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
Use to protect the researcher, reduce exposure, and avoid unnecessary collection.
Open sourceVerification and fact-checking
Bellingcat Online Investigation Toolkit
Use to separate claim, source, evidence, and interpretation.
Open sourceOPSEC and researcher safety
CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices
Use to protect the researcher, reduce exposure, and avoid unnecessary collection.
Open sourceReporting templates
CISA Report Cyber Issues
Use to keep evidence, interpretation, limits, and confidence separate.
Open sourceAcademic research
CORE
Use for papers, citations, institutional records, and background checks on published work.
Open sourceOPSEC and researcher safety
EFF Surveillance Self-Defense
Use to protect the researcher, reduce exposure, and avoid unnecessary collection.
Open source