Description
This Ofqual approved, accredited course will introduce you into the world of open source
intelligence (OSINT) and provide you with the vital inital steps to obtain improved results from your
research. It will explain how the fundamental components of the internet work, such as web
browers and search engines. It will explore boolean searches and how to get focused results from
your research. The course is practically based with students learning to build complex search strings
within search engines to enable focused results. It will explore legal, welfare and security aspects in
a broad context. It will focus on using OSINT in different areas such as people, images, videos,
organisations and places.
Benefits
This qualification is an introduction to open source research and intelligence (OSINT). It will explore
the fundamental methods used to conduct open source research and is designed for people entering
any profession where internet research is needed. It will enhance a student’s online research
capability as you discover the hidden functionality available within search engines and gain an
awareness of the depth of freely available tools and resources.
Intended Audience
The qualification is suitable for anyone whose work involves research conducted on the internet
including recruitment, due diligence, threat monitoring, intelligence analysis, warning and reporting,
investigation, KYC or as part of a company security team.
Ability
No previous experience is required.
Language
The course will be taught in English. All students will need to prove an ability to speak good English.
Delivery Style
Online students will be provided with a secure link to our internationally respected training delivery
portal “Moodle” with video teaching, examples and case studies with online support and feedback
to succeed. The classroom based course will be 50% instructor led theory, 40% practical session and
10% classroom discussion. These lessons will be supplemented with printable user guides and
additional resources. A personal tutor will be on hand to support them.
Duration
Online students can pace their studies for themselves and work at whatever time suits them –
typically, achieving course completion in the range of 2 weeks to 1 month from enrolment.
Classroom based courses are 2-3 days with additional time required to complete assignments.
Assessment
Students will be assessed throughout the course. Both classroom and online students will complete
their assignments online. The tutor will support them through this process.
Modules
1. Course Introduction
We set out the course structure and the assessment process.
2. Environment
We ensure you have a thorough understanding of the internet and its component parts, which is explained in a non-technical way to make it easy to understand.
3. Search Techniques
We explain and practice the use of search operators using Boolean search strings. We highlight the power of Boolean searching and demonstrate this with a wealth of examples.
4. Security
We highlight the risks to be considerd when conducting online research and then demonstrate best practise measures to maintain a safe and secure way to conduct intelligence gathering.
5. Legal & Welfare
We highlight the issues and considerations that need to be addressed during any research. We look at ethical, moral and legal considerations and touch on GDPR and its impacts.
6. Tools and Resources
We examine how to find and utilise free tools and resources which add power to your research and ultimately provide a more comprehensive understanding.
7. Source Verification
We explore the need to seek verification of research results and the checks and balances that can be put in place before content is reported.
8. Browsers & Search Engines
We ensure that you understand the different types of search engines and browsers – and how to get the most optimum results from them.
9. Localised Searching
We explore how best to focus any online searching in an effective and efficient manner.
10. Video & Image Searching
We examine different media types and how to effectively utilise resources to investigate and explore video and imagery media content.
11. Investigating People
We look at workflows designed to explore the opportunities available when researching individuals, looking at names, usernames, mobile numbers and email addresses.
12. Investigating Organisations
We look at workflows designed to safely explore the opportunites available when researching organisations, looking at databases and other resources that can assist an intelligence requirement.
Practicalities
For classroom courses, we can assist with local accommodation bookings in the Bath area. Tea,
coffee and soft drinks are provided throughout the course as well as a buffet lunch. (Special dietary
requirements must be noted at the time of booking)
For more information, or to book this course, please email training@intelmsl.com or use our online enquiry form.
