence headquarters, or senior roles in consulting firms focused on risk assessment and threat analysis. Their responsibilities go beyond traditional fraud detection, including competitive intelligence, regulatory monitoring, and strategic risk assessment.

Research published in the Journal of Financial Crime highlights the trend of insurers increasingly employing former law enforcement and military intelligence professionals to develop a genuine intelligence capacity more quickly (Button & Gee, 2022). They bring technical expertise, discipline, and an ethical framework from operating in highly regulated environments. Their understanding of evidence management, legal compliance, and operational security is highly valuable in regulated sectors such as insurance, where similar standards apply. However, successful integration often depends on subtle cultural adjustments to navigate differences between government and commercial operating environments.

Academic partnerships have become a vital part of talent planning. Leading universities' strong cybersecurity and intelligence programmes are key recruitment pools for junior analysts and mid-level specialists. These partnerships usually go beyond simple recruitment, including curriculum development, research collaboration, and ongoing education programmes for current staff. The aim is to build long-lasting talent pipelines that enhance extended intelligence capacity.

Cross-industry recruitment has also gained momentum as insurers realise that smart skills are industry-agnostic. People from technology firms, consulting companies, and banks bring excellent expertise in data analysis, technology implementation, and business process optimisation. This diversity of professional backgrounds will likely produce innovative solutions to intelligence issues and avoid the isolation typical in highly specialised domains.

Building in-house competencies in OSINT requires more than hiring external professionals. The best-performing individuals and organisations have discovered that the best combination is an in-house competency and outside expertise. This often involves establishing centres of excellence where experienced intelligence professionals can mentor insurance subject-matter experts, creating hybrid competencies that fuse extensive industry awareness with sophisticated analytical expertise.

Using OSINT for Crypto Investigations in the Insurance Sector

The rapid development of crypto-based products has introduced new challenges and opportunities for the insurance sector, particularly in the areas of fraud detection, risk assessment, and claims verification, and is yet another area where OSINT techniques are increasingly being deployed.

Analysis of open source data collected during a crypto-related investigation can provide investigators with valuable insights into digital asset transactions and potential fraudulent behaviour in a number of different areas, including:

• Tracing Illicit Funds: Insurers can use OSINT to follow the flow of cryptocurrency in cases of ransomware attacks, theft, or fraud. By analysing public blockchain ledgers, investigators can often identify the destination of stolen funds, track their movement across different wallets, and potentially link them to known illicit entities or exchanges. This involves examining transaction hashes, wallet addresses, and timestamps to reconstruct the financial trail.

• Verification of Claims and Asset Ownership: In claims related to crypto assets, OSINT can help verify the existence and ownership of digital currencies. Investigators can use blockchain analysis tools to confirm transaction histories, check wallet balances, and determine if a claimant genuinely held the reported assets at the time of an incident. This provides a crucial layer of verification beyond self-reported information.

• Identification of Associated Entities: While blockchain transactions are pseudonymous, OSINT can help de-anonymise entities by correlating on-chain data with off-chain information. This might involve linking a crypto wallet address to social media profiles, forum discussions, or news articles where the address has been publicly shared or associated with an individual or organisation. This cross-referencing can help reveal the real-world identities behind suspicious transactions.

• Fraud Pattern Recognition: By analysing large datasets of blockchain transactions, insurers can identify patterns indicative of common crypto fraud schemes, such as "exit scams or rug pulls," Ponzi schemes, or “wash trading”. OSINT tools can help flag unusual transaction volumes, rapid price manipulations, or sudden large transfers to unknown wallets, enabling proactive fraud detection and prevention.

• Enhancing Due Diligence and Risk Assessment: Before underwriting policies for businesses dealing with crypto, or for high-net-worth individuals with significant digital asset holdings, OSINT can provide valuable insights into their past crypto activities, potential vulnerabilities, or involvement in high-risk ventures. This helps insurers make better informed decisions about risk exposure.

As the insurance sector becomes more deeply associated with crypto products, the integration of OSINT techniques into crypto investigations will be an essential capability that all insurers should have access to.

Ethical Use and Preventing OSINT Misuse

Insurance companies must remain vigilant because OSINT can be easily misused, even unintentionally. Misinterpretation, overreach, or mishandling data from grey-market sources could lead to legal liabilities or damage to reputation.

