Internet Searches for Vetting, Investigations, and Open-Source Intelligence

INTERNET SEARCHES FOR VETTING, INVESTIGATIONS, AND INTELLIGENCE

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useful, the analyst should make a note about where to nd it again, and

maintain a list of useful sources.

SCOPE NOTES

The most important lesson I learned from over four years of Internet search-

ing is that based on client directions, time, and resource constraints, some

of the most critical references to a subject may not be found, which can

lead to the false impression that there are no derogatory references. The

vast majority of investigations will show only favorable or neutral infor-

mation about the subject. However, an inadequate search often misses

key references. Examples of poor searching include links not reviewed,

dependence on one or a few search engines and ...