OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) training massively enhances police officers' efficiency and effectiveness. OSINT training is about one important thing: providing law enforcement professionals with the skills to collect, analyse, and use publicly available information. This info is what allows officers to identify and monitor threats, reveal criminal networks, and expediate smart decision-making processes.
90-95% of information for investigations is publicly accessible - but often hidden beneath layers of deep and dark web. OSINT training helps officers to cut through the digital noise. By using OSINT skills, law enforcement can work faster, investigate better, and use this boost to bolster public safety. OSINT training works - just look at the improvement in success rates.
What is an OSINT Training Program?
Our OSINT Training Program covers foundational to advanced techniques. Starting with the basics of data collection, you’ll move on to complex skills like cryptocurrency analysis and dark web investigation. A wide range of sectors will find our training invaluable: from law enforcement to national security, corporate security or investigative journalism.
To start, our fundamental courses typically cover basic techniques, such as misattribution, managed attribution, and strategic use of ‘sock puppets’ for anonymous investigations. Moving forward, advanced techniques include dark web investigations, cryptocurrency analysis, and automated data collection methodologies - using programming languages like Python and JSON.
For law enforcement professionals, OSINT Industries offers a tailored, unique hands-on OSINT training program.
Working on active cases in-session, our training focuses on real-world applicability at every turn. Each program is bespoke, customised to an agency's specific operational needs and leading to measurable results; past trainees have doubled their number of completed social media investigations.
Our renowned, knowledgeable and friendly trainer Tiago leads our sessions, with his extensive experience in coding for intelligence and OSINT tools. With his guidance, our trainees will gain knowledge of various OSINT approaches, including blockchain and cryptocurrency tracking, social media (SOCMINT), dark web investigations, GEOint, and the mechanics of disinformation campaigns. What’s more, OSINT Industries offers free training for agencies involved in child protection, demonstrating our commitment to #OSINT4GOOD.
Another notable program we offer is the SANS SEC587: advanced training in OSINT techniques. This well-regarded OSINT course focuses on enhancing trainees’ abilities to perform large-scale data collection and analysis, incorporating real-world scenarios and hands-on exercises. Participants learn to navigate the complexities of the dark web, detect disinformation, and use advanced image and video analysis techniques. The SANS SEC587 program is designed for expert investigators looking to deepen their expertise, as well as entry-level analysts seeking the most comprehensive training on the market.
Curious about how our OSINT training can benefit you? Book a meeting with us today.
How Long Does it Take to Learn OSINT?
How long does it take to learn anything! The time it takes to master Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) varies depending on your background, goals, and the depth of knowledge you wish to achieve.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical time frames for OSINT training.
Initial Learning Phase
For beginners, understanding the basics of OSINT can take around 1-2 weeks - unless you participate in our intensive training program. OSINT begins with familiarising yourself with common tools and techniques. Short courses, such as those offered by platforms like Udemy and OSINT Combine Academy, provide foundational knowledge within 1-4 weeks depending on the course intensity and your pace.
OSINT Industries, however, offers a three-day intensive training program, much more appropriate for those working in law enforcement and intelligence. Unlike other courses, our program is designed for in-person learning, customised to address the specific needs of each training group, and ensuring a solid foundation in a short amount of time.
Intermediate Proficiency
Intermediate OSINT trainees are gaining ease and proficiency with OSINT tools, applying techniques in real-world scenarios. Reaching this point can take 3-6 months. This stage involves practising on different platforms, engaging in practical exercises, and even starting small independent investigations.
Structured training programs, like the comprehensive courses offered by OSINT Combine, typically last about 6 months, covering in-depth OSINT processes and advanced search techniques.
Advanced Expertise
The highest echelon of OSINT! Becoming an OSINT Expert is an ongoing process. It often takes 1-2 years of continuous practice, keeping up with the latest tools, and conducting complex investigations. Engaging in advanced training programs and OSINT certifications - like ours - can expedite your journey towards total OSINT mastery. Specialised training in areas such as dark web investigations or cryptocurrency tracing also requires additional time and focused learning.
Key Factors
Several factors influence the time it takes to learn OSINT. Individuals with a background in cybersecurity, intelligence, or IT may find it easier to grasp OSINT concepts quickly.
Access to quality training programs, mentors, and hands-on tools also significantly impacts your learning curve. Regularly practising OSINT techniques and working on real-world cases can accelerate your learning too.
