Open-source intelligence (OSINT) has firmly established itself in the intelligence cycle, among the tools used by journalists, experts, and specialists. But should this surprise us? Of course not.
The world has been undergoing a process of digitalization for years, and more and more data is becoming available online. Newspapers have transitioned from print to digital editions. Interpersonal relationships have evolved from face-to-face interactions to social media platforms. Resumes are no longer printed on paper and handed to employers but are available on platforms like LinkedIn. This is the modern model of communication and how society functions today.
This is the reality we live in. Now, ask yourself a very important question—whether you’re running a professional business, creating marketing strategies, working in a news outlet, conducting investigations, or engaging in any other form of information work—should you improve your skills in navigating open sources?
Do you want to thoroughly vet your business partners? Do you wish to respond to visible trends and adapt your actions to effectively strengthen your brand? Is it important to you to verify information accurately? Are you trying to learn as much as possible about the people contacting you, as it could be an attempt at fraud?
Yes, you should focus on developing your skills in open-source intelligence. But that’s not all! You don’t need to be a professional who trades in information. You can simply be a conscious citizen, someone who wants to ensure their own safety and stay informed about what’s happening around them. You should therefore develop your OSINT skills.
OSINT is for everyone. OSINT is here to help you avoid overpaying for flights on your vacation ✈️. OSINT will help you verify if the person messaging you on a dating site is real 💬. OSINT will help you choose the right contractor for your home renovation and find a company with the best, most reliable, and verified reviews 🏠. OSINT can be applied in every aspect of your life, and anyone can become an OSINT analyst! 🕵️♂️
And most importantly—you don’t need a technical background, you don’t need to be a programmer or a cybersecurity specialist. You don’t need to know math or statistics. All you need is to familiarize yourself with the right databases, tools, and tricks that will make you excel! Think about it! 😊
