Reflections from Cynthia Hetherington
CEO and Founder, Hetherington Group

It's hard to believe that a quarter-century has passed since Hetherington Group embarked on this incredible journey.  The early 1990’s saw the monumental interest and growth in personal computers and Internet access.  If you were lucky to be connected, maybe with your Prodigy, AOL or CompuServ account on your Gateway 386 computer, you were light years ahead of your neighbors.  The world was a very different place. The Internet was still in its infancy, and the field of cybercrime and Internet investigations was blossoming.  Explaining the role of online investigator meant explaining what ‘online’ meant, but by 1999, we took the bold move of hanging the shingle, and Hetherington Group (Hg) was born. 

Hg started with dedicated internet investigators specializing in public records, traditional media searches and business sources, painstakingly unearthing information for due diligence case, background checks and cyber cases. 

However, the world of digital information transitioned at a rapid pace. The Internet revolutionized the way we viewed, gathered, and analyzed data - transforming investigations from a slow, methodical process into a dynamic and ever-evolving pursuit. Recognizing this shift, we leveraged our experienced information abilities, honing our skills to meet the demands of the ever-expanding field of OSINT.

This wasn't just a change in methodology; it was a paradigm shift. With a vast ocean of online data at our disposal, we learned to navigate this new digital landscape, sifting through social media footprints, deep and dark web pages, and online forums to uncover crucial pieces of intelligence. The days of paper public records and traditional media were replaced by the rush of uncovering digital breadcrumbs to create comprehensive profiles of people and organizations.

 Evolution of OSINT and Hetherington Group

This paradigm shift and evolution of data collection may not be easy, but following information science models developed and implemented since Alexandria was a library of scrolls, we stay continuously learning, and developing our knowledge, and are committed to staying ahead of the ever-changing digital landscape. The Hg team continues to invest in the latest OSINT training and techniques, from AI, social media mining to data visualization. We also began developing our own training programs and conference, sharing our hard-earned expertise with a global audience.

Today, The Hetherington Group is proud of our world-class team of OSINT analysts, recognized for providing the most up-to-date and relevant training and research available. We've trained over 7,200 investigators, security professionals, and legal experts, allowing them to leverage the power of OSINT in:

• Cyber Investigations: Unmasking online threats, cybercriminals, and hidden networks.

• Due Diligence: Performing thorough risk assessments and background checks on companies and individuals.

• Digital Vulnerability Analysis: Identifying and mitigating potential weaknesses in an organization's online presence.

• Intellectual Property Protection: Safeguarding valuable intellectual property from unauthorized use or theft.

• Risk Monitoring: Proactively identifying potential threats and reputational risks lurking within the digital landscape.

Our impact extends beyond training. I've authored several industry-leading books on conducting cyber investigations, due diligence, and online public records. We also host the annual OSMOSIS Conference, a premier event that gathers global experts to share the latest and greatest in OSINT techniques and tradecraft. Through our OSINT Academy, we offer a comprehensive curriculum for all levels of investigators, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

 The Future of OSINT and Hetherington Group: Looking Ahead

As we move toward the future, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of OSINT. We are constantly exploring new technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to streamline the process of analyzing overwhelming amounts of disparate data sets. We are also expanding our global reach, building a network of partnerships with international organizations to address the increasingly negative impact of international fraud and cybercrime criminal groups.

The past 25 years have been an incredible journey. As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with immense pride in our past and present accomplishments, yet we are still focused on the future. We are dedicated to remaining a leader in the world of OSINT investigations, giving our clients and trainees the tools and knowledge they need to stay relevant in a world of constant change. I continue to feel excited every day when I walk into the office. I continue to feel thankful for the continued trust of our clients, the excitement of our staff and the growth of our industry. Thank you to everyone who has crossed our paths in the last 25 years. We could not be where we are with you.