Скачать или смотреть Building Community and Professionalism in OSINT

Barbara Alexander and Eliot Jardines of the OSINT Foundation are on a mission to transform open source intelligence from an often-dismissed practice to a professionalized, structured, and essential intelligence discipline. Their work focuses on elevating standards, building community, and creating a pipeline of career development for those working in OSINT.

Alexander recounts how the Foundation emerged out of frustration during the pandemic, as webinars and commentary on OSINT were often led by individuals with no real experience in the discipline. She and Jardines wanted to give practitioners a platform for peer recognition, skill development, and networking. The result is a growing national organization with its own certification initiatives and an annual event that has doubled in size each year.

Jardines notes that today’s OSINT practitioners must be fluent in data science, AI, and emerging technologies. The challenge is not just building tools but teaching analysts how to use them effectively. They advocate for more cross-training between technologists and intelligence professionals, ensuring both understand each other’s needs and constraints.

Importantly, the Foundation is also working to educate senior leadership in government. While mid-level professionals often understand OSINT’s value, buy-in at the top remains inconsistent. Events and awards hosted by the Foundation aim to bridge that gap and promote institutional support.

Key Takeaways:

OSINT is evolving into a professional discipline that demands structure and certification.

Cross-training between analysts and technologists is essential to maximize tool utility.

Senior government leaders need better education on OSINT’s capabilities and value.