An Introduction into the Recruitment of Human Sources Exclusively Through Virtual Means

For thousands of years, HUMINT rightfully represented the human side of intelligence collection but today, as cyberspace becomes more dominant and people become increasingly more virtual, HUMINT must include an even greater technological component. This cyborg-like approach, which combines a human element with technology to virtually recruit sources, allows intelligence agencies to target some of the most dangerous and restricted groups without ever leaving the safety of the keyboard.

The Virtual HUMINT Seminar provides agencies with an introduction into this emerging topic. The seminar focuses on understanding the virtual environment, the value and likely future of virtual intelligence operations, and the application of intelligence collection online.  For thousands of years, HUMINT rightfully represented the human side of intelligence collection but today, as cyberspace becomes more dominant and people become increasingly more virtual, HUMINT must include an even greater technological component. This cyborg-like approach, which combines a human element with technology to virtually recruit sources, allows intelligence agencies to target some of the most dangerous and restricted groups without ever leaving the safety of the keyboard. The Virtual HUMINT Seminar provides agencies with an introduction into this emerging topic. The seminar focuses on understanding the virtual environment, the value and likely future of virtual intelligence operations, and the application of intelligence collection online.

WHY USE VIRTUAL HUMINT?

Internet connectivity, which serves as the foundation for virtual engagement, is rapidly growing and people from all corners of the globe are becoming increasingly more attached to their phones and computers. As a result, traditional brick-and-mortar locations for work, school, dating, entertainment, and socializing are being augmented and in some cases, replaced by the virtual equivalents for each of these activities. This virtual takeover is limiting face-to-face interactions and by default, the opportunity to conduct traditional HUMINT operations. When people “go out” less, they become much harder to reach in person. More specifically, it becomes far more difficult to spot and recruit a potential source at a real coffee shop or college campus when the foot traffic is replaced by web traffic. Virtual HUMINT helps address this gap by enabling agencies to recruit sources through virtual means.

SEMINAR INFORMATION

• Taught by some of the top experts currently in the field.
• One day of classroom instruction that focuses on the introduction of the Virtual HUMINT concept.
• Restricted to police, fusion center, and homeland security professionals.
• Individual registration is based on availability. See our calendar of upcoming courses for further.
• Discounts are offered for organizations that host the seminar at their facility