Kristin Wood on the Intelligence Value of Open Source Data
Mar 8, 2023
46:48
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Quick takeaways
Open source intelligence provides a wealth of accessible data from sources like social media and commercial information for analysis and decision-making.
Publicly available information, such as online searches and publicly shared information, plays a crucial role in tracking and monitoring global events, like the spread of COVID-19, allowing for better understanding and more effective decision-making.
Deep dives
Defining Open Source Intelligence
Open source intelligence refers to the analysis of publicly available information and commercially available data to gather valuable insights and gain a better understanding of various subjects. It has evolved over the years, expanding beyond traditional sources like media, newspapers, and academic journals to include social media, online platforms, and commercial information like retail sales or financial data. Open source intelligence is distinct from classified intelligence and provides a wealth of accessible data for analysis and decision-making.
The Power of Publicly Available Information
Publicly available information plays a crucial role in open source intelligence. For instance, during the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, online searches and publicly shared information helped track the spread of the virus and identify symptoms. Governments and organizations were able to gain actionable insights and monitor global reactions through sentiment analysis, allowing for a better understanding of the situation and more effective decision-making.
Leveraging Commercially Available Information
Commercially available information is another valuable source in open source intelligence. Companies collect vast amounts of data, such as consumer behavior, financial transactions, and telematics, which can offer profound insights. For example, analyzing financial data of publicly traded companies can provide information on the impact of sanctions or identify irregularities in their revenue and operations. These insights can be leveraged to understand trends, predict outcomes, and support decision-making in various sectors.
The Role of Analysis in Open Source Intelligence
Analysis is a critical component of open source intelligence. Companies use advanced technologies like AI and machine learning to analyze massive amounts of open source data, enabling them to generate valuable insights and assessments. These insights can be related to national security, financial markets, or other areas of interest. By analyzing open source intelligence, companies and organizations outside traditional intelligence agencies can contribute to the intelligence community and enhance understanding of various global issues.
In this episode of Intelligence Matters, host Michael Morell speaks with former senior CIA officer Kristin Wood about the history, value and current applications of open source data to intelligence collection and analysis. Wood, who helped lead the innovation and technology group at CIA's Open Source Center, walks through the types of information available to the public and for purchase through commercial firms that create unique insights into companies, behaviors and events. Morell and Wood discuss the ways in which the U.S. intelligence community has leveraged - or failed to leverage - some key open source data.
