“Connecting the dots” or more precisely - failure to “connect the dots” is an often used colloquialism heard after a tragic event just occurred. 9-11, Richard Reid - aka the “shoe bomber”, Westgate shopping mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya and the Boston marathon bombing are a few of the horrific attacks that caused post incidence and retrospective examination of intelligence gaps and failures.
The systemic breakdown to analyze lead information (dots) and the inability to piece together data (intelligence) for actionable intelligence is not the result of a lack of information/intelligence, but how the information or data is being analyzed. Open source data or intelligence (OSINT) generates an incomprehensible amount of information daily, much of which becomes history soon after it is collected. People or groups of people - good and bad communicate with each other and often do so via open source channels. Even though criminal communications are likely disguised or coded from their true evil intent, it is probable that within this vast array of information being shared lies the answer to successfully “connect the dots” for actionable targeting; providing the intelligence is analyzed correctly. The above cited tragedies such as 9-11 proved in part that the analytical methods utilized failed.
TOSS has advanced and implemented an innovative scientific method that codes and categorizes open-source, qualitative textual data. Our original purpose in designing this platform was to potentially reveal emerging threats targeting United States interests. While our concentration lies on open-source intelligence, it can be utilized seamlessly in a classified environment. The analysis we perform is also “grounded” to the source of the data, thereby removing any form of opinion, bias, or speculation. This will ensure that policymakers can make informed decisions because the analysis adheres to the “canons of good science.”
TOSS believes that two critical elements must be present in determining the quality and rigor of the analytical process. First, the researcher or analyst must have a thorough understanding of the scientific methods involved in qualitative inquiry. Second, the personal qualities of the researcher or analyst (which the scientific community has labeled theoretical sensitivity), must be operationally driven so that context of the data is thoroughly understood.
Our staff meets both of these requisites and is comprised of former FBI Supervisory Special Agents, intelligence community officers, and members of the military’s most elite Special Operations Command, many of whom hold advanced degrees. Our researchers have experienced many of the situational and operational factors that come into play when investigating terrorism and have extensive training in the analysis of qualitative data. The qualifications and “theoretical sensitivity” of our researchers give meaning to data and the ability to separate the relevant from the non-relevant, which is a significant advantage when attempting to conduct predictive analysis.
We are also proud to have established teams among our staff, matching operational expertise with analytical ability and understand the importance of channeling these two distinct talents into a unified, cohesive and integrated capability. While others, particularly those in government continue to segregate operations from analysis, analysis from collection; TOSS assimilates operational and analytical expertise into a unified objective, which brings both credibility and validity to our analytical process.
TOSS brings this capability not only to the government sector, but to the corporate world. As corporations become more vulnerable to multiple security and threat exposure, TOSS will provide actionable intelligence to leaders so informed decisions can be made with potential threats mitigated and removed.
Contact TOSS for further information and inquires.