Understanding Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

Open Source Intelligence, or OSINT, encompasses information that is publicly available and accessible to anyone, such as websites, social media, and online forums. This type of intelligence is important as it allows users to gather data without needing special permissions, distinguishing it from classified sources or those behind paywalls. By using an analogy of completing a puzzle, OSINT emphasizes the necessity of connecting various data pieces to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the subject being analyzed. The clarity of what OSINT is, along with what it is not, helps define its primary role in intelligence research and emphasizes the importance of employing solid investigative methodologies.