Ensemble: AI-Driven OSINT for Enhanced Intelligence Analysis – Salford University
Aims
To develop an AI-based tool, “Ensemble”, to enhance Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) by integrating Intelligence Analysis Frameworks, improving accuracy and efficiency.
Overview
NW CyberCom is a £1.2 million project aiming to unlock the cyber security potential of the North West. Led by Lancaster University, the project sees six partner universities capture the latest cyber security innovations, working with entrepreneurs, investors, government and businesses to transform cutting-edge knowledge into new products, services and policy. The primary goal is to strengthen protection for consumers, businesses, and UK infrastructure.
Project Lead, Dr. Kyle Cunliffe, explains:
“Ensemble is a pioneering software that combines AI and machine learning with intelligence analysis techniques to help organisations navigate complex, context-sensitive issues using OSINT. Whether it's governments, businesses, or journalists, the goal is to streamline the analysis of vast, fragmented data, reducing human bias and enhancing decision-making. We aim to democratise intelligence tools, allowing even non-experts to benefit from advanced tradecraft. Our initial prototype focuses on the American Structured Analytic Techniques, automating key stages like evidence weighting and hypothesis generation to produce actionable insights quickly and cost-effectively.”
Results and Outcomes
Tab Content: For Partners and Engagement
Ensemble has shown potential to drastically reduce the time and cost of producing high-quality intelligence from OSINT, providing partners with quicker, more reliable insights. Early tests have validated the system's ability to automate complex analysis tasks, leading to faster decision-making processes and better risk assessments. Feedback from initial collaborators highlights the tool’s ability to uncover insights that might be overlooked by human analysts, significantly improving the quality of intelligence products.
Tab Content: For Academics
Learning from the process: The NW Cybercom Connected Capability Fund has significantly accelerated the project's progress. Beyond providing essential funding, it has facilitated invaluable connections with external business partners, other University academics, and the Innovator in Residence at Salford University. These collaborations have been crucial. Ensemble’s development has highlighted the importance of teamwork between AI experts and intelligence professionals, as well as the need for iterative testing and adaptation when integrating AI with traditional intelligence methods. A key takeaway is the importance of simplicity in user interface design, ensuring that the tool is accessible to non-specialists. Future research will focus on expanding the system’s capabilities, including multi-language support and incorporating more diverse analytical frameworks
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