Maltego
{{Short description|Data mining and link analysis software}}
{{primary|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox software
| name = Maltego Platform
| screenshot = Maltego-Logo.jpg
| screenshot_size = 250px
| caption =
| developer = Maltego Technologies GmbH
| released = {{Start date and age|2007|10|23}}
| latest release version = {{wikidata|property|reference|P348}}
| latest release date = {{start date and age|{{wikidata|qualifier|P348|P577}}}}
| website = {{URL|https://www.maltego.com|maltego.com}}
}}
Maltego is a software platform designed for open-source intelligence (OSINT) gathering and cyber investigations. It is developed by Maltego Technologies GmbH, a company based in Munich, Germany. The platform provides tools for link analysis and data visualization, enabling investigators to map and analyze complex relationships among people, groups, websites, domains, networks, and other entities across public and private data sources. Maltego is used by cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement, journalists, and researchers to uncover hidden connections and enhance cyber threat intelligence.
The platform supports both basic OSINT investigations for novice users and advanced analysis of large datasets for experienced analysts. It offers the ability to integrate internal data with a broad array of external data sources provided by Maltego. It also features tools for real-time collection, monitoring, and preservation of social media intelligence for public safety efforts, risk management, and legal prosecutions.
History
Maltego was originally developed by Paterva,{{Cite web |title=Welcome to Maltego |url=https://www.maltego.com/blog/welcome-to-maltego/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.maltego.com}} a company based in Pretoria, South Africa. In 2019, Maltego Technologies, headquartered in Munich, Germany, assumed responsibility for all global customer-facing operations and later technology development and management.
= Certification and compliance =
In 2023, Maltego Technologies received ISO 27001:2022 certification,{{Cite web |title=Maltego is Now ISO 27001:2022 Certified! |url=https://www.maltego.com/blog/maltego-is-now-iso-27001-2022-certified/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.maltego.com}} an international standard for managing information security. The certification was renewed in 2024. Prior to obtaining ISO 27001:2022 certification, Maltego had already been compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
= Acquisitions =
On April 18, 2023, Maltego Technologies was acquired by Charlesbank Technology Opportunities Funds, managed by Charlesbank Capital Partners, for an undisclosed amount.{{Cite web |title=Maltego Secures $100M to Accelerate Growth of its Intelligence Platform to Combat Cybercrime and Misinformation |url=https://www.maltego.com/blog/maltego-secures-100m-to-accelerate-growth-of-its-intelligence-platform-to-combat-cybercrime-and-misinformation/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.maltego.com}} As part of this acquisition, Charlesbank committed to investing over $100 million USD into the company to support its growth and development.
In March 2024, Maltego Technologies acquired PublicSonar and Social Network Harvester to provide more capabilities to its all-in-one investigation platform.{{Cite web |title=Maltego Acquires PublicSonar and Social Network Harvester to Propel Vision of An All-in-One Investigation Platform |url=https://www.maltego.com/blog/maltego-acquires-publicsonar-and-social-network-harvester/ |access-date=2024-09-04 |website=www.maltego.com}}
PublicSonar, developed in the Netherlands, offered a tool that leverages OSINT for large-scale, real-time monitoring, particularly in the context of physical security and public safety. It was widely used by organizations to manage public safety operations by analyzing and acting upon data from various open sources. By integrating PublicSonar into its platform, Maltego expanded its capabilities beyond cyber intelligence to include real-time public safety management. After the acquisition, PublicSonar, was rebranded as Maltego Monitor, reflecting its new role within the suite of tools of the German company.
Social Network Harvester was designed for social network analysis, enabling investigative teams to collect, analyze, and preserve social media data that can be used as court-admissible evidence. It was particularly used by law enforcement and intelligence agencies that require robust tools for tracking and analyzing social media activities. After the acquisition, the German-developed Social Network Harvester was rebranded as Maltego Evidence and integrated into the platform offering.