Open Source Intelligence, also known as OSIT, refers to the free and unclassified information. OSINT is defined by both the U.S. Director of National Intelligence and the U.S. Department of Defense as “produced from publicly available information that is collected, exploited, and disseminated in a timely manner to an appropriate audience for the purpose of addressing a specific intelligence requirement.”
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)
What is considered publicly available information includes information gathered from media outlets, such as radio, television and newspapers, and the information distributed by commercial databases, electronic mail networks, or portable electronic media.
Crucial in today’s digital age, web-based communities such as video sharing sites and social networking sites are also considered publicly accessible sources of information.
However, though the information is publicly available, it can be difficult to find. As some say, it is available through the Deep Web, which can take considerate work to access.
1] OSINT Communities
Open source intelligence is used by a number of organizations, such as businesses and law enforcement. If an individual or organization needs access to information that is considered open source intelligence, they can access it at from anywhere and at anytime.
2] Business
Initially, the relationship between businesses and OSINT was somewhat different from the way it is today. Nowadays, the technology behind OSINT has become more sophisticated and even big companies have started to understand that they cannot renounce what OSINT offers.
There are five main OSINT techniques that bring intelligence to businesses – risk management, building relations, asset protection, customer satisfaction analysis,and accessing and monitoring global information.
3] Intelligence
Intelligence communities are able to use open source intelligence for a range of activities. For example, through data mining,intelligence communities can locate information and then be able to create understanding from it.
AsDouglas Naquin of the Open Source Center, a U.S. CIA intelligence center, explained, “Open sources can tell us how various groups overseas react to a speech by the president. We don’t have to settle for the ‘official’ view but can assess various groups’ perceptions as well as track trends over time.”
4] Armed Forces
The Armed Forces and military offices engage in many OSINT activities. The importance of OSINT is illustrated by the Defense Open Source Program (DOSP), which was created by Dr. Stephen Cambone, the former Under-Secretary of Defense for Intelligence.
5] Homeland Security
It is necessary for homeland security to have an active open source intelligence unit in order to monitor and have a method of informing and connecting with the public. Information is used to maintain safety and in terms of crisis, ensure that communication is open.
6] Law Enforcement
The OSINT community in law enforcement is enabled to gain access to information helpful in their every-day life. Law enforcement is able to apply OSINT to prevent and if need be catch criminals, including terrorists.
7] Government
The government participates in many open-source activities, such as “media monitoring”. 🙂
Hey Harshil,
Glad to read your informative post and you have shared well description about a unique topic – several people are unknown from its details. Today, many organizations are focusing their resources on implementing internal security controls and few turn their attention to the open source intelligence. Eventually, thanks for exploring much additional regarding this subject.
With best wishes,
Amar kumar