Intelligence created from public or open source information, including that published in the media, or legislation, annual reports, or directories, or available from conferences, theses, studies, websites, photographic satellites, or maps, among others. It is open knowledge, which differs from closed-access or clandestine knowledge.

An example of open source intelligence in use

The selection process of an employee in a company could imply, legally, an investigation, using open sources such as the internet and any information which is freely available on social networks. A prospective employer might use the open source intelligence, to confirm a “curriculum vitae” coincides with the person presenting himself/herself to the organisation when applying for a job.[1]