OSINT: Open-Source Intelligence

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is a 40-hour course of instruction offered over five (5) consecutive days. This program involves the methodical collection and analysis of data gathered from publicly available sources. This encompasses Open-Source Information, Publicly Available Information (PAI), and Commercially Available Information (CAI), which include legally accessible information about individuals or organizations. Utilized effectively by law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts, and forensic computer examiners, OSINT techniques enable the parsing of vast datasets to enhance investigative outcomes, solve more cases, and conduct thorough investigations.

The IACIS OSINT Course offers a thorough introduction to the principles of research, collection, exploitation, and analysis of open-source data. This 40-hour course culminates in a 4-hour capstone project designed to consolidate the skills learned throughout the training. The curriculum is structured to equip forensic investigators, detectives, research analysts, law enforcement officials, cybersecurity professionals, and others with essential OSINT skills.

The course initially focuses on defensive strategies to safeguard personal and organizational integrity online, covering topics such as misattribution, managed attribution, and the strategic use of ‘sock puppets’. It also addresses the legal nuances associated with collecting, aggregating, and utilizing open-source data. Participants will learn fundamental and advanced OSINT research skills, explore manual and automated collection methodologies, and receive an introduction to the dark web and cryptocurrency.

Practical use cases range from supporting short-term investigations to applying persistent techniques for long-term research and employing OSINT in live operations. The course provides tools for conducting an OSINT needs analysis within participants’ organizations, ensuring the safe, legal, and effective application of these methodologies.

Key learning outcomes of the course include:

  • Understanding the scope and legal frameworks of OSINT.
  • Mastering defensive and offensive OSINT techniques for investigative purposes.
  • Efficient use of search engines to uncover hidden or deleted information.
  • Identification of individuals online and analysis of their digital footprints.
  • Navigation of the dark web and cryptocurrency fundamentals.
  • Analysis of various records such as business, public, financial, and archival records.
  • Utilization of different platforms for OSINT purposes, including social media, forums, and dating applications.
  • Application of image exploitation techniques for extracting information such as geolocations.
  • Employment of scripting in OSINT investigations.
  • Staying updated with the latest trends and techniques in the OSINT field.
  • Conducting an OSINT Needs Analysis tailored to specific organizational needs.

This course is designed to enhance participants’ technical prowess and foster an understanding of the strategic use of OSINT in a wide range of professional contexts.

WHEN:  May 5 – 9, 2025

COST: $2,695.00 US Dollars

COURSE SYLLABUS:

COURSE COMPETENCIES:

EQUIPMENT: Classroom laptops will be given to the students to take home and keep.

REGISTRATION: 2025 Course Registration will open in August 2024.

Existing IACIS members: Log in with your credentials and go to the Products page to purchase and register for the course.

For Non-IACIS members: Membership fee is waived with the purchase of the training course; however, to register for the course you must complete a membership application at the time of purchase. Purchase training course HERE.

****Payment MUST BE RECEIVED at least 45 days prior to the first day of class. Any payment arrangements other than payment through the website or payment via invoice must be approved by the IACIS Treasurer prior to admittance into the course. Please contact the treasurer for questions and approval (treasurer@iacis.com)

Cancellations within 45 days from the start of class to 31 days from the start of class will be subject to a $150 cancellation fee. There will be no refunds within 30 days from the start of class.****

* On-Site Check-in Times (student pickup of equipment, ID card, IACIS info) are:

             Sunday, May 4, 2025: 1800 – 2000

             Monday, May 5, 2025: 0700 – 0800

* Please make arrangements to arrive in time to check-in so that you may be in class promptly on the first day.

COURSE NOTES:

Please read the following notes regarding this class:

  1. Classes begin at 8:00 AM ET and conclude at 5:00 PM ET each day, with a one-hour lunch break. Classes will end at 4:00 PM ET on the last day of class. Please do not arrange for departing flights prior to 7:00 PM ET to allow time for travel to the airport and any security clearances.
  2. The dress code for the conference is business casual (collared shirts and slacks). The wearing of shorts, flip-flops, tank tops, etc., is not allowed in the classroom. Personal computers are not permitted in the classroom. Students are required to attend all classes to successfully complete the program. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements will not be issued a certificate at the conclusion of the program.

HOTEL BOOKINGHotel booking will open once classes have been opened for registration.

The course will be taught at the Caribe Royale Hotel, 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821 (USA). This hotel is 16 miles from the Orlando International Airport, has a large pool and spacious workout facility, and is close to Disney World and Universal Studios.

Book via the Caribe Royale Hotel site here. Hotel booking will open once classes have been opened for registration. If you choose to stay at a different hotel and commute to the conference, you may be subject to parking fees per conference center policy.

Or book via phone by calling the following numbers:

Reservations Toll-Free: 1-800-823-8300/1-888-258-7501 or the local number 407-238-8000.

CANCELLATION INFO: If IACIS is unable to hold the Orlando training event, then all students who have registered and paid, will have the option of a full refund or a reserved seat at next year’s training event.  IACIS is not responsible for any outside expenses (e.g., travel and accommodation) in the event of the training event being canceled.  Anyone who paid for training will receive complimentary membership through the year that his/her training takes place.