The Intelligence Analyst’s Playbook

Master intelligence analysis with this comprehensive visual guide created by SANS author Matt Edmondson. This free intelligence analyst resource provides a field-ready framework for structuring OSINT reports with analytical rigor and clarity.

Core Features:

• 7-Part Intelligence Product Structure: BLUF, Key Judgments, Evidence, Analysis, Alternatives, Implications, and Outlook
• Calibrated Probability Language: Communicate confidence levels precisely
• Complete Intelligence Cycle: Direction, Collection, Processing, Analysis, Production, Dissemination
• Source Evaluation Tools: Admiralty/NATO rating system and CRAAP test for validation
• ACH Method: Analysis of Competing Hypotheses for rigorous analytical testing

Perfect For:

• National security analysts, corporate threat intelligence teams, OSINT investigators, law enforcement, security operations centers (SOCs), and anyone producing high-confidence intelligence assessments for decision makers.

This poster distills proven methodologies from SANS SEC587: Advanced Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Gathering and Analysis into a practical desk-side reference. Transform structured intelligence analysis from abstract concept into actionable checklist.

Explore more at sans.org/osint.