Open Source Intelligence Investigation: From Strategy to Implementation

✍ Scribed by Babak Akhgar, P. Saskia Bayerl, Fraser Sampson (eds.)

• Publisher: Springer International Publishing
• Year: 2016
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 302
• Series: Advanced Sciences and Technologies for Security Applications
• Edition: 1
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

One of the most important aspects for a successful police operation is the ability for the police to obtain timely, reliable and actionable intelligence related to the investigation or incident at hand. Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) provides an invaluable avenue to access and collect such information in addition to traditional investigative techniques and information sources. This book offers an authoritative and accessible guide on how to conduct Open Source Intelligence investigations from data collection to analysis to the design and vetting of OSINT tools. In its pages the reader will find a comprehensive view into the newest methods for OSINT analytics and visualizations in combination with real-life case studies to showcase the application as well as the challenges of OSINT investigations across domains. Examples of OSINT range from information posted on social media as one of the most openly available means of accessing and gathering Open Source Intelligence to location data, OSINT obtained from the darkweb to combinations of OSINT with real-time analytical capabilities and closed sources. In addition it provides guidance on legal and ethical considerations making it relevant reading for practitioners as well as academics and students with a view to obtain thorough, first-hand knowledge from serving experts in the field.

✦ Table of Contents

Front Matter....Pages i-xiv
Front Matter....Pages 1-1
OSINT as an Integral Part of the National Security Apparatus....Pages 3-9
Open Source Intelligence and the Protection of National Security....Pages 11-19
Police Use of Open Source Intelligence: The Longer Arm of Law....Pages 21-31
OSINT as Part of the Strategic National Security Landscape....Pages 33-55
Taking Stock of Subjective Narratives Surrounding Modern OSINT....Pages 57-65
Front Matter....Pages 67-67
Acquisition and Preparation of Data for OSINT Investigations....Pages 69-93
Analysis, Interpretation and Validation of Open Source Data....Pages 95-110
OSINT and the Dark Web....Pages 111-132
Fusion of OSINT and Non-OSINT Data....Pages 133-152
Tools for OSINT-Based Investigations....Pages 153-165
Fluidity and Rigour: Addressing the Design Considerations for OSINT Tools and Processes....Pages 167-185
Front Matter....Pages 187-187
A New Age of Open Source Investigation: International Examples....Pages 189-196
Use Cases and Best Practices for LEAs....Pages 197-211
OSINT in the Context of Cyber-Security....Pages 213-231
Combatting Cybercrime and Sexual Exploitation of Children: An Open Source Toolkit....Pages 233-249
Identifying Illegal Cartel Activities from Open Sources....Pages 251-273
Front Matter....Pages 275-275
Legal Considerations for Using Open Source Intelligence in the Context of Cybercrime and Cyberterrorism....Pages 277-294
Following the Breadcrumbs: Using Open Source Intelligence as Evidence in Criminal Proceedings....Pages 295-304

✦ Subjects

Systems and Data Security;Data Mining and Knowledge Discovery;Cybercrime;Computer Appl. in Social and Behavioral Sciences;International Criminal Law;Security Science and Technology