New book by Stephen E. Arnold explores intelligence gathering tools for open-source content

Stephen E. Arnold, search industry expert and author of the “Enterprise Search Report” and “The New Landscape of Search,” has announced the publication of “CyberOSINT: Next-Generation Information Access.” The 178-page report explores the tools and methods used to collect and analyze content posted in public channels such as social media sites. The new technology can identify signals that provide intelligence and law enforcement analysts early warning of threats, cyber attacks or illegal activities.

“This monograph has a single goal: Provide an individual engaged in investigatory work, military operations, and intelligence activities with a collection of technology capability summaries about companies building next-generation tools,” Arnold said.

In the preface, Arnold explains why security professionals need advanced technology: “Search delivering a list of documents to read is good. Next-generation information access with maps and dashboards is better. Cyber OSINT systems deliver what law enforcement and intelligence professionals want—high-value, actionable decision support tailored to need.”

The report provides an introduction to next-generation information access (NGIA) systems and profiles of 22 companies that are leaders in developing and marketing them. These companies organize and orchestrate collection, analytics, and output into a cohesive intelligence support system. The firms include Google, IBM i2, Bright Planet, Recorded Future, Palantir and Autonomy. Each profile breaks down the company’s offerings toward cyber OSINT solutions, including products, performance analysis, and key strengths.

“NGIA systems are integrated solutions that blend software and hardware to address very specific needs,” said Robert David Steele, former CIA lead for artificial intelligence and co-founder of USMC Intelligence Activity. “Our intelligence, law enforcement, and security professionals need more than brute force keyword search.”

“This is the first discussion of the innovative software that makes sense of the flood of open source digital information. Law enforcement, security, and intelligence professionals will find this an invaluable resource to identify ways to deal with Big Data,” Dr. Jerry Lucas, President, TeleStrategies ISS, said.

The information presented is derived from unclassified sources, interviews conducted with information retrieval experts, and consulting work that Arnold IT provided to some of the firms included in the report. The information is appropriate for law enforcement, security and intelligence professionals and organizations.

“CyberOSINT: Next-Generation Information Access” is available for $499 as a downloadable PDF document at https://www.xenky.com/cyberosint. For more information or to request a sample version that includes the table of contents, a chapter and one vendor profile, write to benkent2020 at yahoo dot com.

About Stephen E. Arnold, Arnold IT

Stephen E. Arnold is a technology and financial analyst with more than thirty years of experience. In addition to “The Google Legacy,” he is the author of more than 60 journal articles and a number of other books, including “The Path to the Total Network,” published in 1993. He also authored the first three editions of the 600-page encyclopedia of search called “The Enterprise Search Report.” He reports on the search industry in his blog Beyond Search at https://www.arnoldit.com/wordpress.

About ArnoldIT

Arnold Information Technology conducts research into online information and services. Founded by Stephen E Arnold in 1991, the company has provided technology services to organizations worldwide.