In this episode of NeedleStack, hosts AJ Nash and Robert Vamosi engage with James Villenueve, a geospatial intelligence expert, to explore the world of GEOINT and its intersection with open source intelligence (OSINT). They discuss the importance of understanding geospatial data, the ethical implications of its use, and the challenges of protecting personal information in a data-rich environment. The conversation also highlights positive applications of geospatial intelligence, including environmental monitoring and humanitarian efforts, while addressing the risks associated with data misuse and the evolving role of AI in the field.

Jason Baker from the Guidepoint Research & Intelligence Team (GRIT) shares his background and provides insights into ransomware attribution, the challenges of defending against ransomware, and the implications of AI in ransomware operations.

How can Intelligence benefit financial sectors? It can address challenges like sanctions, data privacy, and cryptocurrency. Teresa Walsh highlights the importance of collaboration, the role of AI in intelligence, and the necessity to professionalize intelligence roles in the private sector. The conversation also delves into building mature and unified intelligence programs, emphasizing the need for a Chief Intelligence Officer role in any organization.

Ultimately, GenAI has the potential to create jobs in areas like data science and cybersecurity, but only if it is integrated responsibly. However, the consensus today is that AI should remain a just tool for analysts, not a direct decision-maker, until reliability and trust in its outputs significantly improve.

Brian A. Fuller is Director of Operations for the Ridge College of Intelligence Studies and Applied Sciences at Mercyhurst University, a position he assumed in December 2019. As the Director of Operations, Fuller supports all operations related to the academic curriculum or Ridge College activities. This includes working as the Director for the Center of Intelligence Research, Analysis and Training (CIRAT) and Director of the Innovation Entente Lab (IEL). Previously, he served as a Senior Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) instructor for the Department of the Army’s OSINT Office, where he was charged with overseeing the Army’s OSINT training program for the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. He trained Army intelligence professionals at the strategic, tactical, and special operations levels. He managed the training curriculum, personnel, financial, and administrative affairs of the program while participating as a subject matter expert in the intelligence communities’ OSINT program and operational development working groups, ensuring the continued growth of the discipline and associated tradecraft and technologies.

Robert and AJ went to Hacker Summer Camp. What’s that? It’s a week of conferences such as Black Hat USA, BSidesLV, the Dianna Initiative, Squadcom, and of course DEF CON. Find out what’s relevant for the intelligence community during this first week in August annual event.

From street cop to OSINT expert, Nico Dekens aka “the Dutch OSINT Guy” shares his incredible journey and insights. Discover the evolution of OSINT and the challenges of integrating AI in intelligence collection and analysis.

Sometimes, when a Hollywood actor stars in a blockbuster film or a hit TV show, or when an athlete wins the Super Bowl, their personal problems begin with scandalous photos, property theft, even death threats. That’s where OSINT can help them stay one step ahead.

Chad Brockway, President of the Intelligence Operations Division at Edgeworth Security, is an industry expert in the fields of digital intelligence investigations and methodologies where he leverages his extensive background in intelligence, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, federal law enforcement and cyber operations to provide unique services and lectures to the professional and education industry.

Chad has worked across multiple federal law enforcement and national security agencies both within the United States as well as in cooperation with foreign government and law enforcement partners.

During his time with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Chad served with the Special Technologies and Applications Section (STAS) where he oversaw multiple intelligence and cyber programs, personnel, and resources. Additionally, Chad served as the Deputy Watch Center Director for the Department of Defense Counterintelligence Field Activity (CIFA) agency and as a Military Police Officer in the Marine Corps where he was assigned to the Marine One Helicopter Squadron and the White House Liaison Office under the Clinton and Bush administrations.

There are OSINT tools that mirror or provide workarounds for hidden social media posts. Join us as we talk with an investigator who really knows his way around the internet, dark web, social platforms and more.

AJ and Robert explore the shadowy side of AI — how some users are becoming addicted, confiding in it like a personal therapist and then gaining confidence to take risky actions in their lives and at work. They discuss what this could mean for insider threats and the broader impact on security.

Anna discusses her career trajectory from corporate security and financial crimes to becoming the CEO of Pine Risk Management. She shares her experiences in conducting complex risk assessments, fraud detection, and crisis communications, particularly highlighting her role at Meta where she led Silicon Valley's largest physical red team.