This Ofqual approved, accredited course will introduce you into the world of open source intelligence (OSINT) and provide you with the vital initial steps to obtain improved results from your research. It will explain how the fundamental components of the internet work, such as web browsers 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
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 is on hand to provide support throughout the process
Duration
Classroom based courses are 3 days with extra 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Security – We highlight the risks faced by the online researcher and demonstrate best practise to mitigate online security threats.
- Tools and Resources – We examine free tools and resources which allow researchers to take the next step in developing their own tradecraft skills.
- 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.
- Localised Searching – This module examines the use of language, browser settings and technical tools to immerse the analyst into a remote location to best understand that environment. Â
- Video & Image Searching – We examine different media types and how to effectively utilise resources to investigate and explore video and imagery media content.
- Investigating People – We look at workflows designed to explore the opportunities available when researching individuals, looking at names, usernames, mobile numbers and email addresses.
- Investigating Organisations – We look at workflows designed to safely explore the opportunities available when researching organisations, looking at databases and other resources that can assist an intelligence requirement.
- Searching Places – We use government and commercial databases, crowdsourced geospatial tools and online mapping tools to provide situational awareness in a geographical area.
- Content Capture – We demonstrate tools that will allow the analyst to capture online material before it is removed and discuss the processes to capture content to reach evidential standards.
- 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.
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.
