OSINT, or Open Source Intelligence, refers to information collected from publicly available sources for investigative purposes.
Definition
OSINT involves gathering and analyzing data from publicly accessible sources such as websites, social media platforms, government publications, news articles, and public records. It is commonly used in investigations to supplement or corroborate information without relying on confidential or classified data.
Why It Matters
OSINT is critical to public records research and investigative workflows because it leverages accessible information to uncover details about individuals, entities, or events legally and efficiently, often providing initial leads or context that can guide deeper inquiries.