Open Source Intelligence Investigation and Analysis

This course will focus on open source investigative data collection and analysis, both from online sources as well as local devices. The course will have three major themes. First, students will discuss some of the requirements and tools needed for investigations including investigator safety and protection. Second, students will cover the collection and analysis of data from open online sources, a technique called Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). This includes collecting data from standard websites, social media, and online discussion forums, mainly focusing on information needed to help identify the target, and their activities. Third, students will work through the basics of data collection from physical devices, such as laptops and cell phones.