HUMINT
Source notes and interviews
In this library, HUMINT does not mean manipulation or contact tactics. It means consent-based interviews, source assessment, evidence judgment, and careful reporting.
First steps
- Write the purpose and consent for the conversation.
- Separate what the source said from your interpretation.
- Support claims with public sources or documents where possible.
- Reduce sensitive personal details in the report.
Limits
- No deception, pressure, harassment, or manipulation.
- No targeting or exposing private people.
- Do not treat a source claim as confirmed fact without support.
What this field covers
A quick scope view.
Interview-note structure
Source reliability
Claim-to-evidence separation
Privacy reduction
Report writing
Related source collections
Good places to start in this field.
OPSEC and researcher safety
Access Now Digital Security Helpline
Digital security assistance resource for civil society and at-risk users.
Open sourceVerification and fact-checking
AFP Fact Check
Agence France-Presse fact-checking site covering viral claims, images, videos, and misinformation.
Open sourceAcademic research
arXiv
Open-access repository for preprints in physics, mathematics, computer science, and related fields.
Open sourceVerification and fact-checking
Bellingcat Online Investigation Toolkit
Curated toolkit and guides for open-source investigation methods.
Open sourceOPSEC and researcher safety
CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices
US government cybersecurity best-practice guidance.
Open sourceReporting templates
CISA Report Cyber Issues
Official CISA page for reporting cyber incidents, phishing, vulnerabilities, and malware.
Open source