• S04 E02 Part 1: Human Trafficking in Online Marketplaces (Part 1): Exposing the Threats & Tools to Fight Back
    Feb 3 2025
    In this episode of the Shadow Dragon podcast, Director of National Security David Cook (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-n-cook/) hosts a conversation for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The panel features: - Matt Richardson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwrichardson/), Senior Advisor of Intelligence and Child Safety at the Anti-Human Trafficking Intelligence Initiative (https://followmoneyfightslavery.org/) (ATII) and Head of Intelligence at the Canadian OSINT Center (https://theosintcentre.ca/) - Daniel Clemens (https://www.linkedin.com/in/clemensdaniel/), CEO and Founder of Shadow Dragon - Elliot Anderson (https://www.linkedin.com/in/lemmingrush/), CTO of Shadow Dragon They discuss how human traffickers operate, the indicators that a child or adult may be at risk, and the ways online investigative tools—particularly open-source intelligence (OSINT) platforms—support law enforcement efforts. Matt shares the emotional toll of these cases and the importance of self-care for investigators, emphasizing that while the work can be harrowing, it is a privilege to help protect vulnerable individuals. The group also highlights the power of community partnerships, legal collaboration, and technology in preventing human trafficking and rescuing victims. This episode is part one of a three-part series focusing on human trafficking and online marketplaces, with a strong warning that some content may be disturbing to listeners. Request to view ShadowDragon and CACI's DarkBlue Intelligence Suite Webinar on using OSINT to find indicators of human trafficking online: https://share.hsforms.com/1dcl3pCneSpOAeQpkQFI66g53lw0 Special Guest: Matt Richardson.
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    1 hr
  • S04 E01 - OSINT in the Maritime Domain with Rae Baker
    Jan 27 2025
    In this episode of the ShadowDragon Podcast, host Nico Dekens and co-host David Cook interview Rae Baker, a senior OSINT analyst and maritime specialist. They explore how open-source intelligence (OSINT) applies to the maritime domain, highlighting how tools like AIS (Automatic Identification System) data, satellite imagery, and social media can help track vessels and uncover suspicious activities such as sanctions evasion or illegal cargo transfers. Rae explains the importance of historical context—knowing typical vessel routes and behaviors—to spot anomalies that may indicate illicit or sanctioned cargo, and also touches on how adversaries employ “shadow fleets,” spoof AIS signals, and hide ownership behind shell companies. The conversation concludes with advice for analysts, compliance teams, and insurers on mitigating risks, conducting thorough due diligence, and leveraging AI as a complement (not a substitute) to human expertise. Special Guest: Rae Baker.
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    46 mins
  • S3 E12: How a Former CIA Targeter Uses OSINT
    Dec 15 2024
    The guys cover how OSINT is used in monitoring the unrest in Syria, and the tragic killing of Brian Thompson, United Healthcare’s CEO, on his way to the company’s investor day. Hosted by Nico “Dutch OSINT Guy” Dekens, Director of Intelligence and Collection Innovation, and David Cook, Director of National Security, with guest Jake Robinson, ShadowDragon’s Director of Product. Jake's Background: o Jake shared his journey from a U.S. Army intelligence analyst in human intelligence (HUMINT) to the CIA, where he was a targeting officer. o Discussion of the importance of open-source data in intelligence operations and its evolving use in government. Geopolitical Insights: o Syria's current instability, including Bashar al Assad's exile and the rise of groups like Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), is discussed as a geopolitical event that has effects around the world. o OSINT tools can be used to monitor key players and groups for patterns and motivations. Social media platforms, like Telegram, are crucial for real-time intelligence gathering. Practical Applications of OSINT in the News Last Week: o Real-world monitoring of geopolitical and domestic incidents, such as the assassination of United Healthcare’s CEO, demonstrates OSINT's role in monitoring real-time events. o OSINT is used widely for threat assessments for executives and principles to build a ‘threat profile’ or ‘threat matrix’ that can define or identify security vulnerabilities to fix. o The team emphasized balancing public exposure with security for high-profile individuals and companies is a double-edged sword – the need to be public while simultaneously maintaining safety. Challenges in Verification: o Issues of misinformation and false data, particularly in high-profile cases (e.g., fake accounts of suspects), highlight the need for robust validation processes in OSINT. Tools and Techniques: o Shadow Dragon’s tools, like Horizon, are designed for real-time monitoring, metadata analysis, and creating timelines to distinguish credible information from noise. Key Takeaway: OSINT is invaluable in today’s world. More data and information are public every day – use it to enhance security, monitor geopolitical events, and mitigate corporate risk. OSINT’s effectiveness depends on timely collection, thorough validation, and cautious interpretation. Learn more at: Special Guest: Jake Robinson.
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    29 mins
  • S03 E11: Biotech Security and National Threats: Navigating Open Source Intelligence, Supply Chain Risks, and Insider Threats
    Nov 1 2024
    In this episode, hosts Nico ‘Dutch OSINT Guy’ Dekens and David Cook welcome special guest Jackie Giunta, a corporate intelligence expert with a military intelligence background. Together, they dive deep into the complex intersection of national security, biotechnology, and corporate intelligence. They discuss the rising challenges, and opportunities, in open-source intelligence, the potential risks in global biotech supply chains, insider threats, and the growing influence of nation-state adversaries. Join us as we explore the importance of private-public partnerships and proactive approaches to safeguarding the biotech industry in an increasingly complex global landscape. Special Guest: Jackie Giunta.
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    36 mins
  • S03 E10: Navigating Election Monitoring: Insights on Security, Disinformation, and Social Media Trends
    Oct 11 2024
    This episode is all about the intricate process of using OSINT to monitor elections, with a focus on security and disinformation. The conversation explores the challenges faced by analysts as they track social media trends, identify potential threats, and combat myths and false information that can undermine election integrity. They highlight how disinformation campaigns, foreign influence, and deepfakes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it crucial for analysts to stay vigilant. The episode focuses on how local authorities and businesses can prepare for potential unrest surrounding elections and the vital role of monitoring tools in ensuring a smooth and secure process. Special Guest: Brye Ravettine.
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    42 mins