The Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) in the Electricity Sector: Balancing Utility and Responsibility

Abstract

Critical infrastructure is the backbone of modern societies, and protecting this infrastructure is essential to ensure the stability of societies and economies. The electricity sector is one of the most critical infrastructures, and any disruption can have significant consequences. The threat landscape in this sector is constantly evolving. With the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks and other threats, it has become essential to use innovative technologies to identify and mitigate them. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) technologies have emerged and offer valuable tools for identifying and mitigating these threats. This article presents an in-depth overview of OSINT technologies and their applications in the protection of critical infrastructure, with an emphasis on the electricity sector. It discusses the vulnerabilities of the electricity sector, the types of OSINT technologies, and the benefits they provide. Case studies of successful applications of OSINT technologies in the electricity sector are presented to illustrate their effectiveness. This article also examines organizations’ challenges in implementing OSINT technologies, including technological, legal, and financial challenges. Finally, the article concludes by offering recommendations for successfully implementing OSINT technologies to protect critical infrastructure, particularly in the electricity sector. The insights offered in this article will be helpful for policymakers, security professionals, and anyone interested in protecting critical infrastructure. © 2024, Society for Imaging Science and Technology.