In the information age, it is critical that we understand the implications and exposure of the activities and data documented on the Internet. Improved efficiencies and the added capabilities of instant communication, high-speed connectivity to browsers, search engines, websites, databases, indexing, searching and analytical applications have made information technology (IT) and the Internet a vital issued for public and private enterprises. The downside is that this increased level of complexity and vulnerability presents a daunting challenge for enterprise and personal security. Internet Searches for Vetting, Investigations, and Open-Source Intelligence provides an understanding of the implications of the activities and data documented by individuals on the Internet. It delineates a much-needed framework for the responsible collection and use of the Internet for intelligence, investigation, vetting, and open-source information. This book makes a compelling case for action as well as reviews relevant laws, regulations, and rulings as they pertain to Internet crimes, misbehaviors, and individuals' privacy. Exploring technologies such as social media and aggregate information services, the author outlines the techniques and skills that can be used to leverage the capabilities of networked systems on the Internet and find critically important data to complete an up-to-date picture of people, employees, entities, and their activities. Outlining appropriate adoption of legal, policy, and procedural principles-and emphasizing the careful and appropriate use of Internet searching within the law-the book includes coverage of cases, privacy issues, and solutions for common problems encountered in Internet searching practice and information usage, from internal and external threats. The book is a valuable resource on how to utilize open-source, online sources to gather important information and screen and vet employees, prospective employees, corporate partners, and vendors.

Researching an individual's, firm's or brand's online presence has become standard practice for many employers, investigators, and intelligence officers, including law enforcement. Countless companies and organizations are implementing their own policies, procedures, and practices for Internet investigations, cybervetting, and intelligence. Cybervetting: Internet Searches for Vetting, Investigations, and Open-Source Intelligence, Second Edition examines our society's growing dependence on networked systems, exploring how individuals, businesses, and governments have embraced the Internet, including social networking for communications and transactions. It presents two previously unpublished studies of the effectiveness of cybervetting, and provides best practices for ethical cybervetting, advocating strengthened online security. Relevant to investigators, researchers, legal and policy professionals, educators, law enforcement, intelligence, and other practitioners, this book establishes the core skills, applicable techniques, and suitable guidelines to greatly enhance their practices. The book includes the outcomes of recent legal cases relating to discoverable information on social media that have established guidelines for using the Internet in vetting, investigations, and open-source intelligence. It outlines new tools and tactics, and indicates what is and isn't admissible under current laws. It also highlights current cybervetting methods, provides legal frameworks for Internet searching as part of investigations, and describes how to effectively integrate cybervetting into an existing screening procedure. What's New in the Second Edition: Presents and analyzes results of two recent studies of the effectiveness of cybervetting Updates key litigation trends, investigative advances, HR practices, policy considerations, social networking, and Web 2.0 searching Includes the latest tactics and guidelines for cybervetting Covers policy, legal issues, professional methodology, and the operational techniques of cybervetting Provides a strengthened rationale, legal foundation, and procedures for successful cybervetting Contains compelling evidence that trends in legal, policy, and procedural developments argue for early adoption of cybervetting Presents new strategies and methodologies Cybervetting: Internet Searches for Vetting, Investigations, and Open-Source Intelligence, Second Edition is a relevant and timely resource well suited to businesses, government, non-profits, and academia looking to formulate effective Internet search strategies, methodologies, policies, and procedures for their practices or organizations.