Gathering intelligence for public safety from open-source information

Gathering intelligence for public safety from open-source information

Nowadays, like never before, we are surrounded by a vast amount of data and information flow. A huge part of it is freely and publicly available on the internet. The collected, processed and analysed data can be an excellent source for conclusions and informed actions for professionals working in public safety, transportation, infrastructure, health, government, and non-profit organizations. Especially for those responding to national emergencies.

When we join a task force for the analysis of an issue, we wonder where to obtain data or information that illustrate that particular course. Often, we do not even realise how much of relevant information we can gather from the so-called open sources on the internet. We are freely giving/sharing our data with different vendors and platforms. Every one of us has at least a few devices at our fingertips, which basically collect the most diverse data about us around the clock. We all leave a footprint or trace on the internet.

数以千计的其他设备，例如卫星，相机，信号收集设备等，每秒都在不断监视事件，事件和过程。收集的数据包括天气，交通，犯罪，金融交易，船舶运动，灾难，我们的社会行为，仅举几例。收集和处理信息的数据库由公共或私人实体维护，并持续更新。几乎每个人都可以使用大量信息。唯一的限制是能够搜索空间中存在的相关数据。

获得OSiNT见解
The method of gathering this type of data and information is called Open Source Intelligence (OSiNT). This information collected in OSiNT is freely and publicly available. It is not in sense of free software but rather information from sources, which are open and widely available, for example social media, blogs, groups, Deep Web and Dark Web. Or even conventional sources, such as newspapers or books.

Important to understand is that OSiNT isn’t about alteration of any kind of information or hacking into any databases. It is about gathering intelligence from already existing and available information and the interpretation of it.

The analysis of open source data on the internet allows us to trace even complex problems many times, make hypotheses, and make conclusions. Before starting the collection of data online, one must clearly define the goal and the scope of information needed for a certain analysis. The search should be preceded by answering specific questions such as the 5Ws1H:

• Who?
• What?
• When?
• Where?
• 为什么？
• How?

Visualising OSiNT

答案将使我们能够具体搜索范围。因此，确定收集数据的工具，应用程序和方法将变得容易得多。通常，对于一种类型的数据，我们会找到几种不同的工具。在收集信息的这个阶段，我们不得灰心，并得出虚假的结论，甚至可以分解搜索。或简单地更改工具。

One of the methods to elaborate on the analysed data is its visualisation. Hexagon offers several useful tools for the process of information analysis, location intelligence, and open source data. Take for example Hexagon’s dashboard exhibiting data on the spread of the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is an interactive publicly accessible map-based application that anyone can use to visualise and understand the latest information regarding the virus. The information is updated daily.

The basis for this application is information gathered from the Johns Hopkins University. Currently, the Hexagon map shows real-time COVID-19 information that allows dynamic analysis of the pandemic numbers.Hexagon Smart M.App’s solutionallows to layer any information available (open source) and can be useful with its location intelligence in the interpretation of this dynamically changing scenario.

在设计自定义仪表板时，用户应始终能够根据他们的需求更改和调整标准，图表和布局，以突出显示和专注于最多说明所分析事件过程的信息。在提出的解决方案中可能可以。对仪表板的订阅使用户有可能获取最新和大多数最新数据，并不断更新。

The second Hexagon tool to look at is designed for analysis in a geographical environment, and it is calledIncident Analyzer. This application is used to perform dynamic analysis on incident data to cover a wide range of applications in public safety, transportation, infrastructure, health, government, non-profit organisations, and many other commercial and non-commercial uses. Especially for those responding to national emergencies.

在这个应用程序中,由于数据和信息;n being assigned to a specific location in the field (location intelligence), we can not only track the interrelationships or progress over time, but also their distribution or changes in the assumed territory. An interactive map quickly displays the geographic concentrations of events like crime, response times, power outage locations, accident locations, traffic flow and disease outbreaks.

Of course, the analysis done in this application can be supported by data from different systems or devices. This kind of connected information increases the quality of analytical material, allowing organisations to understand patterns, target priority areas. It increases the accuracy of drawn conclusions and can possibly help to predict future incidents so that the agencies and organisations can efficiently allocate resources.

Harnessing, analysing and interpreting relevant data and information can be a tough task for decision makers and responders in the public safety, security and emergency response area. Hexagon’s solutions for gathering and visualising data (also from open source intelligence) in real time helps professionals to make informed decisions.

For more information about Hexagon’s solutions for open source and location intelligence, pleasecontact us.

During his 23 years of public service, Krystian Wojciechowski was a detective and then an analyst and head of a criminal intelligence unit in Poland. He now serves as the Business Development Manager EMEA Forensics (Central- and Eastern Europe) engaged in the use of 3D technology in the examination of the crime scene. Wojciechowski is also an accredited expert witness, academic lecturer and author of several expert publications. He has participated in many international public safety projects in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Malgorzata Krol在营销和业务开发方面有20年的专业经验，在Hexagon GeoSystem工作，是高级营销经理EMEA取证，领导该地区公共安全，法医和安全营销活动。bob体育报道她的角色还包括商业智能分析和公共安全领域的战略市场发展。

在加入Hexagon之前，Malgbob体育报道orzata曾在FARO Technologies担任公共安全和取证领域的高级产品营销经理，3D文档的产品营销经理（Laser Scanning）（Laser Scanning），国际分销经理和学徒培训师。她还是CRM，数字营销和营销自动化的专家。

Malgorzata started her career at the DaimlerChrysler Bank as Marketing Communication and CRM Project Manager, where she headed many international CRM-, and market research projects.

She holds a master’s degree in Banking and Finance from the Poznań University of Economics and Business as well as a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance from the WSB University in Poznań (both: Poland). Among others Malgorzata has a certification in Forensic Psychology from The Open University in Milton Keynes (UK) as well as a certification in Forensic Science from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (Scotland). She is also a member of the International Public Safety and Security Association.