Digital era OSINT: formulating Special National Intelligence Estimates through open sources

Adopting Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) in the contemporary digital era has significantly revolutionized intelligence collection and analysis, thus becoming an integral component in formulating Special National Intelligence Estimates. Therefore, this paper critically discusses methodologies and processes for utilizing publicly available information to identify and evaluate potential national security threats in Malaysia. The study traces the evolution from traditional intelligence-gathering methods to including advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning in acquiring OSINT. Modern developments of OSINT, featuring efficiency and comprehensiveness in identifying critical cybersecurity threats and political instability and extremism, require permanent observation and analytical techniques. These findings stress the need for a clear understanding of both technology and human intelligence to effectively interpret the data and increase the readiness and responsiveness Malaysia ought to have in dealing with national security challenges. Therefore, this paper seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the importance of OSINT concerning national security and its possible impacts on policy formulations and strategic planning.