Blog
NIU OSINT Seminar: Foreign Intelligence
5/22/2023 8:00:00 AM
The National Intelligence University Office of Research continues its OSINT panel series, this time focused on foreign intelligence. A fantastic group of panelists including Randy Nixon, Clare Linkins, Corrine Geiger and Andrew Borene, and moderated by Melisa Stivaletti.
TextOre Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
5/17/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that TextOre has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
NWFCU is a Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
5/10/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Northwest Federal Credit Union (NWFCU) has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
FedData is a Silver Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
5/3/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce FedData Systems' Discover Solutions business section has partnered with the OSINT Foundation as a Silver Level Sponsor.
OSINT in the Homeland Security Enterprise Panel
4/26/2023 8:00:00 AM
The National Intelligence University is hosting another OSINT seminar on May 9th focused on homeland security with speakers RADM Rebecca O., VADM Kevin Lunday, Becky Richards, Stephanie Dobitsch and Andrew Borene.
FROM THE ARCHIVES: Properly Obtaining and Using PAI
4/24/2023 8:00:00 AM
Periodically, the OSINT Foundation will highlight critical documents available in our member archive. Alex Joel, the then Civil Liberties Protection Officer for the Office of the Director of National Intelligence produced this excellent guide for Intelligence Community OSINT practitioners in 2011.
SOAA Partners with the OSINT Foundation on OSINT Panels at the Library of Congress
4/20/2023 8:00:00 AM
Seerist is a Silver Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
4/12/2023 7:30:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Seerist has partnered with us as a Sliver Level Sponsor.
Find It, Vet It, Share It: The US Government’s Open-Source Intelligence Problem and How to Fix It
4/10/2023 8:00:00 AM
Thought provoking piece in United States Military Academy at West Point's Modern War Institute. The authors were information operations planners for the us European Command Information Operations and Special Activities Division and highlight their lessons learned. Given the prevalence of publicly available information exploitation in the national security sector, are common standards and an appropriate policy framework needed?
BAE Systems Gold Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
4/5/2023 7:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that BAE Systems has partnered with us as a Gold Level Sponsor.
NGA’s ‘Tearline’ project and the future of open source in the intelligence community
4/3/2023 8:00:00 AM
Chris Rasmussen, of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and member of the OSINT Foundation Tradecraft Committee was recently interviewed regarding Tearline Project's section as the inaugural awardee of the Turbiville OSINT Unit of the Year Award.
SOAA OSINT Event at Library of Congress
3/31/2023 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to partner with Special Operations Association of America on OSINT panels at the Library of Congress. The event is free - thank you SOAA for your leadership!
SOAA Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
3/29/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA) has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
NGA Tearline Project Manager Named Liaison to OSINT Foundation
3/28/2023 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to welcome Chris Rasmussen as our first official DoD liaison. Our thanks to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for their long history of support for the OSINT discipline, and for leading the way with efforts like the Tearline Project.
OSINT Foundation Publishes Annual Report for 2022
3/27/2023 7:00:00 AM
We would like to thank our members, corporate sponsors, our advisory board, and innumerable partners who have made 2022 such an auspicious year for the Foundation. While the annual report covers only five months since our launch, we are very proud of the progress made so far, and of the momentum we are carrying into 2023.
Avoiding the Secrecy Trap in Open Source Intelligence
3/23/2023 7:00:00 AM
A unique and very thought provoking perspective from OSINT Foundation member Chris Rasmussen, who is writing in his personal capacity.
Booz Allen Hamilton Becomes OSINT Foundation Platinum Sponsor
3/22/2023 7:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Booz Allen Hamilton has partnered with us as a Platinum Level Sponsor.
OSINT Foundation Launches Resourcing/Policy Committee
3/20/2023 7:00:00 AM
Today, the OSINT Foundation launched the Resourcing/Policy Committee, which is tasked with advocating for an OSINT program of record at each Intelligence Community element, and recommending appropriate strategies and policies for the OSINT enterprise at scale.
Nisos Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
3/15/2023 7:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Nisos has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
Mediums of PAI Document Released
3/13/2023
Today the OSINT Foundation announces the publication of our authoritative document on the mediums of publicly available information. The document establishes the four mediums which represent the totality of the PAI environment at this time. The document also provides clarification regarding topics such as gray literature, and observation vs. elicitation.