Wondering which training path is right for you? Reach out to our team, and we’ll help you find the best course to fit your needs and experience level.
The Benefits of Our OSINT Training Program
Our OSINT training programs offer a multitude of benefits for individuals and organisations who take them. OSINT training programs equip participants with much-needed skills for gathering, analysing, and using publicly available information (aka OSINT) effectively.
- Enhanced Investigative Skills
OSINT training enhances investigative skills; collecting and analysing data from various open sources, such as social media, public records, and online forums. For example, during a major international sports event, security teams can use OSINT to monitor potential threats by analysing online chatter and social media posts. This proactive OSINT-led approach can enable security forces to identify and mitigate risks before they happen. Therefore OSINT training not only sharpens investigative abilities but also saves time - providing expedient methods to gather and interpret information at-speed.
- Cost-Effective Intelligence Gathering
OSINT training promotes cost-effective intelligence gathering; OSINT can save organisations money. For instance, Aidan, an activist with the Traverse Project, used OSINT tools to trace and expose human trafficking networks. By using publicly accessible data, Aidan identified various profiles on platforms like VK, Telegram, Facebook, and iCloud - for free. This no-cost intelligence enabled him to expand his investigation and bring traffickers to justice without incurring any significant spend. OSINT’s affordability and rapid access to information allows organisations to allocate (or re-allocate) resources even more efficiently.
- Broadening Career Opportunities
For individuals, OSINT training opens up a wide range of career opportunities across industries. Professionals with OSINT skills are highly sought-after in national security, law enforcement, corporate security, and cybersecurity. Today’s increasing cyber threats have heightened the demand for OSINT-trained experts to help mitigate digital risks. Roles such as intelligence analysis, fraud investigation, and cybersecurity are now more accessible. Those with comprehensive OSINT training will find their job prospects and career flexibility significantly enhanced!
- Professional Credibility and Networking
Earning a certification from a recognised OSINT training program is a fast-track to greater professional credibility, and opens up a new world of networking. These certifications validate your expertise and commitment to OSINT, building trust among peers and employers. Additionally, OSINT is collaborative; completing a program plugs trainees in to a brand-new network of professionals and OSINT experts. Let the collaboration and knowledge sharing begin!
Does OSINT Training Make A Difference?
Let’s imagine two realities - and two OSINT investigators.
Investigator A Took OSINT Training.
An investigator with OSINT training benefits from enhanced analytical skills, advanced search techniques, and a deep understanding of legal and ethical boundaries.
This precision-trained individual can efficiently sift through large amounts of data, reveal hidden information, and draw accurate conclusions in just a short period of time.
Training has provided a structured methodology for OSINT, saving valuable time and resources, while also offering hands-on experience with the latest OSINT tools. As a result, this investigator is credible and reliable. They’re known for their good reputation and confidence in handling complex investigations.
Investigator B Didn’t.
Without OSINT training, this investigator may struggle with limited analytical skills and inefficient search techniques. This could lead to potential oversight, or even misinterpretation of important data.
Investigator B’s absence of a solid understanding of legal and ethical guidelines increases the risk of engaging in practices that could result in legal repercussions - and big trouble. Furthermore, they lack structured methodologies, so their investigative process may be time-consuming and less efficient, wasting important resources from the start.
This untrained investigator may also miss out on the capabilities provided by advanced OSINT tools, because they simply don’t know how to use them. This reduces the effectiveness of their investigations, and makes them less competitive when it comes to grabbing the best intel.
It’s a big difference.
The value of OSINT training cannot be overstated. Our training programs equip those that take them with the necessary skills to conduct thorough and efficient investigations - while adhering to often complex legal and ethical standards. The advantages of improved analytical capabilities, time management, and tool proficiency speak for themselves.
A compelling example comes from a private cyber investigator.
After discovering OSINT Industries' training program, this investigator managed to complete twice as many cyber investigations as his entire firm combined. With our training, he outperformed a team of eight investigators all by himself.
When fewer officers handle more cases, faster case closures result. Resources can be put to better use. Investing in OSINT training is not just an enhancement; it’s a necessity for anyone serious about excelling in intelligence and investigation.
Join thousands of other professionals who have improved their capabilities with our OSINT training and start seeing real results in your work.
