What is OSINT?

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) refers to the collection and analysis of information gathered from public, open sources to produce actionable intelligence. This includes information from the internet, traditional media, academic publications, and other publicly accessible sources.

Key Concepts

• OSINT uses only legally accessible public information
• Information must be properly verified and corroborated
• Ethical considerations are paramount in all investigations
• OPSEC (Operational Security) protects both investigator and subjects

Learning Objectives

• Define OSINT and understand its applications
• Recognize ethical boundaries and legal constraints
• Apply the intelligence cycle to investigations
• Evaluate source credibility and reliability
• Implement proper OPSEC practices

Topics Covered