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When I put together our list of 50 engaging cyber security activities, the OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) Challenge quickly emerged as one of the most eye-opening and engaging tasks. This activity takes a hands-on approach to security, showing your team just how much of their personal information can be uncovered with a few clever searches. It’s more than a game; it’s a reality check that personal security is everyone’s responsibility.
Why the OSINT Challenge Matters
Personal information is everywhere—social media, public records, and more. But the implications of this availability aren’t always clear until you see it in action. The OSINT Challenge drives home the importance of protecting personal data by making it personal. Employees from all levels, whether they're tech-savvy or not, can participate in this challenge, making security awareness accessible and relevant to everyone.
The beauty of the OSINT Challenge lies in its simplicity. No deep technical knowledge is required, which means it’s accessible to everyone, from your front-line staff to your senior executives. This inclusivity ensures that all employees can participate, learn, and contribute to the organisation’s overall security posture.
Supporting Diversity and Inclusion
The OSINT Challenge is designed to be inclusive, inviting participation from everyone, regardless of their technical expertise. This activity doesn’t demand a high level of cyber knowledge, making it ideal for diverse teams. Whether you’re a tech wizard or someone who barely knows how to set up a Zoom call, the OSINT Challenge has something to teach you.
It also taps into various cognitive strengths, which is particularly beneficial for neurodiverse employees who might approach problem-solving in unique ways. This exercise demonstrates that everyone can contribute to the organisation’s security, showcasing how diversity in thought leads to stronger, more resilient teams.
Steps to Implement
Define the Challenge: Choose the types of information participants should try to find—keeping it non-sensitive, of course.
Set the Rules: Make sure everyone understands the ethical boundaries of this exercise.
Announce the Challenge: Get the word out via email, intranet, or team meetings.
Provide Resources: Offer tools like the OSINT Framework to assist in the search.
Review Submissions: After the challenge, go over the findings and discuss the learnings.
Celebrate Success: Announce the winners and reward their creativity.
Make it Stick
After running the OSINT Challenge, consider following up with more structured learning. Our eLearning modules are a fantastic way to deepen your team’s understanding of data privacy and open-source intelligence techniques. These modules complement the challenge perfectly, providing a more in-depth look at the strategies and tools professionals use to protect personal information. If your team enjoyed the OSINT Challenge, they'll love diving deeper into these topics.
The OSINT Challenge isn’t just about finding information; it’s about building awareness and empowering your team to take personal security seriously. It’s an engaging, inclusive way to strengthen your organisation’s overall security posture. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our eLearning modules and how they can complement your security training efforts.