The role of artificial intelligence in open source intelligence
In the digital age, the type and scope of open source intelligence has exploded, from
public legal records to social media platforms to the dark web.
Historically,
before the development of automation techniques, the exponential growth of open
source intelligence data volumes overwhelmed analysis tools, making it difficult to
quickly provide enough insight to stay one step ahead of threats. Artificial
intelligence (AI) has dramatically increased the amount of data that can be analyzed
in real time. Today's artificial intelligence platforms enable intelligence analysts
to use open source intelligence as a foundation to help uncover hidden threats,
corroborate classified reports, and pinpoint targets that require resource-intensive
traditional intelligence gathering.
In essence, artificial intelligence
turns the challenge of big data volumes into an advantage, and ultimately creates a
symbiotic relationship with open source intelligence.
1. Scalability
Artificial intelligence, machine learning,
and automated tools are able to scan vast amounts of data and conversations, adept
at identifying connections and risks that require further investigation. To help
ensure protection against threats, analyzing open source intelligence requires a
24/7 schedule, and artificial intelligence helps maintain a near real-time pace in
assessing and identifying risks. These approaches drastically reduce the time
analysts spend collecting and processing data, instead focusing on extracting
relevant insights. Artificial intelligence solutions can be used to quickly observe
patterns in data and reach more sources than traditional human-driven searches.
They've even been very successful at detecting machine-generated threats (AI beating
other AIs that could be in disguise).
2. Accuracy
By
providing a more comprehensive and consistent treatment, artificial intelligence in
general can limit the number of errors when performing an analysis. Artificial
intelligence and machine learning do not replace traditional analysis by
intelligence experts, but they enable human analysts to prioritize time and focus on
the most critical information to form an assessment. Technology is now able to
provide national security and intelligence leaders with the basis for open source
intelligence insights that inform the strategic allocation of mission resources.
3. Task time limit
Artificial intelligence-driven
open source intelligence can also be used to assess any situation in real time,
correlating where threats and opportunities exist. Compared to the hours-long labor
previously spent on periodic re-examinations, screening can now be completed in
seconds and is a routine, precise and timely process that immediately alerts
decision makers.
With the development of artificial intelligence, open
source intelligence has never been more valuable or mission-critical. Now is the
time to fully embrace this readily available resource, as technology has advanced to
the point where open source intelligence can be analyzed in near real time.
Artificial intelligence won't replace intelligence analysts, but it can provide a
powerful insight base that helps them focus their time and attention on the most
pressing national security threats.