Most of the paper is already written. I received some feedback from my course director and just do not have time to make the edits. I am just really bad at doing citations and even just citing my work according to APA format. Don’t need too much added to the paper but ill leave below the feedback my director provided. I don’t really see the need for visual aids or diagrams on the paper. Paper definitely needs a lot of formatting corrections. Thank you.
Content Feedback:
Introduction:
Your introduction provides a clear purpose, explaining your intention to explore the evolution of OSINT and its importance in intelligence and law enforcement. To strengthen this section, consider including a thesis statement that outlines the specific topics you’ll cover, such as the role of OSINT in national security, corporate investigations, and its future impact.
OSINT Over the Last Decade:
You effectively describe how OSINT has evolved into a core component of intelligence operations, highlighting technological advancements. However, adding specific case studies or examples of real-world OSINT applications (e.g., monitoring disinformation campaigns or tracking cybercriminals) would provide concrete evidence of how these tools have been implemented.
The mention of your work with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) adds a personal and practical perspective. Expanding on specific examples of how AFOSI integrates OSINT into its operations could strengthen your argument.
Technological Advancements and AI Integration:
Your discussion on the future of OSINT, particularly the role of AI and machine learning, is insightful. To add depth, consider providing examples of existing AI-powered OSINT tools (such as Maltego or Palantir) and how they streamline data collection and analysis. Expanding on how these tools help combat misinformation and deepfakes would make the section more comprehensive.
Ethical Considerations:
You address key ethical challenges, particularly regarding privacy and the need for a clear regulatory framework around OSINT use. Including specific examples of cases where OSINT raised ethical concerns, such as issues related to privacy laws like GDPR, would provide a clearer understanding of how these challenges impact real-world intelligence operations.
Sector-Specific OSINT Usage:
The section on the sector-specific use of OSINT is strong, especially your mention of law enforcement and corporate applications. You might expand this by discussing how OSINT is also used in public health (e.g., monitoring pandemics) or politics (e.g., election monitoring) to show the breadth of its applications.
Providing a real-world example of an OSINT investigation in the corporate sector or law enforcement (such as tracking illegal activity through social media) would add practical context.
Conclusion:
Your conclusion effectively ties the paper together, but it could benefit from a stronger forward-looking statement. Consider discussing the balance between leveraging OSINT for national security and maintaining ethical standards, especially as new technologies (e.g., AI, blockchain) continue to influence intelligence gathering.
Formatting Feedback:
Title Page:
Issue: The title page is missing formatting elements.
Correction: Ensure that the title is bolded, centered, and in title case. The title page should also include your name, the institution, and the date, all centered and double-spaced.
Example:
Title: OSINT Research Assignment
Jomalier Viera-Martinez
McAfee Institute
August 2024
Running Head:
Issue: The paper does not have a running head.
Correction: In APA format, the running head should appear on each page. On the first page, it should be formatted as “Running head: OSINT RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT.” On subsequent pages, it should display only “OSINT RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT.”
In-Text Citations:
Issue: Some in-text citations need proper formatting.
Correction: Ensure all citations follow APA format. For example, when quoting the Department of Homeland Security, the in-text citation should read: “(Department of Homeland Security, 2022).” Additionally, provide page numbers for direct quotes where applicable.
References Section:
Issue: The references list needs some formatting adjustments to comply with APA guidelines.
Correction: Ensure each reference is formatted with hanging indents, and journal or report titles are italicized. Double-check that all references cited in the text are listed in the reference section.
Example:
Department of Homeland Security. (2022). Ethical frameworks in open-source intelligence. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/Ethical%20Frameworks%20in%20OSINT%20Final.pdf
Larsen, O. H., Ngo, H. Q., & Le-Khac, N. A. (2023). A quantitative study of law enforcement using open-source intelligence techniques through undergraduate practical training. Forensic Science International Digital Investigation, 47, 301622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsidi.2023.301622
General Formatting:
Issue: Some formatting inconsistencies (spacing, alignment) need attention.
Correction: Ensure the document follows APA guidelines for 12-point Times New Roman font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins. Align text to the left and ensure that headings are properly formatted (bolded and in title case).
Additional Suggestions:
Visual Aids: Including visual aids, such as diagrams or flowcharts, could help illustrate how OSINT tools are used in investigations or intelligence gathering. This would make your paper more engaging and easier to follow.
Case Studies: Consider adding a case study or a hypothetical scenario that shows how OSINT has been successfully used in a high-profile investigation or national security case. This would provide practical context for your points.