ManpowerGroup Public Sector Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
3/8/2023 7:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that ManpowerGroup Public Sector has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
Lt. Gen. Laura Potter Receives OSINT Advocate Award
3/6/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation announces the inaugural award of the Markowitz IC OSINT Advocate Award to Lt. Gen. Laura Potter, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2, U.S. Army. The Dr. Joseph Markowitz IC OSINT Advocate Award recognizes the U.S. Intelligence Community senior leader who has advanced the open-source intelligence discipline, demonstrated advocacy of the OSINT practitioner profession, and taken steps to establish or strengthen a program of record for OSINT in their agency.
Army OSINT Office - 4 Vacancies - GG-13
3/3/2023 6:00:00 AM
The Army OSINT Office is hiring. Looking for qualified personnel to fill four critical positions: Technology Branch Chief, Signature Reduction Branch Chief, Budget & Contracting Specialist, and Training & Tradecraft Branch Chief. All three positions are GG-13 permanent positions. Hiring will take place during the Army Intelligence Virtual Career Fair on March 15th.
NGA’s Tearline Awarded OSINT Unit of the Year Award
3/1/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation announces the inaugural award of the Turbiville OSINT Unit of the Year Award to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s Tearline Project. The award recognizes the Intelligence Community unit that has demonstrated exceptional impact to national security and has materially contributed to the OSINT discipline.
National OSINT Day Proclamation
2/26/2023 8:00:00 AM
The membership of the OSINT Foundation, the professional association of U.S. Intelligence Community open-source intelligence (OSINT) practitioners, has voted in favor of establishing an annual day of recognition for the OSINT discipline. In recognition of the contributions made to the national security of the United States by OSINT practitioners and the OSINT discipline, the Foundation has designated February 26th as National OSINT Day.
OSINT Foundation Participates in First #CyberChats Podcast
2/16/2023 8:00:00 AM
The National Cryptologic Foundation's #CyberChats podcast is aimed at students with a focus on cybersecurity. Our Director of Operations was interviewed for the first episode regarding the risks of social media.
Practitioner Committee Proposes Mediums of PAI Document
2/1/2023 7:30:00 AM
The Practitioner Committee released a proposed mediums of publicly available information document today in the member portal (which begins a 30-day member comment period). Comments received will be reviewed by the committee and a final set of definitions posted to the OSINT Foundation website.
Intelligence After Next: Surveillance Technologies Are Imbedded Into The Fabric Of Modern Life - The IC Must Respond
1/17/2023 8:00:00 AM
Short white paper by MITRE regarding the national security implications of AdTech - very approachable discussion with a call for a comprehensive response strategy by the Intelligence Community.
CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY: Blue OSINT
1/9/2023 7:00:00 AM
The U.S. Government recognizes that open-source data is an underutilized resource in advancing science and technology (S&T) dominance. The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks access to this specialized S&T OSINT expertise in order to develop a complete picture of adversarial S&T, and to ensure that relevant sources of OSINT information are applied to this challenge. Responses due by January 12th.
OSINT Foundation on Cognitive Crucible Podcast
1/5/2023 8:00:00 AM
Our thanks to the Information Professionals Association for reaching out to us about participating in the Cognitive Crucible podcast. We appreciate the opportunity to discuss our discipline and, in particular, to offer two research questions for future inquiry.
Flashpoint Silver Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
1/3/2023 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Flashpoint has partnered with us as a Silver Level Sponsor.
OSINT Foundation Establishes Scholarship Fund
12/19/2022 8:00:00 AM
As part of our strategic goal to develop the practitioner community, we are happy to announce that the Foundation, has established a scholarship fund. The Foundation's leadership has committed up to $2,000 in matching funds for all donations made to the Fund between now and the end of the year! Please consider making an end of year contribution - your gift will have double the impact during this match challenge.
Seasons Greetings From The OSINT Foundation
12/16/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation would like to thank our members, corporate sponsors, and followers for their support and encouragement as we complete our first quarter of operations. We wish you all a joyful holiday season and a very happy New Year!
Skilling Awarded Inaugural Waller IC OSINT Practitioner Award
12/14/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Matthew Skilling is the inaugural recipient of the LTC Ed Waller Intelligence Community OSINT Practitioner of the Year award.
OSINT Foundation Awards Are In!
