The 10 Commandments of Open Source Intelligence

1. Verify all information

It is crucial to always check the credibility of the data. This means verifying the primary source of the information, its publication date, text and audiovisual content, and whether it is corroborated by other sources.

2. Don't rely on a single source

One of the most important principles of open source intelligence (closely related to information verification) is to never rely on a single source. Always cross-reference information from one source with multiple other sources to ensure its accuracy.

3. Utilize all media types

Remember, open source intelligence is not limited to online media sources. Therefore, it is also important to consider physical and offline resources. This may include broadcast media, newspapers, magazines, books, archives and government records.

4. Combining technology and tools

Just as no single source has all the information, no one method is sufficient for a thorough investigation. Open source intelligence involves a fusion of techniques such as the use of advanced search strings, data collection and data mining, link analysis and web analysis, and tool combinations.

5. Respect for Privacy and the Law

Open source intelligence must be done within the law and must respect the privacy of individuals. This means not disclosing someone's personal information without their consent (also known as douching) or legal reasons, complying with relevant data privacy laws, and not violating the rules of the platforms, sources, and tools you use.

6. Stay informed about events

Open source intelligence analysts must stay abreast of current events and their areas of focus to understand the context of the information they collect. This means constantly monitoring the news outlets, social media platforms and any other relevant sources to understand trends and maintain your situational awareness.

7. Log everything

Meticulous documentation is essential in open source intelligence. It involves using a variety of methods, including data downloads, screenshots, site archiving, and note-taking. When done properly, documentation enables you to retrace the steps of an investigation, reproduce search results, and provide solid evidence.

8. Be mindful of your digital footprint

Always keep an eye on your digital footprint when doing research. This means staying aware of the information you share publicly (intentionally or not), hiding your identity, and masking your IP address and activities.

9. Open up

As an open source intelligence analyst, you must keep an open mind and be willing to consider different perspectives and theories. This means not dismissing information based on preconceived notions or biases, and being willing to consider other perspectives.

10. Continuous learning and improvement

Open source intelligence is an ever-evolving field, with new technologies and processes constantly emerging. Practitioners must therefore continually expand their skillsets, such as learning to code to automate many tasks, and educate themselves on the latest tools and techniques, advances in artificial intelligence, and security and legislative developments in order to apply them effectively when needed.

By following these guidelines, you can do effective and ethical open source intelligence work. However, it is important to remember that these rules are not set in stone, and as technology and the public domain continue to evolve, so must these guidelines. After all, open source intelligence is not a goal, but a method and a way of thinking.