Breaking Down the OSINT Cycle
Transforming open source data into intelligence, or OSINT, has become increasingly complex over the last decade. Although more open sources are available to operators, the dramatic increase of false information and adversarial counter attacks online have made the collection of data an even more tedious process. The OSINT cycle describes the process of collecting, analyzing, and disseminating publicly sourced information. Combine OSINT cycle knowledge with optimized research and collection tools as well as OPSEC training, and your teams will propel their missions forward.
1. Planning and Direction
The first step in the OSINT cycle involves planning the priorities and requirements for the mission. Prior to collecting OSINT, operators should have a clear understanding of the types of information they need, how to find those sources, and what they hope to accomplish with the acquired information. These precautionary logistics will guarantee the productivity and efficiency of the operation during the next phases of the OSINT cycle.
2. Collection
After proper planning has occurred, the collection of OSINT can begin. OSINT resources include any materials that are freely available online, such as news articles, social media posts, and blogs. Teams can utilize their preferred collection tools and resources to obtain this data. If your operations could benefit from OSINT training, check out our remote sessions on OSINT, which are held semimonthly by our expert cyber analysts at Ntrepid Academy.
3. Processing and Exploitation
Once you’ve acquired your data, you can start processing the information. Then, you’ll want to compile it into a common evidence repository, timeline, or report. In this stage, you’re simplifying the content you’ve found and making it legible for the recipients of the data. Processing the data will help analysts utilize the information more efficiently in the following steps of the OSINT cycle.
4. Analysis and Production
After the initial processing of the collected data, your teams will then need to perform an in-depth analysis of the information. This is a crucial step in the OSINT cycle. as it will allow your teams to use the data they’ve acquired to interpret and anticipate events. Operators can organize their analyzed information into a detailed document or presentation, which will be read by a designated audience.
5. Dissemination and Integration
The final step in the OSINT cycle entails delivering the collected and analyzed intelligence to the proper stakeholders. Analysts then receive feedback, which dictates whether the OSINT cycle should begin again.
Following the proper procedures of the OSINT cycle can guarantee the success of your open source online research and investigations. If you’d like to learn more about how to safely collect OSINT, register for a virtual training session on OSINT.
