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| OSINT |
Discover how cybersecurity professionals are using OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) to track, monitor, and disrupt ransomware groups. Explore techniques, real world tools, and ethical considerations in this research based guide.
In recent years, ransomware attacks have brought down hospitals, schools, critical infrastructure, and corporations. These attacks encrypt valuable data and demand payment usually in cryptocurrency to restore access. Behind these attacks are organized cybercriminal groups, some with nation state affiliations.
Traditional investigative techniques often fall short due to anonymity tools and international barriers. OSINT has emerged as a crucial layer in modern threat intelligence toolkit, offering publicly available data that can reveal significant leads about these groups.
OSINT provides a low cost, scalable, and legal way to collect intelligence on ransomware operators operating in shadows of internet.
What is OSINT in Context of Ransomware?
OSINT refers to process of collecting and analyzing data from publicly available sources. When applied to ransomware investigations, this includes:
- Domain registration records
- Pastebin dumps
- Forum postings on dark web
- Social media activity
- Blockchain transaction tracking
- WHOIS and DNS lookups
- GitHub repositories and leaked tools
Key Techniques in Tracking Ransomware Groups Using OSINT
1. Dark Web Monitoring
Ransomware groups often operate leak sites on dark web to publish stolen data. OSINT tools like:
- DarkOwl,
- SpiderFoot HX, or
- Recorded Future
allow analysts to monitor these spaces and collect indicators of compromise (IOCs), attacker aliases, and even negotiation conversations.
2. Blockchain Analysis
Ransomware payments are typically made in Bitcoin or Monero. Using OSINT blockchain analysis tools like:
- Chainalysis
- CipherTrace
- Elliptic
researchers can trace wallet addresses linked to ransomware payments, sometimes identifying laundering patterns or related services.
3. Metadata Extraction
From leaked documents, images, and files on leak sites or forums, analysts extract EXIF metadata or document properties to find:
- Author names
- Creation software
- Timezones
- File paths (revealing possible language or location)
4. Threat Actor Profiling
Many threat actors reuse usernames or communication handles across platforms. OSINT tools like:
- Maltego
- Sherlock
- Username Search
help trace a threat actor's digital footprint across forums, Telegram, or even Twitter.
5. Monitoring Open Source Code
Some ransomware operators publish or use open source code as part of their tools. Tracking suspicious GitHub repositories or forks helps researchers understand how malware evolves.
Popular OSINT Tools Used in Ransomware Tracking
| Tool | Use Case |
|---|---|
| SpiderFoot | Automated scanning of open sources |
| Maltego | Visual link analysis |
| Shodan | Identifying exposed ransomware command and control servers |
| VirusTotal | Analyzing ransomware binaries and malware hashes |
| Greynoise | Detecting scanning behaviors and ransomware botnets |
| HaveIBeenPwned | Checking credentials exposed in breaches |
Tracking Conti Ransomware Group with OSINT
When Conti ransomware group's internal communications were leaked in 2022, researchers used OSINT to:
- Analyze chat logs between operators
- Identify aliases and rank hierarchy
- Trace payments and laundering techniques
- Map out infrastructure including IPs and hosting locations
Are you using OSINT to stay ahead of ransomware threats?
