The Open Source Challenge - Essay Example

Open Source Intelligence Open Source Intelligence Open source intelligence is (OSINT) is a process of collecting information from the public domain (CIA, 2010). It is where investigative information is collected are generated directly from the public. Such public domain may include media, web-based communities, public data, and academic surveys. Potential benefits of OSINT include:i. Speed: ONSINT is the fastest method of gathering intelligence information form inaccessible regions. In such instances, the intelligence officers use television, radios and satellite information.ii. Quantity: There are several national strategists, journalists and opinion bloggers to provide the required amount of intelligent information.iii. Quality: OSINT sources such as newspapers can provide information that an individual under interrogation may not be willing to give an investigative officer.iv. Accuracy: Most investigative officers can collect information from the public before distortion.v. Cost effective: Information collected from social media, for instance, are less costly.vi. Ease of interpretation and use: Most intelligent community only collect information that suits their demands and intent.

Potential disadvantages of OSINT may include:i. The volume collected may be massive and separating truths from half-truths may vary significantly (CIA, 2010).ii. In cases of intelligent community fallout, there may be duplication of facts.iii. To be an OSINT officer one needs to acquire intensive investigative skills.American intelligent team used OSINT to kill alkaida’s leader Osama, and Godane who led Alshaabab. Based on the extent of competence displayed by the elite and exceptional intelligence officials, open source intelligence is vital as a security measure.

American elite intelligent team uses OSINT as among the disciplines to combat security threats both at home and outside the country (FBI, 2014). For military officials to manage perfect air strikes and eliminate terrorism, they must have used intelligent Satellites to determine the terrorists’ locations. The intelligent team must have also used direct information from local residents. There is likelihood that the team used internet to acquire the correct photos and information of the targets.

ReferencesCentral Intelligence Agency (CIA). (2010). IN Tellingence: Open Source Intelligence. Retrieved September 15, 2014 from https://www.cia.gov/news-information/featured-story-archive/2010-featured-story-archive/open-source-intelligence.htmlThe Federal Bureau of Investigation. (FBI). (2014). Directorate of Intelligence: Intelligence Collection Disciplines (INTs). Retrieved September 15, 2014 from http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/intelligence/disciplines