12/12/2022 8:00:00 AM
The inaugural IC OSINT awards have arrived and they look amazing. We are working with the relevant governmental public affairs offices to coordinate the presentations for this year’s winners. For next year we are planning more awards and an awards banquet in November!
OSINT Foundation Launches Tradecraft Committee
12/5/2022 7:00:00 AM
Today, the OSINT Foundation launched the Tradecraft Committee, which is tasked with evaluating, documenting, and promulgating OSINT tradecraft best practices.
OSINT Definitions Document Released
11/28/2022 8:00:00 AM
Today the OSINT Foundation announces the publication of our authoritative document on open-source intelligence (OSINT) definitions. This document supports our strategic goals of formalizing the OSINT discipline’s tradecraft and establishing professional certifications.
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Recorded Future Gold Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
11/14/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Recorded Future has partnered with us as a Gold Level Sponsor.
A Dozen Years of Little CUI Progress
11/7/2022 8:00:00 AM
An ignominious milestone in the lack of progress with regards to revamping the old FOUO/SBU framework. The current state of affairs is both deeply frustrating but also impedes the IC’s OSINT efforts, particularly when it comes to widest dissemination of OSINT products. The Intelligence and National Security Alliance report on the CUI program is well worth the read.
OSINT Foundation President Briefs Defense Intelligence Alumni Association
11/1/2022 8:00:00 AM
OSINT Foundation President Barbara Alexander spoke at the Defense Intel Alumni Association Forum about the mission and activities of the Foundation. She provided an overview of the Foundation since its launch, fielded questions about OSINT generally, and encouraged DIAA members to check us out.
IC OSINT Advocate Award Named for Dr. Joseph Markowitz
10/24/2022
We are pleased to announce the IC OSINT Advocate Award has been named after Dr. Joseph Markowitz. The award recognizes recognizes the U.S. Intelligence Community senior leader who has greatly advanced the OSINT discipline. Dr. Joseph Markowitz served as the first Director of the Community Open Source Program Office (COSPO) and dramatically advanced the Intelligence Community's OSINT capabilities.
IC OSINT Practitioner of the Year Award Named for LTC Ed Waller
10/17/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are pleased to announce the IC OSINT Practitioner of the Year award has been named after LTC Ed Waller. The award recognizes the OSINT professional who has demonstrated exceptional service to the nation. LTC Waller served as an military intelligence officer, and in his second career with ODNI, drove both innovation and common standards for the discipline. He was a tireless advocate for OSINT practitioners and was highly regarded by IC senior leaders and peers.
National Security Strategy Calls for Greater Integration of Open Sources
10/13/2022 8:00:00 AM
The recently released NSS highlights the IC's need to enhance the integration of open sources. On page 46 under "Sharpen Our Tools of Statecraft" it states, "Adapting the Intelligence Community (IC), including by aligning our organizations to better address competition, embracing new data tools, and enhancing integration of open source material."
OSINT Unit Award Named For Dr. Graham Turbiville
10/10/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are pleased to announce the OSINT Unit of the Year award has been named after Dr. Graham Turbiville. The award recognizes the U.S. Intelligence Community unit which has demonstrated exceptional impact to national security and contributed to the OSINT discipline. Dr. Graham Hall Turbiville, Jr., served as Director of the U.S. Army Foreign Military Studies Office, a widely respected member of the defense intelligence community, and steadfast advocate of open-source intelligence.
Commentary: Boosting OSINT Use: A Smart Move
10/3/2022 8:00:00 AM
AFCEA President LTG Susan W. Lawrence, USA (Ret) advocates for the expansion in use of OSINT. We are particularly pleased with her support for professional standards and the standardization of OSINT credentials.
OSINT Foundation Briefs House Homeland Security Committee Staff
9/19/2022 8:00:00 AM
The staff of the House Homeland Security Committee's Subcommittee on Intelligence and Counterterrorism recently requested an overview briefing on the OSINT Foundation. Our thanks to the Subcommittee staff, as well as the staff of both Chairwoman Elissa Slotkin and Ranking Member August Pfluger for attending the briefing, and for the insightful questions.
AFIO Now Interview with OSINT Foundation Director of Operations
9/15/2022 8:00:00 AM
A wide ranging interview covering the definition and role of OSINT, historical examples and a discussion of where OSINT is headed in the future.
