In recent years, open-source intelligence (OSINT) has emerged as a critical tool for gathering and analysing information from publicly available sources. As the digital landscape continues to expand, the potential for OSINT to provide valuable insights has grown exponentially. In this blog post, we’ll explore OSINT, its place in the intelligence world, and some real-world examples of its use.
What is OSINT?
OSINT refers to collecting and analysing data from open sources, such as social media, online databases, news articles, and public records. Unlike traditional forms of intelligence gathering, which often rely on classified sources and covert operations, OSINT focuses on freely available information to the public.
The concept of OSINT is not new; intelligence agencies have long relied on open sources to supplement their classified intelligence. However, the rise of the Internet and the proliferation of digital data have made OSINT more valuable than ever before. Today, a vast amount of information is readily accessible online, from social media posts and online forums to satellite imagery and government databases.
OSINT’s Place in the Intelligence World
OSINT has become an essential component of modern intelligence gathering, complementing traditional methods used by the Military and Intelligence community, such as human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT). While HUMINT and SIGINT often require significant resources and expertise, OSINT can provide valuable insights at a fraction of the cost.
One of OSINT’s key advantages is its ability to provide a more comprehensive picture of a situation. By analysing data from multiple sources, intelligence analysts can identify patterns and connections that might go unnoticed. OSINT can also help to corroborate or refute information obtained through other means, increasing the overall reliability of intelligence assessments.
Another advantage of OSINT is its potential to provide near real-time intelligence. In a fast-moving crisis, such as a natural disaster or terrorist attack, OSINT can provide up-to-date information to help decision-makers respond more effectively. Social media, in particular, has become a valuable source of real-time intelligence, as people often share information and images from the scene of an event. However, as with all social media information, ensuring accurate details and source corroboration is vital.
Real-World Examples of OSINT
OSINT has been used across various fields, including national security, law enforcement, business intelligence, and investigative journalism.
During the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, social media played a crucial role in organising protests and sharing information. Intelligence agencies used OSINT to monitor the situation and assess the potential for regime change in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia.
In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings in 2013, law enforcement agencies in the US used OSINT to identify the suspects and track their movements. By analysing social media posts, surveillance footage, and other open sources, investigators were able to zero in on the Tsarnaev brothers quickly. However, in this example, “Internet Detectives” got things very wrong; Innocent people were accused, and false information was widely disseminated across social media platforms.
OSINT has been instrumental in documenting the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Organisations such as Bellingcat have used satellite imagery, social media posts, and other open sources to track the movement of troops and equipment, as well as to investigate incidents such as the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17.
In 2016, a massive leak of documents known as the Panama Papers from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca exposed a web of offshore tax havens and shell companies used by wealthy individuals and corporations. Journalists and investigators used OSINT techniques to analyse the leaked documents and uncover corruption and tax evasion evidence.
These examples demonstrate OSINT’s wide-ranging applications and its potential to provide valuable insights in a variety of contexts. As the amount of publicly available data continues to grow, OSINT is likely to become an even more important tool for intelligence gathering and analysis.
Prominent OSINT Investigators and Organisations
As OSINT has gained prominence, several investigators and organisations have emerged as leaders in the field. These groups have demonstrated OSINT’s power to uncover hidden truths and hold powerful actors accountable.
Bellingcat, founded by British journalist Eliot Higgins, is an independent international collective of researchers, investigators, and citizen journalists that uses OSINT techniques to investigate various topics, from war crimes and human rights abuses to environmental crimes and disinformation campaigns. Bellingcat has been at the forefront of several high-profile investigations, including the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014 and the poisoning of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny in 2020.
Based at Goldsmiths, University of London, Forensic Architecture is a research agency that uses architectural techniques and OSINT to investigate human rights violations and environmental destruction. Their work often involves creating detailed 3D models and animations to visualise complex events and spaces. Notable projects include investigations into the Grenfell Tower fire in London and the use of chemical weapons in Syria.
The Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab (DFRLab) is a leading research centre that uses OSINT to identify and expose disinformation campaigns and other forms of digital manipulation. Their work has covered various topics, from election interference to the spread of conspiracy theories during the COVID-19 pandemic. The DFRLab provides training and resources to help journalists and researchers develop their OSINT skills.
Created by a group of Dutch OSINT researchers, OSINT Curious was a popular blog and podcast covering a wide range of OSINT topics and techniques, from tutorials on specific tools and platforms to in-depth case studies and interviews with leading practitioners. Whilst no longer active, OSINT Curious’s website and videos remain a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about OSINT.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals and organisations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with OSINT. As the field continues to evolve, we’ll likely see even more innovative applications of OSINT in the years to come.
The Future of OSINT
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so will the practice of OSINT.
AI and machine learning technologies are already automating the collection and analysis of open-source data. As these technologies become more sophisticated, they will enable intelligence analysts to process larger volumes of data more quickly and accurately.
As the use of OSINT becomes more widespread, the practice will likely be subject to increased scrutiny and regulation. This could include new laws and guidelines governing the collection and use of open-source data and greater oversight of intelligence agencies and private companies that engage in OSINT.
As the value of OSINT becomes more widely recognised, there will likely be greater collaboration between intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and the private sector. Examples include the development of shared databases and analytical tools, as well as joint training and education programs.
As the amount of false and misleading information online continues to grow, there will be an increased focus on verifying the accuracy and reliability of open-source data. The development of new tools and techniques for fact-checking and source validation is already underway, and many are available now.
Conclusion
In the digital age, OSINT has emerged as a critical intelligence-gathering and analysis tool. By leveraging publicly available data, intelligence analysts and researchers can provide valuable insights and support decision-making in various contexts. As the practice of OSINT continues to evolve, it will be essential to address the challenges and opportunities presented by new technologies, increased regulation, and the need for greater collaboration and verification. By doing so, we can ensure that OSINT remains a valuable and effective tool for understanding and navigating an increasingly complex world.