Intelligence
Understanding Open Source Intelligence ( OSINT )
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“ derived from publicly available information as well as other unclassified information that has limited public distribution or access ”.
NATO Definition APP-6 .
According to the definition , what characterizes OSINT from other Intel disciplines is the tool box where one can research the information required . Let ’ s have a look at that tool box : it includes Traditional Media Sources ( traditional printed and broadcasted media , radio and television , the current set of electronically available products ), Internet , Commercial Online Sources ( available for free or against a fee payment ), Grey Literature ( available through specialized channels or direct local access ), Commercial Imagery ( another expanding sector ), and the Deep Web . As you can see by yourself , the pool looks like an Ocean !
How is it possible for an OSINT collector to research all the tools available within the toolbox and control the plethora of information , without being lost ? It is all about applying a rigorous and disciplined procedure for defining the requirements to be addressed through open sources using the intelligence cycle .
16LAND POWER
OSINT and the Intelligence Cycle
OSINT operators follow the same Intelligence cycle as any other Intelligence discipline : Direction or Planning , Collection , Processing , Analysis and Dissemination . Within the direction or planning phase of this cycle , the intelligence analyst can experience an enormous challenge in the selection and identification of the sources , and the assessment of their reliability . Usually different kinds of information may be required for searches from different kind of sources .
Within the collection phase of the cycle , a good OSINT operator will be a source collector more than an information collector , meaning that his experience would guide him to know where to find the information needed . An established and updated selection of good sources in different matters can reduce the efforts in the collection phase , leaving more time to the analysis . Time management and the respect of the degree of details required are key factors to keep the OSINT operator focused on his aim . Then , in the processing phase raw data is collected and processed , which includes translations from different languages , working on different kind of formats and sizes , managing of pictures , maps and databases , and security checks . The end result is a large sum of data available in the same system , ready to be compared , linked and fused during the analysis phase .
In the analysis phase , it is vital to validate the credibility of sources and for the OSINT operator to remain mindful of and determine the origin of the information gathered confirming or denying the degree of trust assigned to it . Key to the analysis phase , the OSINT operator must confirm the description of where and when the information was produced and acquired and the full identification of the source to achieve the final OSINT product , representing a substantial part of its value . Finally during the dissemination phase , OSINT reports are divided in two primary categories : information of generic interest collated together and widely disseminated and information deliberated , searched , collected , distilled , and disseminated to a specific customer to answer specific intelligence requirements . As an intelligence professional navigates through the intelligence cycle feedback must be a part of the entire cycle as a running estimate . Customer ’ s feedback on the OSINT products released is essential ; in order to improve the quality in what can be described as a customer-oriented process .
The importance of OSINT
It is obvious that there has been an exponential growth of publicly available information via the internet and social media placing OSINT higher in priority of importance . If you match it with the growth of the Internet and social media usage , in percentage , ( more evident especially in the less developed areas of the world ), and the collapse of many formerly denied areas , with the consequent shortage of traditional intelligence sources in the emerging threats zones , one could easily imagine how OSINT has become of vital importance for NATO Land Component Commanders and governments .
In the past , with NATO facing well defined and conventional counterparts , there was an abundance of old style sources ( as HUMINT , SIGINT , and IMINT ) providing lots of valuable information . Today , most of the threats are located in areas with no established sources , as most of our current adversaries do not belong to recognized and structured entities , so it is very difficult to target them unconventionally . These smaller organizations make a large use of the Internet to publish and share