Why OSINT Is the INT of First Resort

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) recently unveiled a new strategy for open-source intelligence (OSINT) naming the discipline as the "INT of first resort." This raises the question: Why is OSINT the go-to intelligence source?

For mission leaders who are more familiar with other segments of the intelligence community (IC), the prioritization of OSINT might not be immediately clear. The answer lies in the evolving nature of intelligence gathering and the unique advantages that OSINT offers.

The strategy defines OSINT as “intelligence derived exclusively from publicly or commercially available information that addresses specific intelligence priorities, requirements, or gaps.”

The strategy strengthens OSINT as a core intelligence discipline and positions the U.S. government to capitalize on the full potential of open-source data and information. OSINT informs the decisions of senior policymakers on nearly every major issue facing the United States. As the community shifts to an OSINT-first approach, we need to understand why. 

1. Accessibility: OSINT sources are readily available and accessible, as they are derived from publicly available information. This includes information from the internet, social media, academic publications, and public records, among others. This accessibility makes it a valuable starting point for intelligence gathering, as it is often the quickest and most cost-effective method to gather information.
2. Broad Coverage: OSINT covers a vast range of sources and topics, which enables analysts to gather information on a wide array of subjects and issues. This broad coverage allows for a comprehensive understanding of a given situation or issue, which is crucial for decision making.
3. Low Risk: The use of OSINT carries a lower risk compared to other intelligence methods, as it does not involve intrusive or covert methods of information gathering. This makes it a preferred option for intelligence agencies and organizations, as it minimizes the risk of legal, operational, technical, or ethical issues.
4. Timely Information: OSINT sources, particularly those from the internet and social media, often provide real-time or near-real-time information. This allows for quick analysis and decision making, which is crucial in fast-paced environments.
5. Complementary to Other INTs: OSINT can complement other intelligence disciplines, such as HUMINT (human intelligence), SIGINT (signals intelligence), and IMINT (imagery intelligence). It can provide the 80% baseline context for these more intensive, costly, and sensitive methods to focus on identifying missing information gathered through these methods, thereby enhancing the overall intelligence picture.
6. Collaboration and Cooperation: The use of OSINT promotes collaboration and cooperation among intelligence agencies, organizations, and other countries, as it is a common source of information that can be shared and analyzed collectively. OSINT can be shared broadly without revealing sensitive information.
7. Accelerating Technology: With open-source data being the majority of data globally and advancements in technology, such as generative AI and data visualization tools, have further enhanced the capabilities of OSINT. These technological innovations make it easier to collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data. OSINT practitioners can quickly apply the latest technology to uncover insights and patterns that might have been difficult to detect using traditional methods.

In short, OSINT is considered the "INT of first resort" due to its accessibility, broad coverage, low risk, timely information, and its ability to complement other sources. 

As the strategic competition intensifies with rapidly expanding publicly available information, the need for a high-caliber OSINT team has never been more pressing. By aligning with an OSINT partner that can assemble a diverse and skilled team, you can ensure that your organization is equipped to navigate the dynamic open-source landscape and deliver the critical insights needed to maintain a competitive edge.