CLOSINT First: Why the "Google Search" Phase Should Come Second
In the modern information age, the instinct to "just Google it" is powerful. Whether vetting a potential business partner, preparing for litigation, or conducting a background check, the assumption is often that the internet holds all the answers.
However, in professional investigations, starting with the open web is often a mistake. It creates noise, introduces confirmation bias, and frequently leads to mistaken identity.
At OnTrial, we operate on a specific methodology: CLOSINT First.
Here is why relying on open-source data as a starting point is a liability, and why a factual foundation must come before the search.
The Problem with Starting Open
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)—information found on social media, search engines, and public websites—is vast, but it is also unstructured and unverified.
When an investigation begins with OSINT, the investigator is often forced to guess. Without confirmed identifiers, a search for a common name can return thousands of results. "John Smith" in "Los Angeles" is not a target; it is a crowd.
Relying on public data firms or shallow automated searches often yields reports that are "incomplete or unverified," leaving the user to interpret the data themselves. This approach puts accuracy—and the case—at risk.
The Foundation: Closed Source Intelligence (CLOSINT)
To eliminate uncertainty, we begin every investigation with CLOSINT (Closed Source Intelligence) .
CLOSINT refers to proprietary, non-public datasets that are typically gated behind professional credentials. This includes credit header data, utility records, and other regulated data points that provide a definitive digital footprint.
By starting here, we establish a factual foundation. We confirm the subject’s full legal name, date of birth, past and current addresses, and known associates before we ever open a web browser.
Precision Over Volume
Once the identity is anchored in verified CLOSINT data, the OSINT phase becomes surgically precise rather than a broad dragnet.
We are no longer looking for "John Smith in LA." We are looking for the specific individual associated with a specific address history and digital footprint. This allows our analysts to filter out false positives immediately and focus on relevant, actionable intelligence.
Technology-Driven, Judgment-Backed
Data, regardless of the source, requires interpretation. Algorithms can aggregate information, but they cannot determine relevance or intent.
This is where the human element is indispensable. Our methodology relies on Professional Judgment You Can Talk To. Experienced analysts review the synthesized data to identify connections and patterns that automated systems miss.
In high-stakes matters—whether litigation, capital investment, or corporate risk—clarity is the ultimate objective. By placing CLOSINT first, we ensure that every subsequent finding is built on a foundation of fact, delivering intelligence you can stand behind.