What is Ethical Hacking?

Ethical hacking, sometimes known as white hat hacking is when a digital forensics expert or OSINT investigator attempts to penetrate a computer system, network or app on behalf of the owners – with their permission. Ethical hacking is usually done to find if there is any security vulnerabilities that a hacker or cybercriminal could use to exploit someone.

The purpose of ethical hacking is to test the security of the systems involved and identify if there are any vulnerabilities in the system as well as the network or infrastructure. Investigators involved will often attempt to exploit the vulnerabilities themselves to see whether malicious activities are possible.

Black hat hackers are the unethical counterpart of ethical hackers. Rather than take advantage, ethical hackers will use their skills to document if there are any weaknesses in the systems and give advice on how to fix them and then strengthen their overall security systems.

Here are some ways ethical hacking done by digital forensics experts involve in OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) can help businesses and organisations:

1. Finding Vulnerabilities: By using ethical hacking you can discover if the IT security measures are working properly as well as whether they need to be updated. A business can use the advice from ethical hackers and improve their overall security to stay safe from cyber-attacks, including online scams and fraud.

2. Demonstrate Cybercrime Methods: These demonstrations can help show users how malicious hackers will attach their systems and create disasters for businesses. Those who have an in-depth knowledge of this are better able to prevent it from happening again in the future.

3. Prepare for a Cyber-attack: The one way to destroy a business is a cyber-attack, especially small businesses, but businesses are still not prepared! Ethical hackers know how cybercriminals work so they can assist businesses and business owners with prepare for the future and better adapt to online threats.

Some say that hacking is hacking, but ethical hacking is done by professionals to assist businesses and organisations with their security systems and ensure they are effective and successful.

Is your security system up to par? Contact the OSINT or digital forensics department on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za | contact@tcgforensics.co.za. Alternatively, you can find out more on the website www.osint.co.za | www.tcgforensics.co.za

How can a Digital Device be involved in a Cyber Crime?

In this day and age, it is so easy for criminals to use a digital device to carry out a traditional crime.

A traditional crime such as blackmail which, back in the day, would usually be done using newspaper cuttings collaged together to create a ransom note is now being done in a completely different way using the power of digital devices as well as the internet.

These days, it is so much easier for criminals to just use a computer to carry out a range of crimes such as, blackmail, identity theft, social media scams, ticket scams, dating bots, data theft and so much more.

Some examples of other traditional crimes where a digital device can be used include instant messaging, which is often used to commit harassment. Criminals also continue to pose as your bank where they will SMS you and try to scam you into paying fake accounts, etc.

Email is also used by cybercriminals on a regular basis to commit fraud by using phishing scams. It seems that the list is endless and so is the workload of digital forensics investigators as well as those dealing with Open Source Intelligence! Want to know more about our digital forensics and OSINT services? Please contact us on 021 110 0422, email contact@tcgforensics.co.za | contact@osint.co.za.

In the TCG Digital Forensics and OSINT department, we combine the experience of seasoned investigators with the latest technologies to achieve the results that you require. Contact us today!

Using OSINT to Detect and Prevent Online Fraud!

These days most of our purchases these days are being made online. You can buy everything online from clothing, a new car, groceries and so much more.

Unfortunately, because of this, there is a rise in the amount of online fraud occurring. Find out about our OSINT services and how you can be safe and secure online.

All across the internet fraud and illegal activities are continuously growing and those who are involved in manufacturing, insurance industries and finances are experiencing an even higher increase of fraud, leading to significant financial loss.

Did you know that it is estimated that 2% of the world’s total current output comes from illegal activity online?

It’s time to fight fraud with open-source intelligence!

Every business or organization knows that it is vital to prevent fraud in order to keep your company healthy and successful.

However, most only think it is necessary to monitor the internal data, but this is only a small fraction of the amount of information available online. In order for you and your business to fight against online fraud, it is important to consider OSINT services.

The primary factor of using our OSINT services is to discover important data that a regular person cannot find on an ordinary search on Google. Why? Because most illegal online activities happen on the deep or dark web.

Are you ready to fight online fraud? Please contact our OSINT division on 021 110 0422 or email contact@osint.co.za if you’d like to find out more or schedule a meeting! Alternatively you can contact our digital forensics department on contact@tcgforensics.co.za