More than a Background Check
Professional investigators place great significance on gathering all available data in furtherance of any investigation or research initiative. For good reason. Case outcomes are predicated in part on data that is accurate, source verified, credible, and timely. Data produces information, which in turn generates intelligence. OnyxSpear, LLC is highly proficient in various methods of data and information collection applicable to a range of diverse matters, furnishing our clients with the intelligence they need to confidently move forward.
Trusted Databases for Professional Investigators
As a New York State licensed private investigators, we are lawfully permitted to conduct both civil and criminal investigations. Because of this, our firm has access to similar databases used by law firms, credit bureaus, bail enforcement, security firms and law enforcement. It is a privilege, not a right, to have this access. OnyxSpear will never engage in behavior that jeopardizes our clients, our licensing status or access to these databases.
Collecting Electronic Data and Information
It would be irresponsible, and misleading, to imply that collecting electronic data and information is an easy task. Interacting with the digital universe entails repetition, the right tools, a willingness to learn and the curiosity to explore all things unfamiliar.
Acquiring data and information is accomplished through various means and methods, being dependent on the nature of the investigation. Regarding digital formats, OnyxSpear has positioned itself in a manner that allows for seamless adaptation to a rapidly evolving web-based environment. As products of the 1980s, we matured in synchrony with computerized technology. Decades of professional experience and competency are drawn upon to obtain data and information, by deploying cutting-edge software and novel applications.
More important, is our commitment to asymmetrical paths of thought. Data and information tend to be linear in nature, or, one-dimensional. By contrast, the analysis of each separately, and together, exacts a multidimensional approach that leads to intelligence development.
Applications “Apps”
Applications or “apps” are software programs. Countless apps trawl the internet every second, collecting diverse, and expansive quantities of data points, and information. There are social media apps, financial apps, credit card apps, educational apps and geographical apps etc. For example, Google offers various apps that work with each other, such as Gmail, Google Maps, Google Fit, Google Chat, Google Business, Google Photo’s and Google Drive. Google applications capture, combine and distribute data placed into its system by users. This data is regularly sold to various organizations for “marketing purposes”. Apps don’t have to be open or active to collect personal information such as past locations, messages, posts, comments to posts, fitness data, health data, and even financial data.
If it’s Out There, We Will Find it
User data and information often strays beyond an app’s borders, spilling out onto the web. These data points include but are not limited to contemporary posts, deleted posts, pictures, group affiliations, memberships, email addresses, physical addresses, phone numbers, false and derogatory information.
Google’s search engine allows individuals to perform advanced searches for everything, and anything they can think of. You are welcome to explore this feature using search terms related to yourself, your address, phone number etc. Your data is out there in the ether waiting to be discovered, collected, and repurposed.
Situational Awareness and Professional Investigators
OnyxSpear maintains the technical competence and assets that are needed to search outside the confines of the Internet and the World Wide Web. Understanding the subtle differences between the two concepts is vital. Imagine the World Wide Web as a vast landscape with millions of different places to visit. To visit a place, you simply need to follow the correct road. The Internet can be thought of as the roads, expressways, and thruways that will take you to any place of your choice. Skilled digital investigators are obliged to be familiar with the operational environment, know how to navigate once inside, and be capable of separating the reliable data from the unreliable.
The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the web byte by byte. Bad actors are using AI to fabricate and disseminate malicious information. Per the United Nations, there are 10-types of misinformation and disinformation, 2-types of Synthetic Media, and 4-types of Social Media manipulation. Now more than ever, a system of enhanced checks and balances will need to be adopted by digital investigators. Determining source reliability is now an exhaustive undertaking. OnyxSpear partners with trusted online data sources, and digitally robust entities to gather data and information that will bear scrutiny.
https://www.unhcr.org/innovation/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Factsheet-4.pdf
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT)
We harness Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) platforms to collect data and information lawfully. OSINT is particularly valuable in locating hard to find yet publicly available, legally indexed data on the World Wide Web. Clients looking for opposition research, litigation research, human subject profiling or assets verification may inquire about this specific type of support.
Open-Source Intelligence or OSINT is lawful. The Department of Homeland Security defines the aforementioned term as “intelligence that is produced from publicly available information and is collected, exploited, and disseminated in a timely manner to an appropriate audience for the purpose of addressing a specific intelligence requirement”.
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Ethical%20Frameworks%20in%20OSINT%20Final.pdf
