2025: A key year for OSINT and cybersecurity

The year 2025 promises to be a decisive one for Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and cybersecurity. In a geopolitical context marked by growing tensions and an increasing number of cyber threats, the importance of these fields has never been more crucial. Disinformation, influence campaigns, and digital attacks are becoming more complex, making the exploitation of open sources essential for understanding and anticipating these risks.

The tools and practices of OSINT could undergo significant evolution in 2025, with the increased integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning. These technological advancements are expected to enhance the ability to analyze large volumes of data from social media, forums, and other digital spaces. Improved natural language processing capabilities will facilitate the identification of weak signals and emerging trends, making analysis faster and more precise.

At the same time, cyber threats are intensifying and diversifying. The Security Navigator 2025 report from Orange Cyberdefense highlights the rise of pro-Russian hacktivist actions targeting European countries such as Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Spain, Poland, and Italy. These attacks are no longer limited to technical infrastructures: they also aim to manipulate public opinion and sow confusion through massive disinformation campaigns. This evolution demonstrates that OSINT is not merely about information gathering but is becoming a key tool in the fight against foreign interference and information manipulation.

In response to this growing complexity, governments are taking steps to further structure the OSINT discipline. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) in the United States has recently published new directives aimed at standardizing practices and strengthening cooperation between the intelligence community and the private sector. This harmonization seeks to improve interoperability and the reliability of information, ensuring better coordination in the face of global threats.

On April 1, 2025, the InCyber Forum will host the fourth edition of OSINT Day, an annual event that brings together key players in the OSINT field. This day will bring together OSINT communities, major corporations, law enforcement and intelligence services, as well as investigative journalists, fostering knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration across the sector to strengthen France’s position in OSINT.

Don’t miss this OSINT Day—register now!
https://europe.forum-incyber.com/journee-osint/

Antoine Violet-Surcouf, Partner at Forward Global