This Ofqual approved, accredited course follows on from the ProQual Level 1 Award in Open Source Intelligence and includes all of the modules covered in the Level 1 course and more. This will enhance the breadth and depth of OSINT skills focusing on different social media sites and more niche platforms such as ToR (The Onion Router) as part of the dark web module. This module will demystify this often misunderstood platform and provide the tools and resources to conduct safe and effective research using it. The course also has focused modules exploring popular social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Telegram as well as emerging platforms such as Parler and Gab.
Benefits
This qualification and OSINT skillset is now an essential part of all areas in the economy – from commercial companies through to local and national government departments – and as individuals as we navigate our way through an increasingly digital world. The skills learnt on this course, through examples, can broaden research in gaining valuable knowledge for yourself or your organisation. It is also pertinent for any organisation worried about the online security of its staff and clients.
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. The additional focus on popular social media platforms will enhance your online skills in researching individuals either as part of an investigation or to identify vulnerabilities. Anyone involved in protecting people or company assets will benefit from the skills obtained during this course.
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 5 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 the world wide web.
- Legal and Welfare – We look at ethical, moral, and legal considerations including data protection legislation, privacy laws and copyright infringements.
- Search Techniques – We explain and practice the use of search operators using Boolean search strings, colon commands and wild cards.
- Security – We highlight the security risks to researchers when conducting online research and then demonstrate best practise measures to mitigate those risks.
- 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.
- Browsers and Search Engines – We ensure that you understand the different types of search engines and browsers.
- Localised Searching – This lesson will give guidance to the analyst who is researching in a region they are not used to, which may use an unfamiliar language.
- Video and 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.
- Investigating Organisations – We look at workflows designed to safely explore the opportunities available when researching organisations.
- 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.
- Source Verification – We explore the need to seek verification of research results.
- False Profiles – We introduce a selection of emerging sites such as 4Chan, 8Kun Gab, Parler and Reddit and show how these can be researched.
- X – We provide an overview of the evolution of Social Media with a focus on Twitter and how third-party Twitter tools can be used.
- User Communities and Forums – We introduce a selection of emerging sites such as 4Chan, 8Kun Gab, Parler and Reddit and show how these can be researched.
- Facebook – We explain how Facebook works and explore opportunities to gather further information.
- Instagram – We look at Instagram and some third-party resources that can assist with researching the platform and explore the cross overs and links between Facebook and Instagram.
- Whistleblowing Sites and Leaked Data – We introduce an awareness of whistleblowing sites as well as leaked databases and how they can be examined.
- Web Scraping and APIs – We show how to scrap websites and how to utilise API’s (Application Programming Interface) effectively.
- Automating Intelligence Collection and Data Analysis – We introduce how to automate elements of research and then conduct analysis on the results in an effective manner.
- Dark Web – We demystify the dark web and explain the different types of dark web that exist.
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.
