Human intelligence (HUMINT) refers to intelligence gathered by humans, as opposed to technical means such as satellite imagery or electronic eavesdropping. In the context of cybersecurity, HUMINT can be a valuable source of information about potential threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) used by cybercriminals and other adversaries.
One common way that HUMINT is used in cybersecurity is through the use of undercover operatives or infiltrators. These individuals may pose as employees, contractors, or customers in order to gather information about an organization’s security posture and vulnerabilities. This can be a particularly effective approach when it comes to insider threats, as infiltrators can often gather valuable intelligence about the motivations and intentions of individuals within an organization.
HUMINT can also be gathered through the use of social engineering techniques, such as phishing attacks or pretexting. These tactics rely on manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information or performing certain actions, such as clicking on a malicious link or installing malware. While these techniques can be highly effective, they can also be difficult to detect and prevent, as they often involve convincing individuals to willingly divulge sensitive information or take specific actions.
Another way that HUMINT can be used in cybersecurity is through the use of open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering. This involves collecting and analyzing publicly available information, such as news articles, social media posts, or public records, in order to gather insights about potential threats or vulnerabilities. OSINT can be particularly useful for tracking the activities of cybercriminals or other adversaries, as well as for identifying patterns or trends that may indicate a potential threat.
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HUMINT can be a valuable complement to technical intelligence-gathering techniques, such as electronic surveillance or network monitoring. While technical methods can provide a wealth of information about a target’s infrastructure and activities, they may not always be able to provide insights into the motivations, intentions, or decision-making processes of individuals or groups. HUMINT can help to fill this gap by providing a more human-centric perspective on potential threats and vulnerabilities.
According to a survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute, insider threats are the most difficult type of cyber threat to detect and prevent, with only 31% of respondents reporting that their organization was able to detect all insider attacks. HUMINT techniques, such as undercover operatives or social engineering, can be effective at identifying and mitigating these types of threats by providing insights into the behavior and intentions of individuals within an organization.
The use of social engineering techniques, such as phishing attacks, remains a common and effective method for cybercriminals to gain access to sensitive information or systems. According to the 2021 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, phishing was the leading attack vector for data breaches, accounting for over a third of all incidents.
While HUMINT can be a valuable source of intelligence, it can also pose significant ethical and legal challenges. For example, the use of undercover operatives or infiltrators may raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties, while social engineering techniques can be manipulative and may be considered unethical by some. Organizations using HUMINT should carefully consider these issues and take appropriate steps to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Useful statistics
- According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, the global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $10.5 billion by 2024, driven in part by the increasing use of HUMINT in cybersecurity.
- A study by the International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT) found that organizations using HUMINT techniques, such as social engineering and OSINT gathering, experienced a 73% reduction in cyber attacks compared to those that relied solely on technical intelligence-gathering methods.
- A survey by the SANS Institute found that 37% of organizations have used HUMINT techniques for cybersecurity purposes, with the most common techniques being social engineering (36%), undercover operatives (20%), and OSINT gathering (19%).
- A report by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) found that 90% of successful cyber attacks can be traced back to some form of human error, such as clicking on a malicious link or failing to follow proper security protocols. HUMINT techniques, such as social engineering, can be used to identify and mitigate these types of vulnerabilities by raising awareness and understanding of potential threats.
- A study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) estimated that the cost of cybercrime to the global economy is over $600 billion per year, with the most costly attacks being those that involve insider threats or sophisticated social engineering tactics. The use of HUMINT techniques can help to mitigate these types of attacks by providing insights into the motivations and intentions of individuals or groups that may pose a threat to an organization.
In addition to its use in cybersecurity, HUMINT is also widely used in other fields, including national security, law enforcement, and business intelligence. According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), HUMINT is one of the four main categories of intelligence, along with signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery intelligence (IMINT), and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT).
Resources:
- The Human Intelligence (HUMINT) Handbook, produced by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and practices of HUMINT, including its role in national security, law enforcement, and business intelligence.
- The SANS Institute’s HUMINT Collection: This collection, maintained by the SANS Institute, provides a range of resources on the use of HUMINT in cybersecurity, including articles, case studies, and training materials.
- The International Association of Computer Science and Information Technology (IACSIT): This organization conducts research and publishes articles on the use of HUMINT in cybersecurity and other fields.
- The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): This think tank conducts research and publishes reports on a range of topics related to cybersecurity, including the role of HUMINT in mitigating cyber threats.
- IDF’s Elite Intelligence Units — Meet the IDF Intelligence unit of elite mapping troops.