ABSTRACT
Introduction Planning is essential to success in all intelligence and investigative collection. Exploitation of the vast quantities of data on the Internet and accessible databases potentially relevant to any topic can be greatly enhanced by preparation. Some preliminary queries may substantially add to the searcher’s list of URLs (uniform resource locators) normally used for the type of subject being searched (e.g., people, businesses, brands), and some preparations should be done just before and during searching.1 First, frame the question: What is known about the person, entity, or topic? Next, the search should be based on the following:
◾ Nature of the data needed: What is reportable? ◾ Purpose of the search (including potential uses of results) ◾ Best sources, including standard search engines and websites ◾ Geographical location ◾ Government jurisdiction(s) ◾ Resources available ◾ Time available (deadline)
After deciding on an initial search strategy, keyword choices should be made. Keywords should include all logical and likely variations of the name, nicknames, user names, e-mail addresses, and other identifiers that potentially could appear in Internet postings and databases. Reverse directories can be consulted for coinhabitants, significant others, and relatives. Sometimes, postings by people or entities close to a subject can include items containing important information about the person or entity of interest. It may be desirable to combine keywords
and use Boolean operators (and, not, or) to home in on the data specifically sought and perhaps find leads to further information. More about search strategy appears in this chapter, but it is important not to underestimate the value of preplanning.
