Conducting an investigation can be complicated and time-intensive, demanding careful attention to detail and persistence in tracking leads and evidence. The most knowledgeable and committed investigators can encounter obstacles during their research. No one is immune to the difficulties investigators and analysts face. More information and data is public everyday. Collecting, analyzing and solutioning can be a daunting task. Our OSINT platform and tools take an investigation from six months to 60 seconds. Uncovering hidden nodes, entities, networks or individuals to rapidly give you the decision advantage.
What Are the Challenges of Beginning OSINT Investigations?
Beginning OSINT investigations can present several challenges, particularly for those new to the field. Here are some common obstacles:
Information Overload
The power of OSINT often surprises new investigators. The sheer volume of data that’s available can be overwhelming. Investigators struggle to filter relevant information from vast amounts of irrelevant data. There are more than 200 different social networking platforms online, and that doesn’t include traditional news, public records, the Maritime’s Automatic Identification System (AIS), Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) flight tracker, and many other open data sources. The breadth and depth of available sources can be overwhelming. Furthermore, information is exponential during an investigation – meaning that uncovering new information often leads to more and more leads to uncover. Understanding, visualizing, and synthesizing relevant data and connections is made easy with the right platform and tools.
Data Quality and Verification
Ensuring the accuracy, ethical collection and sourcing and reliability of open-source data can be one of the most challenging aspects of OSINT investigations. Information gathered from various sources, such as social media, news articles, and public records, can often be incomplete, biased, outdated, or completely false. To verify the authenticity of this data, investigators need to cross-reference multiple sources, looking for corroborating evidence that confirms the validity. This process involves checking sources’ credibility, evaluating data points’ consistency, and identifying potential biases or errors.
Technical Skills and Tools
OSINT investigations frequently necessitate using specialized tools and developing technical skills. Beginners can struggle to familiarize themselves with various software and platforms for data collection, analysis, and visualization. These tools range from basic web browsers and search engines to advanced software for link-analysis, geolocation, and real-time keyword or entity monitoring. Mastering these tools and skills is crucial for conducting thorough and efficient OSINT investigations. ShadowDragon has built an OSINT platform and tools for investigators and analysts having been investigators and analysts. We built the platform and tools we wished we had years ago.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Navigating the legal and ethical boundaries of OSINT is a critical aspect of conducting investigations. Investigators must be well-versed in ethical guidelines, privacy laws, and data protection regulations to make sure their work complies with legal standards and respects individual privacy. This involves understanding what types of data that can be legally collected, how to handle sensitive information and the implications of sharing or publishing findings. Maintaining a balance between thorough investigation and ethical responsibility is essential to conducting responsible and lawful OSINT work.
Keeping Up with Rapidly Changing Information
The dynamic nature of publicly available information and open-source data poses a significant challenge, as information can quickly become outdated. Investigators must continuously monitor sources and update their findings to ensure they are working with the most current information or data. This involves setting up alerts for new information and staying informed about the latest developments in their area of investigation. The rapid pace of information flow requires investigators to be agile and proactive, constantly verifying and reassessing information and data to maintain its relevance and accuracy. Keeping up with these changes is crucial for producing timely and actionable OSINT.
False Leads and Misinformation
The prevalence of misinformation and disinformation is a significant challenge in OSINT investigations. False leads can divert an investigator’s efforts, wasting time and resources which can lead to incorrect conclusions. Misinformation can stem from errors, biases, or deliberate attempts to mislead. Investigators must work on developing critical thinking skills to be able to evaluate the credibility of sources and discern facts from falsehoods. This involves analyzing the source’s reputation, checking for corroborating evidence, and understanding the context in which the information is presented. Developing skepticism and a systematic approach to verifying information can help mitigate the impact of false leads and ensure more reliable and accurate outcomes.
Resourcing
Limited access to advanced tools, databases, and other resources can hinder an OSINT investigation. Many sophisticated OSINT tools and platforms require substantial financial investments, which can be an obstacle for new organizations or independent investigators. Still, OSINT investigations are incredibly cost effective when weighed against the time required for a traditional investigation without a powerful OSINT platform or tools. Without these resources, investigators may struggle to gather, analyze, and visualize data efficiently. Access to comprehensive databases, subscription-based services, and proprietary information will enhance the depth and accuracy of an investigation. With more information and data becoming public, or commercially available, everyday, organizations lose the advantage without proper usage of OSINT tools or methodology. Organizations looking for innovative ways to visualize data, examine linkages between people or entities, or have a need to confirm or validate information, need to consider OSINT as a cost-effective way to operate.
Integration with Other Intelligence Methods
OSINT is most effective when integrated with other intelligence methods, such as human intelligence (HUMINT), geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), and signals intelligence (SIGINT), to provide a comprehensive analysis. Information and datasets today are more publicly or commercially available for integration into an OSINT platform to visualize linkages or investigate further into a single node or entity. Effective integration involves correlating information from diverse sources to form a cohesive and accurate picture. This can include cross-referencing OSINT findings with field reports, communications, or other collected information or data. Combining information from various intelligence sources improves the investigation’s quality and relevance, offering deeper insights and more useful intelligence.
Developing a Methodological Approach
Establishing a structured and systematic approach to OSINT investigations is crucial for any investigation. Developing methodologies that encompass all stages of the investigation process, from collecting data to final analysis and reporting is essential. A well-defined methodology helps ensure consistency, thoroughness, and reproducibility in investigations – which is crucial when working with law enforcement or compliance officials. This includes setting clear objectives, defining research parameters, utilizing appropriate tools and techniques, and implementing rigorous data verification processes. Additionally, documenting each step of the investigation enhances transparency and accountability, allowing others to understand and replicate the findings. Developing and using a methodological approach will significantly improve the quality and reliability of OSINT investigations.
Overcoming the Challenges of Starting with OSINT Investigations
For new investigators, OSINT can be overwhelming and challenging. However, despite these challenges, the benefits of proficient OSINT practices are immense, providing valuable insights and actionable intelligence. ShadowDragon can help you navigate these complexities with expert guidance and cutting-edge tools to streamline your OSINT efforts. Contact us today to learn how we can support your OSINT investigations.