Practitioner Committee Proposes Definitions
9/6/2022 6:00:00 PM
The Practitioner Committee released a proposed definitions document today in the member portal, (which begins a 30-day member comment period) for the terms OSINT, PAI and CAI. Comments received will be reviewed by the committee and a final set of definitions posted to the OSINT Foundation website. Become a member today and let your voice be heard!
OSINT Foundation Launches Practitioner Committee
9/1/2022 8:00:00 AM
Today, the OSINT Foundation launched the Practitioner Committee, which is tasked with delineating fundamental concepts of the open-source intelligence discipline. The OSINT Foundation, which began operations on August 1, is the professional association for Intelligence Community OSINT practitioners.
Resource: Academic Solicitation
8/20/2022 8:00:00 AM
A great resource by the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) on academic solicitation by hostile foreign actors. How do foreign intelligence services select their targets? OSINT - remember it works both ways!
Guidehouse Bronze Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
8/15/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Guidehouse has partnered with us as a Bronze Level Sponsor.
Elevating the Open Source Community in the IC
8/11/2022 8:00:00 AM
OSINT Foundation Featured in Justin Doubleday's Inside the IC podcast. 52 minutes dedicated to OSINT and the work of the OSINT Foundation.
Gnosis Solutions Platinum Sponsor of the OSINT Foundation
8/8/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce that Gnosis Solutions, Incorporated has partnered with us as a Platinum Level Sponsor.
OSINT Foundation Begins Operations
8/1/2022 8:00:00 AM
Today is the official launch of the newly formed Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Foundation. Created by former Intelligence leaders who recognize the critical role open source intelligence plays in national security, the OSINT Foundation is a professional association whose mission is to promote OSINT tradecraft, elevate the discipline, and develop the practitioner community to advance the national security of the United States.
Ron Burgess Joins Advisory Board
7/29/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Ron Burgess has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. LTG Burgess is Executive Vice President at Auburn University. He served as the 17th Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, and Acting Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
MG Barbara Fast Joins Advisory Board
7/28/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Barbara Fast has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. MG Fast is President/CEO of BGF Enterprises, LLC. She served as Deputy Director, Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCIC), and Commanding General, U.S. Army Intelligence Center and Fort Huachuca. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
New OSINT foundation aims to ‘professionalize’ open source discipline across spy agencies
7/27/2022 2:00:00 PM
Federal News Network published an in-depth article on the Foundation, discussing in detail the goals of the OSINT Foundation as well as what can be learned from the hobbyist community.
Dr. Tom Fingar Joins Advisory Board
7/27/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Tom Fingar has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. Dr. Fingar is a Shorenstein APARC Fellow at Stanford University. He served as the first Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Analysis and Chairman of the National Intelligence Council. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
OSINT Foundation Launch Featured in Wall Street Journal
7/27/2022 6:00:00 AM
The article entitled, "New Group to Promote Open-Source Intelligence, Seen as Vital in Ukraine War: Social media, satellite images, mobile-phone data can yield as much insight as traditional espionage, but few rules exist," covered the stand-up of the Foundation and its leadership.
Dr. Eric Haseltine Joins Advisory Board
7/26/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Eric Haseltine has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. Dr. Haseltine is the Chairman of the Board of the US Technology Leadership Council. He served as the Associate Director of National Intelligence for Science and Technology, and was Executive Vice President of Walt Disney Imagineering. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
Sharon Houy Joins Advisory Board
7/25/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Sharon Houy has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. Ms. Houy is a retired defense intelligence senior executive. She served as the Chief of Staff, Associate Deputy Director, and Vice Deputy Director of Analysis at the Defense Intelligence Agency. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
Patrick Neary Joins Advisory Board
7/22/2022 8:00:00 AM
We are very pleased to announce Patrick Neary has joined the OSINT Foundation Board of Advisors. Mr. Neary is a retired intelligence senior executive. He served as the IC's Chief of Analytic Integrity and Standards, as well as Associate Deputy Undersecretary for Research at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The OSINT Foundation Advisory Board provides thought leadership, advocacy, and subject matter expertise in support of our mission.
Barbara Alexander Named President of the OSINT Foundation
7/20/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is very pleased to announce Barbara Alexander as President. Mrs. Alexander’s leadership was instrumental in establishing the Foundation, and in this role she will provide strategic direction and oversight. As the former Director of the Collection Requirements Division at DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis, she oversaw the Department’s OSINT activities and established the DHS Open Source Enterprise.