The ethical considerations of OSINT operations within a corporate setting present complex challenges that demand careful and proactive handling. Public information is so readily accessible and available for analysis that it introduces significant risks of misuse, even when pursued by well-intentioned, but inexperienced analysts. The boundary between legitimate investigation and invasive surveillance can become blurred, particularly regarding social media records, financial histories, and other personal details that individuals may not realise are publicly accessible.

Organisations should recognise that OSINT techniques can be valuable tools for legitimate business activities as well as for potential overreach. The same methods used to detect fraudulent insurance claims can also be exploited for discrimination or decision-making based on minor personal details. Its dual-purpose nature as a resource requires strong ethical standards beyond mere legal compliance to combat the more harmful effects of misused intelligence-gathering activities.

Drawing broad ethical guidelines is a key initial step in avoiding the misuse of OSINT. These guidelines should define what data can be gathered, how it can be used, who has access to it, and the conditions under which it can be shared or stored. Implementing role-based access control is crucial, ensuring analysts only view information pertinent to their roles and case assignments. The principle of proportionality, which keeps the scope of investigation appropriate to the case's importance, helps prevent the unjustified collection and analysis of data.

The issue of informed consent for OSINT work poses difficulties for the insurance industry. While much information obtained through OSINT is legally accessible, individuals may not realise how much of their online footprints can be examined and linked. While obtaining informed consent for OSINT analysis is ideal from an ethical standpoint, insurance organisations must carefully weigh this against the necessity of conducting thorough investigations and the practical challenges of securing consent in every instance - ensuring that legitimate business interests and regulatory obligations are met without unduly compromising transparency or individual privacy.

As a vital safeguard, regularly auditing OSINT activities is essential and aligned with the need for proper oversight and quality control. Audits should verify compliance with internal policies and external laws, evaluate the suitability of investigative methods, and confirm the accuracy of analytical conclusions.

The Coalition of Cyber Investigators' recent publication, "The Use of Black OSINT in Disinformation Operations” is a stark reminder of how malicious actors can exploit public information and highlights the importance of following best practices to uphold public trust and professional integrity. The report explains how easily threat actors exploit public information and why responsible use of OSINT is essential to maintaining credibility and public confidence.

The Future of OSINT in Insurance

OSINT can no longer be an optional addition solely for fraud investigation teams, but should be integrated as a core risk operations component supporting a range of functions with actionable insights derived from the analysis of publicly available information. Insurers must, however, move beyond off-the-shelf packages toward more adaptable approaches that combine technology, policy, ethics, and verification into a flexible interconnected system to remain effective and compliant.

The shift from tools to frameworks demonstrates OSINT's increasing maturity as a professional discipline. With strong cybersecurity, open governance, blockchain-backed verification, strategic talent acquisition, and a focus on data reliability, OSINT can continue to provide a competitive advantage: a more resilient business and better outcomes for policyholders and insurers.

Authored by: The Coalition of Cyber Investigators

Paul Wright (United Kingdom) & Neal Ysart (Philippines)

With contributions from guest author and investigations specialist, Mengqi (Annie) Tu, Director - Group Forensics & eDiscovery, Prudential PLC (Singapore)

©2025 The Coalition of Cyber Investigators. All rights reserved.

The Coalition of Cyber Investigators is a collaboration between

Paul Wright (United Kingdom) - Experienced Cybercrime, Intelligence (OSINT & HUMINT) and Digital Forensics Investigator;

Neal Ysart (Philippines) - Elite Investigator & Strategic Risk Advisor, Ex-Big 4 Forensic Leader; and

Lajos Antal (Hungary) Highly Experienced Cyber Forensics, Investigations and Cybercrime Expert.

The Coalition unites leading experts to deliver cutting edge research, OSINT, Investigations & Cybercrime Advisory Services worldwide.

Our two co-founders, Paul Wright and Neal Ysart, offer over 80 years of combined professional experience. Their careers span law enforcement, cyber investigations, open source intelligence, risk management, and strategic advisory roles across multiple continents.

They have been instrumental in setting formative legal precedents and stated cases in cybercrime investigations, as well as contributing to the development of globally accepted guidance and standards for handling digital evidence.

Their leadership and expertise form the foundation of the Coalition’s commitment to excellence and ethical practice.

Alongside them, Lajos Antal, a founding member of our Boiler Room Investment Fraud Practice, brings deep expertise in cybercrime investigations, digital forensics and cyber response, further strengthening our team’s capabilities and reach.

If you've been affected by an investment fraud scheme and need assistance, The Coalition of Cyber Investigators specialise in investigating boiler room investment fraud. With decades of hands-on experience in investigations and OSINT, we are uniquely positioned to help.

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