ProQual Level 3 Award in Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)

Intelligence Cycle

We introduce the intelligence cycle, explaining the stages we go through to create in intelligence product.  It is the foundation of the intelligence process and the course.

Principles of Intelligence

We address the key issues and concerns that will be faced by the analyst throughout the intelligence process.  In addition, the module will explain the types and categories of intelligence.

Imagery Intelligence

The first of 6 modules considering intelligence collection disciplines.  It looks at how imagery is collected, including the growth in UAV technology.  The lesson addresses the strengths and weaknesses of IMINT.

Human Intelligence

Addressing the collection of human intelligence, from surveillance to agent handing.  It gives a new perspective on HUMINT.

Signals Intelligence

Looking at how signals intelligence is collected, from radio communications to phone intercepts and hacking.  It considers the strengths and weaknesses of SIGINT.

Open Source Intelligence

A hugely expanding collection discipline, from social media to the dark web.  OSINT is unique as a collection discipline because it is usually conducted by the analyst rather than a remote agency.

Measurement and Signature Intelligence

Looking at how MASINT is collected including RADAR, hyperspectral imagery and radiation detection.  The module looks at the strengths and weaknesses of MASINT

Material and Personnel Exploitation

MPE addresses how information is collected following an incident; this may be an arrest, a crime or an act of violence.  How can such information get into the intelligence process.

Collection Principles

If information is not collected properly, the rest of the intelligence process will be flawed.  The lesson addresses best practice in information collection.

Collection Planning Analysis

Introducing the collection plan, this module addresses the important questions of: What questions do we need to ask and who are best placed to answer them?

CCIRM

In a large organisation there should be an individual or a team responsible for managing the collection of information, this is the CCIRM process.

Introduction to Processing

Processing is the stage of the intelligence cycle most associated with analysis. This lesson lays out each step of processing, explaining its importance. It is the foundation of the next 8 lessons.

Collation and Evaluation

We understand how information arriving in many different formats should be treated as it arrives from our sources and agencies.

Temporal and Geospatial Analysis

We look at how information from disparate sources can be presented on a timeline or a map.  We look at tools that help us display and analyse temporal and geospatial data.

Statistical and Graphical Analysis

Analysts like objective statistical data.  It is easy to produce misleading data or to present accurate data in a misleading way.  We look at how to present data fairly and how to identify data manipulation.

Link Analysis

Mapping networks is a science in itself.  This module considers how to present and analyse connections between entities and the problems that can arise.

Why Intelligence Failures happen

From false positives to logical fallacies, this module addresses the main stumbling blocks to developing the best intelligence assessment.

Preventing Intelligence Failures

Following on from the previous lesson; we look at the fundamental techniques for clearly thinking through a rational argument.

Alternative Futures, Read Teaming and War Gaming

Structured analytical techniques are an important part of analysis.  We look at several techniques that can provide robustness to the intelligence process and act as a tool to facilitate collaborative working.

Analytical Software and Artificial Intelligence

Increasingly analytical software and AI are helping the intelligence analyst to complete their work. Spanning collation, fusion, analysis and dissemination, these tools are increasingly essential.  We look at some examples.

Assessment

The final step of processing. This is the culmination of the analytical process.  It involves developing hypotheses, developing an assessment from them and expressing a confidence in the assessment.

Dissemination

The assessment needs to be disseminated but even this can undermine the product if conducted in a clumsy manner.  We look at the best and worst practices for disseminating intelligence.

Working as an Intelligence Team

Beyond the intelligence cycle, analysts need to work with each other.  This module looks at work routines, and guidelines for managing colleagues in an intelligence environment.