Why should I choose Axeten for OSINT training?
The Axeten training service places an emphasis on safe and lawful processing.
There is a lot of choice.
Axeten specializes in OSINT. Each and every day, our investigators are processing open source intelligence investigations for our corporate clients.
In the rapidly changing landscape of OSINT, we know what works and that is what we teach.
We don't offer training in other subjects. We train what we know very well, which is Open Source Intelligence.
Differences between courses for Law Enforcement (Public Authorities) and the Private Sector
In general, the OSINT processes that are explained and demonstrated during a Live Online Training (LOT) do not differ. There are two exceptions:-
1. On the Blended Online OSINT (BOOT) courses, concerning requests for information from Data Controller that are typically Social Media companies. The request made to and then by a Law Enforcement Single Point of Contact, (SPoC) is not an OSINT process, but the preparation is frequently an OSINT process. We look that various Social Media companies and the guidance they provide for a request to succeed. the preparation a request made to and then by a SPoC to a Data Controller is explained
and the requirements of the main Social Media data controllers are covered.
2. Also, on the BOOT Courses, there are two modules where there are significant differences between
the capabilities and lawful authority of Public Sector practitioners, when compared with the Private and Third sector practitioners.
These are Module 2: Legislation and Policies and Module 4: Synthetic Identities.
BOOT courses for Public Authorities and BOOT courses for the Private and Third Sector.
In the LOT courses, which focus on processing, the differences are minimal.
The minor differences that do exist are detailed in the Help Notes and Resources PDF files distributed with the LOT, but there is no difference in the actual Live Online Training presentation.
Differences between LOT Courses and BOOT Courses
There are significant differences between LOTs and BOOTs
Live Online Training (LOT)
The Live Online Training (LOT) Courses focus on OSINT investigation processing. There is no back-ground reading requirement.
At the beginning of each LOT, one PDF file named "Help Notes and Resources" is distributed to each trainee.
This file enumerates the slides that are used to introduce the OSINT processes that are explained and demonstrated in the LOT.
The Help Notes and Resources files contain step by step descriptions of processes and provides links to all of the resources.
We know that this has high value and and many practitioners rely on the PDFs to process their investigations.
This means that during a LOT, there is no need for the trainee to take notes.
Everything that is needed to process and OSINT resource is included in the PDF.
Trainees should keep this file and as time goes by and they become aware of new resources
that might be featured in an Axeten OSINT Newsletter, the PDF can be updated.
Blended Online OSINT Training (BOOT)
The BOOT courses are a blend of extensive and very detailed reading material in PDF.
In the Blended courses, the PDF for each module is provided one week before the Live Online Training.
This provides time for the material to be read by the trainee.
To get the most out of the LOT, it is advisable to read the PDF in advance.
The BOOT PDFs provide a lot of back-ground information that addresses political, security, privacy and ethical issues that relate to OSINT.
One week after the PDF is distributed, the Live Online Training (LOT) is provided.
During a Live Online Training, there is no time for the practitioner to read from the material.
The trainer's focus is on explaining and demonstrating OSINT investigation processes.
The BOOT PDFs might also be updated by the practitioner with new techniques that might be distributed in an Axeten OSINT Newsletter.
Classroom Training -v- Online Training
In November 2020, we delivered our first online training. It was a private course for an insurance company. The trainees had a lot of un making contact with each other (COVID time). But, we realised we had a lot to learn about delivering an OSINT training in an online medium. Over the subsequent years, we have focused on online training. It has been a challenge, but now, we are 100% sure that our online training is way better than any classroom training.
We know that a single Live Online Training might have a duration of more than 3 hours. This is a challenge. We retain the concentration of the trainees with pertinent and interesting demonstrations of real-time live investigation processes. It works. But we know that no-one can retain all the knowledge that is shared. So we developed the Help Notes and Resources PDFs, that every trainee can refer to later during their work. Where a particular process might be complex, we provide every trainee with a video recording of the Live Online training (LOT). This enables every trainee to never miss a thing. Everything covered in the training can be recalled either by way of the Help Notes and where that is not enough, the video recording of the processes.
This is the ultimate training. It does not fail for any trainee.
We understand that many people prefer the personal contact of a Classroom training. This is the main reason why we continue of offer the classroom training service.
Since we started providing classroom training services in 2016, we have been aware of the big issue, retention of skills and knowledge.
From our experience with online training, we have improved the Classroom training service. The Classroom training cannot be recorded, but to each trainee, we do provide a video of a recent LOT, so now, the classroom training is much improved.
The outstanding issues with Classroom training are the cost and the organisation, getting everyone together in the required location at the required time.
DEFERRALS
The online training provides more flexibility than a classroom training. Where a trainee might miss a LOT for any reason, even at the last minute, the Help Notes and Video recording are still provided. Also, there is an option to defer the training. Free of charge, the trainee may join any missed module on a subsequent training course.
If a trainee misses a day, or part of a day, of a classroom training, there is not option to defer. However, free of charge, we do allow the trainee to join the missed modules on an online course.
At Axeten, we really to believe we have mastered On-line training. It is the way to go! But we respect the preference for classroom training and that is why we offer a classroom training service.
Finally, all OSINT processing is online. Makes sense that the training should be delivered... online.
OSINT Training Material; is it up-to-date?
Maintaining up-to-date training material is a time consuming and expensive task.
The OSINT landscape changes frequently and training material can become quickly out-of-date.
The Axeten investigators know what works.
They ensure that the trainers and the training material is up-to-date.
Before each LOT or BOOT, the material is reviewed and updated with the latest resources and techniques.
After my OSINT training, how do I stay up to date?
Regularly, Axeten releases OSINT update newsletters to support all of our former students.
We ensure that you stay up to date, and we don't charge for this service.
We know that some other training companies have subscribed to our Newsletters.
Maybe, this is how they try to stay up to date!
Do I get a certificate?
Yes! Take the exam and, if you want, we will publish your score on your certificate.
Any prospective employer can contact Axeten for verification of your OSINT certificate.
Are Continuous Professional Development credits available?
Yes! Here is a summary of the available CPD credits. For Law Enforcement, the CPD credits are different.
Some info about the accreditation process.