OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) is a term linked to OSINF (Open Source Information) that relates to sources of information of a non-classified nature. OSINT itself is the entire process from the initial gathering of the open information to the processing and analysis of the collected open sources through to the application of that acquired knowledge in a critical situation. This is what is referred to as the OSINT Process. Examples of the types of sources that can be considered 'open' are given here:
OSINT is not just related to open source information nor is it a replacement for an 'all-source analysis'. It is a distinct analytical process that "integrates world class human expertise with an integrated human-technical approach to produce just enough, just in time intelligence - information tailored to support a specific decision" (Robert David Steele, On Intelligence, page 108)
OSINT therefore applies the proven process of intelligence to the broad diversity of open sources of information, and creates intelligence. The key terms in this definition are given here (Source: Thomas Quiggin, Seeing the Invisible, page 158) and are displayed in the image above.
Discovery. "Knowing who knows" and "knowing where to look" are the heart of a global OSINT process, which leverages distributed centres of expertise and archival knowledge. Eighty per cent of the information needed to make OSINT useful is not on-line and not in English.
Discrimination. Careful discrimination between good and bad sources, current and outdated sources, relevant and irrelevant sources, and finally, between cost-effective and cost-prohibitive sources, is part of the unique value of the OSINT process.
Distillation. The most important value added by the OSINT process is that of distillation, so that the final OSINT report can be as short as a paragraph or a page, and can communicate to the decision maker the essence of the collective wisdom pertinent to the decision under consideration.
Delivery. The best intelligence in the world is useless if it cannot be delivered to the customer in a timely fashion, in a media compatible with the in-house system, with adequate provision for security, and in a format that can be easily understood.