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3 things you must know about OSINT (2023)

26 February 2023

3 things you MUST know about OSINT (2023)

Operant Investigators - Your Trusted Partner in Uncovering the Truth

Open source intelligence (OSINT) has emerged as a game-changing tool in the realm of private investigations. At Operant Investigators, we understand the immense potential that OSINT holds, and we utilize it to provide our clients with comprehensive and accurate reports. In this article, we'll explore three crucial aspects of OSINT that every investigator and potential client should know in 2023.
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1. The All-Encompassing Reach of OSINT


In today's digital age, virtually everything you post online has the potential to be harvested and analyzed. By harvested, we mean that bots systematically gather, organize, and present data for in-depth analysis. This data, when combined with manually collected information, can unveil insights that may surprise even the most tech-savvy individuals.


For instance, consider the uncanny results of analyzing your online behavior for targeted advertisements. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't the result of voice recordings from your phone. Instead, it's a testament to the power of OSINT. Your online activities provide valuable insights into your preferences and interests, enabling advertisers to tailor their content to your unique profile. This can create the illusion that the ads you see are a result of recent conversations when, in fact, they're based on your past online interactions.


Confirmation bias also plays a role in this phenomenon. People tend to forget or disregard irrelevant ads, but when an ad aligns closely with a recent in-person conversation, it leaves a lasting impression. While the scale of data collection may seem staggering, it's important to note that most cases do not involve eavesdropping through your phone. OSINT's strength lies in its ability to analyze your digital footprint, making it an invaluable tool for investigators.

2. OSINT's Power and Limitations


While OSINT is a powerful and widely used tool, it is not infallible, and its effectiveness can vary. There are instances where the data simply isn't available online, especially when dealing with individuals who prioritize their online privacy. In such cases, traditional investigative skills become essential, involving gathering information from offline sources and human interactions.

Furthermore, the reliability of OSINT data can be a concern. Many open data sources lack the funding and mechanisms to maintain consistently accurate records. They often rely on human data inputs that may not undergo rigorous verification processes. Therefore, corroboration remains a fundamental principle in investigative practice. It's vital to cross-verify information obtained through OSINT with data from other sources to ensure its accuracy and reliability.


3. The Immense Value of OSINT


The value of OSINT cannot be overstated, particularly in the wake of events like the Cambridge Analytica scandal. OSINT data has the potential to sway election results, inform economic policies, and shape the course of major events on a global scale. However, its significance extends beyond the macro level; OSINT is equally indispensable in the microcosm of private investigations.


For private investigators, OSINT provides a powerful means to uncover facts, verify information, and deliver precise results. Its value is amplified by the fact that it is, by nature, freely accessible on the internet. Harnessing the power of OSINT can mean the difference between success and failure in an investigation.

Understanding the Nuances of OSINT & it's role in Investigations




Let's delve deeper into the world of OSINT and explore its nuances, applications, and potential challenges.

  • Data Sources and Collection Methods: OSINT encompasses a vast array of data sources, including social media platforms, public records, news articles, websites, and more. The collection methods vary widely, from automated web scraping to manual data entry. Each source and method has its strengths and weaknesses, and a skilled investigator knows how to leverage the most appropriate ones for a given case.
  • Tools and Technology: In the digital age, OSINT tools and technology have evolved significantly. Investigators can use specialized software to streamline data collection, analysis, and visualization. These tools help in efficiently sifting through vast amounts of information and identifying relevant data points.
  • Privacy Concerns: As OSINT relies on publicly available information, privacy concerns can arise. Investigative professionals must navigate the ethical and legal boundaries of OSINT to ensure they do not infringe upon individuals' rights to privacy. Staying up-to-date with privacy regulations and guidelines is crucial in this regard.
  • Data Analysis: OSINT data is only valuable if it is analyzed effectively. Investigators must possess strong analytical skills to connect the dots, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions from the data. This analytical prowess distinguishes a skilled investigator from an average one.
  • Constantly Evolving Landscape: The digital landscape is in a state of constant flux. New social media platforms emerge, online behaviors change, and data sources evolve. Successful OSINT practitioners adapt to these changes by staying informed about the latest trends and technologies.


The Role of OSINT in Investigations


The application of OSINT in investigations is multifaceted and extends to various fields:

  • Background Checks: OSINT is invaluable in conducting thorough background checks on individuals or organizations. Investigators can uncover information related to criminal records, employment history, financial stability, and more.
  • Due Diligence: In business transactions, due diligence is essential to assess the risks and opportunities involved. OSINT helps in gathering critical information about potential partners, suppliers, or clients, aiding in informed decision-making.
  • Missing Persons Cases: When searching for missing persons, OSINT can be a lifeline. It enables investigators to trace an individual's digital footprint, potentially leading to crucial leads in locating them.
  • Fraud Detection: OSINT is a potent tool in fraud detection. Investigators can trace online activities, financial transactions, and communication patterns to identify fraudulent behavior.
  • Cyber Investigations: In the digital realm, OSINT plays a pivotal role in cyber investigations. It helps in tracking down cybercriminals, uncovering digital footprints, and identifying vulnerabilities.


