Introduction
In the age of digital technology, Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) are gaining increasing importance in various fields such as cybersecurity, intelligence, and journalism. These investigations provide the ability to uncover the truth and deal with disinformation efficiently and based on publicly available sources. Through the use of (OSINT) techniques and tools, investigators can identify documents and instruments both online and in open databases, enhancing transparency and supporting informed decision-making.
This video introduces Open-Source Intelligence and addresses the fundamental importance and potential benefits of using these techniques in various fields.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the basic principles of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): Develop the knowledge background needed to use (OSINT) tools and techniques efficiently.
- Practical skills development: Carry out real investigations using advanced (OSINT) tools.
- Information Analysis: Employing analysis techniques to interpret data extracted from Open-Sources.
- Develop critical thinking: Enhance the ability to evaluate the credibility and validity of information taken from the Internet.
- Familiarity with laws and ethics: Understand the legal and ethical aspects of using (OSINT) techniques in investigations.
Core readings
- (OSINT) framework focuses on gathering information from free tools or resources. The goal is to help people find (OSINT)’s free resources: https://(OSINT)framework.com/
- i-Intelligence Open-Source Intelligence Tools and Resources Guide: https://i-intelligence.eu/uploads/public-documents/(OSINT)_Handbook_2020.pdf
- Video guide as evidence from “Witness Organization”: https://ar.witness.org/resources/
- First steps to research in Open-Source Intelligence from Bellingcat: https://www.bellingcat.com/resources/2021/11/09/first-steps-to-getting-started-in-open-source-research/
- We Are Bellingcat: An Intelligence Agency for the People. https://www.bellingcat.com/book/
- Digital Witness: Using Open-Source Information for Human Rights Investigation, Documentation, and Accountability.
Curriculum
- 7 Sections
- 16 Lessons
- 5 Hours
Expand all sectionsCollapse all sections
- Lesson 1. Open-Source IntelligenceIn this chapter you will find a detailed explanation of what Open-Source Intelligence are and how they and Open-Source documents can be adopted as legal evidence, what types of data are available online, with the most prominent challenges facing digital content these days with the addition of real-life examples of those challenges, and finally, a detailed explanation of how metadata arises and how analysis can serve in Open-Source Intelligence with metadata analysis tools.4
- Lesson 2. Searching for InformationIn this chapter, you will find an introductory introduction to what research is and its importance in Open-Source Intelligence, how to search for results on various search engines and their features, in addition to search keys and Boolean linking factors and customize results during investigations.3
- Lesson 3. Search on Social MediaThe chapter explains how to search social media sites on Facebook, YouTube and X, the search features and the tools that can be used to search on those sites, with examples and an explanation of the results.3
- Lesson 4. Analysis in Open-Source IntelligenceIn this chapter, you will find an explanation about analysis and its importance in Open-Source Intelligence, how to distinguish the accuracy of content and scrutiny of content published on the Internet, distinguish modified or false content, and how content is adopted as an evidence in the investigation carried out, and also explains how to analyze geographical location, time analysis and tools used in analysis with the addition of real-world examples.3
- Lesson 5. Case Study: Gaza Bombing2
- Final Quiz1
- Your FeedbackWe are constantly looking improve the platform and the experience for you as a learner. We'd therefore be grateful if you shared your learning experience with us in a short survey.1
