For what purpose might hostile entities use social media?

Hostile entities often utilize social media as a tool for intelligence gathering, particularly to build profiles of individuals and gather information about personnel. By accessing information that individuals choose to share publicly on social media platforms, these entities can compile details about a person's professional background, personal interests, connections, and behavior. This information can then be exploited for various purposes, including manipulation, coercion, or even direct attacks against the individual or their organization.

The nature of social media allows for an abundance of easily accessible data, making it an effective medium for adversaries aiming to gain insights into their targets' vulnerabilities. Ultimately, this form of reconnaissance can be integral to planning sophisticated insider threats or other malicious activities.