Expert Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Research

Open Source Research is a non-intrusive way to retrieve information on some target person, institution or event using open sources. It is a crucial first step in almost any investigation and a continual reference point that anchors information received elsewhere. Open-source information OSINT puts events into perspective and contrasts what parties are willing to publicly share about themselves with characteristics they are more secretive about. TGI’s OSINT service provides a perfect quick scan of any subject and gives depth and context to in-depth investigations.

Expert Open Source Intelligence

Types of Operations

TGI’s OSINT service provides a perfect quick scan of any subject and gives depth and context to in-depth investigations.

Interested? Contact us.

Retrieving the Right Information

A vast amount of information lies at our fingertips in online databases, social media platforms, libraries, newspaper archives, and lists of public regulatory- and administrative institutions such as patent bureaus and chambers of commerce. Almost anyone will be able to find something on their subject of interest through a simple google-query. Still, to relate such findings to other pieces of information and assess the totality of what can be found on some subject matter, the professional search strategy differentiates itself from the casual online search.

Refining information into Intelligence

Due to its public nature, OSINT Open-source information may be unreliable, deceptive, and even purposely false. Because of the many guises, it might take on (reports, tweets, videos, audios, news articles, etc.), it is also essentially unstructured information. TGI has the know-how and experience to thoroughly analyse open sources through their metadata, employing cross-reference, and through content analysis to present findings in a manner conducive to policymaking and supportive of further in-depth research.

Making Intelligence Actionable

We specialize in making Open-source (and other) information actionable through scenario-building techniques. The first OSINT quick scan often provides the means to set up a primary 'probability analysis' and to make informed suggestions about the (business) opportunities and threats at play and the most likely profitable courses of further research. We are committed to delivering reports tailor-made to our client's needs and unique situations. Our intelligence puts you in control.

Our approach

Level of Impact

Indicate

The first step in our approach is 'indicate'. This step has the lowest level of impact—the act of indicating entails pointing out why something has happened. To save time and effort later on, it is crucial to start with the'  "indicate" step. The "indicate" step allows the formulation of well thought out strategies and can thus prevent common mistakes. At TGI, our specific approach entails mapping out the relevant playing field so that our client knows who is responsible for what and who they should approach. The indicate step explains why something has happened or why someone has done something. At TGI, we can use our expertise in various methods, from OSINT to HUMINT, to explain a particular phenomenon. The exact methodology undertaken depends on the needs and wishes of the client. A sound explanation of the past is a precondition for an adequate approach to the future.

Forecast

The second step in our approach is "forecast". Building on the first step, its impact is higher than that of 'indicate' as directions for the future are based on forecasts. Without careful consideration, unfounded gambles can quickly turn into expansive mistakes. However, on the flip side, inaction will always put you behind the competition, where you might miss attractive opportunities. This dilemma can be solved by basing forecasts on solid, up-to-date intelligence. At TGI, we have the expertise and methods to construct high-quality forecasts on various issues. In the forecast step, we extensively analyse the results from the 'indicate' step to determine the most likely course of action and worst-case scenarios. This allows you to capitalise on rewarding opportunities whilst being prepared for any threats to your business. An adequate understanding of the future takes away uncertainty and puts you in control.

Influence

"Influence" is the third step in the TGI approach and has an even more significant impact than "forecast". Whereas the previous two stages are intellectual, influencing involves exercising power on another actor to change their conviction on a specific topic and planned course of action regardless of whether the other actor knows that it is being influenced. The right influence simultaneously increases opportunities and reduces threats. At TGI, the 'influence' step predicts the positions of certain actors and indicates what has happened to determine how best to influence those actors. This means that we combine our research and analytical capabilities with our extensive network of influential people to create a new development or event and steer an existing development in the desired direction. TGI can influence the right actors or developments to put you in control.

Act

The final step in the TGI approach is "act". This has the most significant impact of all four stages. This stage is the final step since it depends heavily on a sound explanation of the past and an adequate prediction of the future. Furthermore, it is also impossible to act on developments or opportunities that have not yet been created. Acts are most effective if they are carried out with complete determination and the right combination of capabilities. At TGI, we meet both requirements. The "act" step is what TGI's approach is all about. The three previous steps have been building up to and laying the foundation for this last step. We have explained a development in the 'indicate' step, predicted the most likely course of action and the worst-case scenario in the 'forecast' step, and created the right developments in the 'influence' step. It is now time to capitalise on the opportunities created and have intelligence put you in control.

"Behind a veil, unseen yet present, I was the forceful soul that moved this mighty body."

- Jean Racine

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