Eliot Jardines Joins OSINT Foundation As Director of Operations
7/18/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is very pleased to announce Eliot Jardines as our Director of Operations. Dr. Jardines has been instrumental in the establishment of the Foundation and will shepherd the Foundation’s committees and subcommittees. As a life-long OSINT practitioner, he brings deep expertise and unique experience having served as the inaugural Assistant Deputy Director of National Intelligence for Open Source.
National Security Memorandum on The President’s Intelligence Priorities
7/12/2022 8:00:00 AM
Executive Order addressing the new process for establishing Presidential Intelligence Priorities (PIP) and how it impacts the National Intelligence Priorities Framework (NIPF). How will this impact the IC's OSINT activities, and what role does the NIPF play in funding for OSINT?
OIG Notes Improvements in Collecting, Managing and Protecting Open Source Intelligence
7/9/2022 8:00:00 AM
Article discusses the DHS Office of the Inspector General report OIG-22-50 which covers the process improvements embarked upon by DHS Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A), Open Source Collection Operations (OSCO) group. Practitioners and OSINT managers will find a good summary of the structural and policy requirements for IC OSINT activities.
What good is intelligence in Ukraine?
7/4/2022 3:00:00 PM
A very thought provoking article from Ron Marks who is well known in OSINT circles. He mentions the explosion in publicly available information available in the Russian war against Ukraine, and makes the point that more information is not necessarily better - what do you think?
Spy Agencies Must Realise the Power of Open Source Intelligence
6/6/2022 8:00:00 AM
Summary of an excellent report on the Future of Open Source Intelligence for UK National Security published by the Royal United Services Institute and the Alan Turing Institute. Article has a link to the full report which is a must read for U.S. OSINT practitioners and policymakers as the majority of the recommendations and barriers to progress are directly applicable to the U.S. Intelligence Community.
Open Source Intelligence May Be Changing Old-School War
5/24/2022 8:00:00 AM
The transformational role OSINT is playing in the Russian war against Ukraine and how OSINT may impact future conflicts. The article raises an important issue for OSINT practitioners, namely the value of "missing information" which may serve as an indicator. Should we be focusing as much effort in analyzing what is information is missing as we do on analyzing that which was acquired?
State Department Intelligence Arm to Set up Open Source Coordination Office
5/23/2022 8:00:00 AM
Interview with Brett Holmgren, Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research regarding INR's establishment of the Strategic Open Source Coordination Office. The State Department has a long and distinguished history with regards to OSINT and the collection of publicly available information in support of the Nation's diplomatic efforts. The SOSCO represents a maturation of OSINT within the Department and we look forward to hearing more about this office's efforts.
Spy Agencies Look to Standardize Use of Open Source Intelligence
5/13/2022 8:00:00 AM
Interview with Patrice Tibbs, chief of community open source at CIA and Brad Ahlskog, chief of the Open Source Integration Center at DIA regarding common standards and data. Of interest is Ms. Tibbs' concerns about the OSINT workforce stating, “... it’s just having the individuals with the right skill set and the motivation to come in and really take on these challenging roles, especially in the federal government realm.”
NGA Tearline Team Wins IC Award Again!
5/12/2022 8:00:00 AM
Congratulations to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency Tearline team for another IC award! The NGA Tearline Project partners with non-profit groups to create public-facing, open-source intelligence on various strategic, economic and humanitarian intelligence topics that tend to be under-reported with in-depth or long-form formats. For this work, the NGA Tearline Project received the IC Transparency Team of the Year Award.
Senate Intelligence Committee Discusses Science and Tech Monitoring to Outcompete China
5/11/2022 6:30:00 AM
Article summarizing congressional testimony regarding China's unlawful technology transfer activities which allegedly relies on over 60,000 open source exploiters. Testimony by Dewey Murdick, Director of Georgetown’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology, at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on May 11, 2022.
The Re-awakening of Open-Source Intelligence
4/7/2022 8:00:00 AM
OSINT fundamentals from the U.S. Army perspective. Published in the MI Professional Bulletin (MIPB) the official journal of the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps.
OSINT Foundation Publishes Mission & Vision Statement
3/4/2022 8:00:00 AM
The OSINT Foundation is pleased to announce our mission and vision statements. Our mission statement is to promote open source intelligence tradecraft, elevate the discipline, and develop the practitioner community to advance the national security of the United States.