In Conclusion


In the year 2023, OSINT emerges as an indisputably pivotal instrument within the arsenal of private investigators. Here at Operant Investigators, we not only acknowledge its profound significance but also harness it extensively to furnish our clients with precision-laden and actionable insights. OSINT at it's core has engendered a paradigm shift within the realm of private investigations, offering an unprecedented connection to information that was once shrouded in obscurity.


Devoid of OSINT's invaluable contributions, investigators would find themselves constrained to the confines of traditional methodologies, characterized by their often laborious, exorbitant, and less efficacious nature. While the age-old practices of surveillance and human intelligence (HUMINT) undeniably retain their relevance, OSINT has without a doubt, changed the investigative landscape, endowing it with more economically viable solutions and broadening the horizons of investigative endeavours.


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At Operant Investigators, we embrace the power of OSINT to stay at the forefront of investigative practice. We believe that this dynamic tool allows us to serve our clients better, providing them with the highest-quality results while maintaining affordability. In the ever-evolving world of private investigations, OSINT is the compass guiding us toward a future where the truth is always within reach.
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5 reasons why OSINT is critical (2023)

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A common problem all agents encounter, especially so in cities is the problem of parking. A good parking location for a vehicle is essential in ensuring line of sight (LOS) and gathering recordings behind tint or disguised. Now you may be thinking, you would solve this problem through foot surveillance. This isn't always helpful, residential areas may not have many people on foot nearby, there may be nowhere to sit or bled in and a host of other reasons may want your bottom firmly planted in a car seat for this one. So you arrive or even better, as part of a recce (reconnaissance) or planning, you notice a parking problem. I find it helpful to break up the different problems into categories, I will list the types of scenarios. 2 Primary types of areas Urban - City or Town Rural - Villages, farms, greenery or forests Primary types of problems No LOS - Cannot observe the property or points of egress LOS but too distant - Cannot record of observe with any accuracy or with the level of responsiveness needed LOS but blocked - Your vision is obstructed temporarily Too close - The risk of exposure is too high and no places further away are available Primary causes of problems Temporary blockage by vehicle - A behemoth has just parked in your LOS Double yellow lines - No parking here Single yellow lines - Restricted at certain times, they will always be the times you need to be their All spaces are in use - The most frequent issue Moved too many times already - You've been moving around frequently and are reaching a point where further movement between spaces will compromise the surveillance A mixture - A mix of the above It is incredibly frustrating when your turn up to perform your surveillance and have nowhere to park. You know the client will not be happy and your stuck in a tough spot. Parking for private investigators is an essential part of the work and for some cases is strictly required to ensure good results.
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What do private investigators get hired for?

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Many people ask: "What do private investigators get hired for?" So, we've compiled a list: What do private investigators get hired for? 1. Surveillance. 2. Finding addresses. 3. Finding someone. 4. Verifying information. 5. Gathering intelligence for further action. However, this is not an exhaustive list of what a private investigator can do. There are many different applications and benefits of hiring a private investigator. Here are some of the benefits of hiring a private investigator: 1. Save money - Instead of dedicating an in-house employee to do the job, a quick and easy way would be to hire a PI short term to get the job done properly. 2. Save time - Time is money; private investigators investigate for a living, they can do the job quickly, professionally, and accurately getting the best results. The term 'Private Investigator is not that specific', but rather an umbrella term for people that act in the area of investigation - each with varying skill-sets and specialisations. Here are some of he common skill-sets a private investigator may specialise in. 1. Financial & Cryptocurrency investigations. 2. Business intelligence. 3. Surveillance. 4. Social engineering. 5. Tracing. 6. Fraud. 7. Background checks. 8. Employee absenteeism. 9. Property. 10. Company checks. Sometimes private investigators are picking up the pieces of a previous investigation, and can include many of these above listed investigations in one case.

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One of the most frequently asked questions is "Can a private investigator access my Instagram in the UK?". Accessing a Facebook account through a login and password procedure without permission from the account owner is clear. No, we cannot. A Facebook account is accessed through a login and password, which if accessed by a private investigator would be ILLEGAL under UK law. However, there are a few things you should bear in mind. Social media is by nature open, with the ability to share your most intimate moments whenever and wherever you are. However, if you are the subject of an investigation, skilled private investigators will use the inherent openness of this data to their advantage. The question of whether a private investigator can access your account through a login and password procedure is clear. No, we cannot. An Instagram account is accessed through a login and password, which if accessed by a private investigator would be ILLEGAL under UK law. At least without the account owners permission, which is highly unlikely to be granted if they are the subject of the investigation. However, a private investigator has many ways to access media posted a non-private Instagram account such as pictures, videos, stories, comments, followers, followers and more. To protect yourself, you may want to pay closer attention to what you post, while configuring your account settings for suitable privacy. Skilled investigators can take information from social media to pivot and find further details about the subject. This can be information from photographs, hashtags, statements, followers and other information. Utilising this effectively is what separates good investigators from great investigators as these types of profiles reveal a lot more then it seems on the face of it. You can see our video for an example of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) which is commonly used by UK private investigators. Instagram is one small part of OSINT and can be critical in gaining further insights into the persons history, behaviour, friendship groups, finances, lifestyles and more. Operant Investigators are a professional UK investigation service who utilise Instagram and open source intelligence in our investigations for our clients.
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