What
is different
about this course?
This distinguishing feature of this course is that it was designed
for investigators - those who need to search more aggressively
and use information more carefully than the general public.
Why
bother with the Internet?
The Internet consists of over ten billion pages
of information yet many investigators make only superficial use
of this amazing resource.
What
is different about the way investigators use the Internet?
There are three key differences. Investigators:
- look for
specific kinds
of information (usually background
on people and companies);
- research to a
greater depth;
and
- are more
critical of
what they find (they rarely accept something
at face value).
If the general
public
surfs, investigators scuba dive.
Is
the Internet the answer to every investigator's dreams?
No, the Internet is a means to an end. For investigators it is
primarily an aid to finding people who might have worthwhile
information.
What
does this course try to accomplish?
The intention of this course is to turn
those who already have some computer & Internet experience
into power users of the Internet and to reveal how the Internet
can augment their traditional investigative methodology. It covers
not only technical issues, but includes how to formulate good
search strategies and how to make sense of the results.
Are
all the answers on the Internet?
No, they aren't. Internet search engines are just the
beginning. Open source information includes commercial
databases, public records, company documents, trade publications, court
records, newsletters, analyst reports, academic studies and
the Internet. Today's investigator should be familiar with
as many information sources as possible.
How
can Open Source information (OSINT) help an investigator?
Open sources augment the information collected by traditional methods.
They can reveal new relationships between parties and
provide context
to an investigation.
Is
this course only
about digging up information?
No, it is also about organizing
and using
the information you find. It introduces
tools and techniques used by crime analysts and corporate intelligence
gatherers to validate,
authenticate, and analyze information so that maximum value is
obtained.
The course also
demonstrates how the 'Net can be used creatively and proactively.
Why
should I take this course?
Using open source information for
investigations is only cost-effective
if it is gathered efficiently and used effectively. This
course is intended to help investigators become more productive in
their use of the Internet.
What
is the bottom line?
Increasingly, the Internet is a cost-effective resource investigators
cannot afford to ignore.
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