OVERVIEW
What Is an OSINT Investigator?
An OSINT investigator may be called on to assist a number of different types of organizations—corporate clients, individuals, law enforcement, lawyers, and even nonprofits. This type of position exists squarely in the sector of cybersecurity; essentially, an OSINT specialists is the curator of publicly available evidence, curating, interpreting, and presenting everything found, creating a solid foundation from which colleagues will be able to act accordingly.
An open-source intelligence investigator specializes in case or news story development using their employer’s dedicated resources alongside open-source intelligence tools and strategies. The investigator is hired by police departments, journalists, cybersecurity groups, private citizens, and others to supplement an investigation or public research project, gather evidence, and create or add to a criminal profile of their suspect. Social media, websites, government records, and even identifying information like IP addresses can all be used to sleuth out the truth. Libraries are also utilized extensively by these experts; books, newspapers and journals, TV and radio broadcasts, photographs, and more can all be used to get closer to the target in question, often bridging gaps that might otherwise be totally out of reach.
You’re an OSINT investigator’s duties will include collecting information and intelligence, organizing and analyzing it, putting reports together on any relevant findings, and connecting the dots. This intelligence will usually include people, places, organizations, events, and crimes.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does an OSINT Investigator Do?
Open-source data collection techniques, including interviewing subjects, conducting academic research, web mapping, and database analysis, are all used to inform an investigation in supplementation of other case evidence as the investigator looks into the people, places, and organizations involved.
The OSINT investigator may work alongside law enforcement professionals, within a company or group, or even within their own private practice, performing important tasks such as:
- Planning a course of action from day one.
- Authoring thorough reports on every relevant piece of the puzzle.
- Cross-referencing information gathered with other resources, databases, and data sets.
- Briefing stakeholders and other leaders, presenting findings clearly and meaningfully.
- Writing memos, presentations, and white papers detailing what they’ve found.
- Providing recommendations based on their findings.
How exactly is this work carried out? Active OSINT collection involves making direct contact with the target in question, whereas passive OSINT collection instead relies on third-party sources alone. With experience, you’ll become attuned to the accepted conventions and best practices associated with this profession, providing value as both an investigator and a navigator in this world.
Usernames, images, videos, public records and data sets, geolocation, and other public accounts are all fair game within this realm.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become an OSINT Investigator?
If you’ve already got a bachelor’s degree in analysis, intelligence, or cybersecurity, you’re well on your way to any of several rewarding OSINT investigator jobs. We recommend pursuing a master’s degree in intelligence or cybersecurity if you aspire to go far in this profession. Why?
Senior-level and executive-level careers in cybersecurity usually demand some form of higher education or certification, especially when not directly related to a boots-on-the-ground skill such as hard coding or development. With a master’s degree in cybersecurity, you’ll be given access to a wealth of resources, mentors, seminars, and other forms of enrichment and first-hand experience
Aside from these fields, open-source intelligence certification can be obtained from a number of reputable foundations, including the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies. An OSINT training course can usually be found locally or online—at a nearby community college, through companies operating in the industry, and through networking events. It’s a great way to get started if you’re completely new to the profession.
Experience and supplemental certification can boost your income in this field significantly. Other useful certifications include those in CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), SANS (SysAdmin, Audit, Network and Security), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), GCIA (GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst), and ISC (Interagency Security Committee).
Best Degrees for an OSINT Investigator:
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,265 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,555 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
How Much Does an OSINT Investigator Make?
$112,000
On average, OSINT investigator jobs may earn you around $112,000 annually, or approximately $53.85 per hour. This figure accounts for those working with a bachelor’s degree alone. With a master’s degree, an OSINT investigator salary can be well over $150,000 per year.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?
25%
Experts expect that more than 129,700 OSINT investigator jobs will be available by 2030—unsurprising, as jobs in tech are some of the fastest-growing over the last decade. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a projected 25% increase in OSINT opportunities, making this line of work one of the most secure in its niche.
SKILLS
What Skills Does an OSINT Investigator Need?
If you’re a curious and diligent researcher, then open-source intelligence investigation could be an ideal career path for you. Mastery of the many tools you’ll be expected to use is one set of skills to acquire, in addition to:
- A very strong understanding of IT, networks, and cybersecurity processes
- A keen eye for detail and potentially missing case elements
- An analytical, detail-oriented mind
- The power of observation—that is, making relevant, real-world connections true to the intelligence gathered
- An understanding of the judicial and law enforcement system
- Great communication skills, both written and verbal
- A historical knowledge of famous exploits and notable cyber criminals
- Knowledge of foreign relations and international diplomacy
As with any career in cybersecurity, a passion for justice and an endless desire to get closer to the truth will both serve you well in this profession.
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