OSINT is a valuable tool for CIA analysts- it can be for you, too

 

OSINT: A VALUABLE INTELLIGENCE COMMUNITY (IC) TOOL TO UNCOVER THE TRUTH

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is a discipline all within itself. It definitely does not involve cloak & dagger, covert collection of classified data. Authors and journalists should sharpen their skills in the use of OSINT so they can overtly acquire information from public sources.

As for me, I write the Corey Pearson- CIA Spymaster series and OSINT techniques allow me to make my spy novels as detailed and genuine as possible- a kind of reality-fiction genre. Also, I write newspaper commentaries and Op-eds that give credit to the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) by delivering an upbeat message about the 17 agencies comprising the misunderstood and egregiously maligned IC. I often wish some columnists and TV anchors would forge their flimsy and negative reports about the IC with the same disciplined approach that CIA analysts follow to forge their intelligence reports.

Through mathematics and logic, the analysts' methodical and reasoned conclusions on geopolitical matters are the closest to the truth. It is the most systematic process I know of. They gather intelligence, analyze the raw data, validate the reliability of the sources, then form a logical, concluding depiction of the truth for our policy makers and POTUS to either read and accept, ignore, attempt to alter...or reject.

OSINT is an important element in this process of truth-finding, and open-source sources are wide open for all to see! Intelligence professionals say that OSINT is “the source of first resort” for the IC to use. OSINT data supports the covert cloak and dagger collection priorities of the intelligence world, even makes them easier and less expensive to carry out. Pertinent OSINT findings can quickly enlighten case officers in “real time” of the shifting cultural, economic, military, political and social nuances in the unstable foreign regions where they operate. Through OSINT, CIA case officers can verify a foreign asset’s candor and to form the right questions to ask him/her.

The U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) probably refers to the same 17 OSINT sources that I do. I am sure they have open-source software installed in their computers that constantly filters through them. If you’re a writer, author, journalist, intelligence analyst or devoted seeker of the truth, explore among these public sources, and go through the OSINT process while doing so: inspecting, exploring, studying, listening to, attending, researching and investigating. Here are the 17 open resources I use:

1. Domestic & foreign newspapers

2. Professional journals

3. Pertinent magazines

4. Domestic & foreign radio stations

5. Domestic & foreign television

6. Newspaper forums

7. Wikis

8. P2Psharing

9. Blogosphere

10. Blackberries

11. MySpace

12. Wikipedia

13. deli.icio.us

13. Amazon.com

14. Relevant contracts awarded

15. Professional conferences & seminars

16. Professional associations: journals, etc.

17. Academic papers

 

     OK, you've uncovered some seemingly worthwhile information on the Web, but it's in a foreign language you don't understand. There are excellent free “Translation” sites on Google to cut and paste your findings onto. I use a Google translation board that converts a hundred different languages into English, French, or whatever language you speak.

     Lastly, I read through the site: Testimony of the Honorable Lee H. Hamilton
Before the Senate Select Committee, House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Joint Inquiry into events surrounding 9/11 October 3, 2002. Here’s some snippets from his testimony:

“We need to make greater use of open-source information. We need to develop a better understanding of foreign cultures and religions. Our intelligence agencies need to make greater use of newspapers, periodicals, satellite television, radio transmissions, Internet web sites, books, pamphlets, and religious tracts that will alert us to broad trends and patterns that are developing around the world.”

The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton went on to say, “For years, the open-media and educational institutions in parts of the Islamic world indicated the growing level of hatred and commitment to violence against the United States. We need to pay closer attention to what the rest of the world is saying about us.” His words can be accomplished via OSINT.

Lastly, this video Comprehensive List of OSINT Tools demonstrates how Google searching will open up a whole new world of information gathering for you. Enjoy!

Robert Morton is a member of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO), enjoys writing about the U.S. Intelligence Community, and relishes traveling to the Florida Keys and Key West, the Bahamas and Caribbean. He combines both passions in his CoreyPearson- CIA Spymaster series. Check out his latest spy thriller: MISSION OFVENGEANCE.