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Thinking in OSINT: A Field Guide to Questions, Reasoning, and Real-World Judgment

headshot of Nico DekensNico Dekens
24 Feb 2026
Investigators collaborating in an office setting with a transparent data analytics overlay, representing OSINT analysts reviewing open-source intelligence, evaluating datasets, and building structured assessments from multiple digital sources
Download the Free Field Guide
Key Takeaway

Most investigations do not fail because of missing tools.

They fail because the mission was never framed correctly.

The OSINT Field Guide from ShadowDragon teaches the structured thinking, disciplined collection, and defensible reasoning used by professional investigators.

No hype. No shortcuts. Just tradecraft.

Thinking Beats Searching.

The OSINT Field Guide from ShadowDragon teaches the structured thinking behind professional open-source investigations:

  • Turn vague tasks into clear intelligence questions

  • Separate known, assumed, and unknown

  • Build disciplined collection plans

  • Evaluate source reliability and credibility

  • Test competing hypotheses

  • Assign defensible confidence levels

  • Write reports decision-makers can trust

This is not a list of tools.

It is a practical framework for producing accurate, defensible analysis in high-pressure environments.

If your findings must withstand peer review, executive briefing, or legal scrutiny, structured tradecraft is not optional.

Download the free Field Guide and start applying these frameworks immediately.

Post Author

Nico Dekens

Senior VP of Engineering and Chief Innovator

Nico Dekens is an experienced all-source intelligence analyst and the founder of Dutch Osint Guy Intelligence Services, specializing in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), online Human Intelligence (HUMINT), and digital investigations. With a deep passion for intelligence gathering, analysis, and online investigations, Nico has dedicated over 20 years to the field, including extensive experience within Dutch law enforcement.

Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide range of cases, from high-profile homicide and international narcotics investigations to tracking stolen art, gang violence, and online extremist networks. He has also conducted covert virtual HUMINT operations and counterterrorism investigations.

headshot of Nico Dekens

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