Open Source Intelligence

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Open sources have provided a useful stream of information for all source collection and analysis within the intelligence community. The use of open source information by the intelligence community is not a new phenomenon. During the technological boom of the 21st century open source has expanded well beyond its original capabilities. There is an important difference however between mere information and intelligence. Open source information is defined as “any and all information that can be derived from overt collection” (Lowenthal 2006, p. 273) comparatively open source intelligence (OSINT) is the transformation of legally available information using analytical exploitation (Gibson 2004).

Lowenthal (2006) proposed several strategic implications associated with the myths and realities of the intelligence community. He implied OSINT is unable to offer the intelligence community with all the information it needs because there is still a large gap between what is collected and processed. Until there is a dedicated focus OSINT will always stay adjunct rather than a contributor b...

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