- Availability of open-source data and rise of cyber threats are likely to drive the market demand significantly
- The human intelligence segment is expected to register a strong growth rate of 22.54 per cent over the forecast period
The global open source intelligence market size can grow at a high CAGR of 17.4 per cent during the forecast period (2020-2026) to reach $11.86 billion by 2026 as per a report by Market Research Future. It stood at $3,826.8 million in 2018.
Availability of open-source data and rise of cyber threats are likely to drive the market demand significantly. Social media platforms accumulate data pertaining to location, community, interests, and likes for informing government agencies of any possible threats.
The report added, “The use of relevant information on organizations based on employee experience and devoid of reputation management firms can drive the market. Actionable insights on people and companies for sensitive information are likely to be witnessed in the coming years. Organisations can glean data in real-time from a wide range of sources for gaining awareness and performing location-based investigations. Quantification of risks, events, and consequences can assist decision makers. But large volumes of data lakes and lack of skilled personnel can hinder market growth.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven people to stay within the limits of their homes and increased internet usage. Increased reliance on blogs, discussion forums, vlogs, and other digital platforms can bode well for the OSINT market. OSINT tools can accumulate data from these sources to predict future trends and niches.
The report said that remote working has created hurdles of malicious attacks by cybercriminals. This can be overcome with the help of OSINT tools. Intelligence agencies can gain useful insights from public resources and gain advantage over any potential threats to nations
As per the report, “Industrial automation is a niche revenue pocket for open-source intelligence software. The need to capture and collate information on machines and infrastructure through connected systems is likely to drive the market demand significantly. The shift to digitisation and push for confluence of operational technology and information technology can culminate in large volumes of data. OSINT tools are likely to identify vulnerabilities in systems. Development of search engines capable of discovering chinks in industrial systems as well as presence of video games being stored on corporate servers.”
Based on security type, it is segmented into text analytics, data analytics, link/network analysis, dark web analysis, human intelligence, artificial intelligence, content intelligence, big data, and others.
The human intelligence segment is expected to register a strong growth rate of 22.54 per cent over the forecast period. This is due to intelligence gathered by humans for situational awareness and making rapid decisions. Operations in urban areas and complex terrains are likely to drive the segment demand. But the segment can face issues owing to its time-consuming nature.
Cybersecurity segment can display 15.01 per cent CAGR over the assessment period
By technology, it is segmented into cybersecurity, social media analysis, web analysis, text analytics, video analytics, visualisation, big data software, and others. Big data software, among the technologies, is expected to gain a large market share over the forecast period.
The software can be used in amassing data in volumes and assess any potential threats. Mobile communications and social media networks are likely to drive its demand even further as reliance on smart devices continue to rise. Its use by law enforcement agencies for combating terrorism and addressing national threats can bolster its demand in the coming years.
The cybersecurity segment can display 15.01 per cent CAGR over the assessment period owing to constant online threats and malware attacks. Government agencies and private corporations are enhancing their antivirus software for facing increasing spate of attacks.
It added, “By application, it is segmented into national security, homeland security, private sector, public sector, military and defense, and others. Homeland security accounted for 27.92% share in the global OSINT market in 2020. It can reach a value of $3,284.65 million by 2026 in the market due to challenges faced by nations and high risks of terrorist attacks. OSINT can be shared with partner agencies without compromising on national security standards.”
