Linux admins,

Linux security administrators continually face new challenges in identifying potential vulnerabilities in their systems and networks. Using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools like nmap and Wireshark is valuable for vulnerability checking and port scanning. However, leveraging these tools effectively requires technical expertise, especially for assessing older systems and insecure configurations.

Read on to learn more about OSINT and how to uncover emerging threats targeting our systems.

Yours in Open Source,

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Dave Wreski

LinuxSecurity Founder

Exploring Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Techniques And Tools For Cybersecurity Applications

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Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting information from published or publicly available sources for intelligence purposes.

The term ‘Open Source’ within Open Source Intelligence refers to the public nature of the analyzed data; publicly available information includes blogs, forums, social media sites, traditional media (TV, radio, and publications), research papers, government records, and academic journals. The scope of this information is almost infinite, concerning various people, companies, and organizations. Individuals who leverage Open Source Intelligence can span from IT security professionals and state-sanctioned intelligence operatives with ethical intentions to malicious hackers with unethical intentions.

Learn About OSINT Tools>>

What Is A Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

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Suppose you're managing a Linux environment, on-prem or in the cloud. In that case, chances are you've already tangled with questions of network security: firewalls, SSH hardening, package integrity checks — all the usual suspects. But Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)?

They often get relegated to the "nice-to-have" rather than "must-have" category. This is where things get murky, and complexity creeps in. VPNs aren’t just for corporate networks or privacy-obsessed individuals trying to bypass regional restrictions. They’re critical tools in safeguarding sensitive data, offering protection that boosts privacy, secures remote access, and mitigates attack vectors. Before we dive into practical advice, let’s start with a common question: How does VPN security actually work?

Learn About VPN Solutions>>