Level 1: Analyst – Course Two: Introduction to Intelligence Analysis

Start thinking like an analyst. This foundational course introduces core intelligence principles, structured thinking models, and reporting logic. Ideal for students, new investigators, and anyone transitioning into intelligence roles.

Key Objectives:

• Understand the Intelligence Cycle and analytic frameworks
• Recognize bias, logic errors, and data source integrity
• Build structured BLUF-style reports
• Learn to distinguish between raw data and actionable intelligence

Topics:

1. Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
   • Learn the steps of the intelligence process, from direction to dissemination.
2. Source and Data Verification
   • Evaluate the trustworthiness of a source and the reliability of its information and confirm the accuracy and legitimacy of data.
3. The Investigative Mindset
   • Learn to think like an investigator by mastering the critical, analytical, and ethical mindset essential for effective OSINT investigations.
4. Logic Fallacies, Biases, Discernment and Critical Thinking
   • Identify logical fallacies and learn to question assumptions. Identify and avoid common analytical errors and cognitive traps.
5. Bookmarking & Organization Tools
   • Use digital tools to track, organize, and revisit investigation sources.
6. Creating Timelines
   • Explore how chronological sequencing of events helps uncover hidden patterns, track the evolution of incidents, and improve analytical clarity
7. Note Taking
   • Structure field notes and organize observations for clarity and efficiency.
8. Basic Report Writing
   • Draft reports that are concise, clear, and driven by intelligence priorities
9. Mind Mapping
   • How to use mind maps to track evolving investigations, organize large volumes of information, and uncover relationships between people, organizations, digital assets, and locations.
10. Using Hunchly to Gather & Preserve OSINT Evidence
    • Discover how to capture, organize, and preserve online investigative evidence using Hunchly9s browser-based tools
11. Using Forensic OSINT to Gather and Preserve OSINT Evidence
    • Document and preserve digital evidence in a court-admissible format.
12. Canadian Case Law
    • Examine precedent-setting court decisions that define what9s admissible, what crosses legal lines, and how OSINT can support legal outcomes when properly collected.
13. Privacy Impact and Sensitivity Assessment
    • Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs) ensure OSINT investigations are not just effective, but legally and ethically sound.
14. Deep Web Tools
    • Utilize specialized search engines, indexing tools, and analysis platforms
15. Internet Archives
    • Explore historical imagery, cached sites, and archived elements to verify changes over time.

* To be awarded the OSINT Analyst Certification, learners must successfully complete all three Analyst-level courses and pass the final certification exam. Partial completion does not qualify for certification.