FAQ #3: How Long Does an OSINT Investigation Take?
One of the most common questions clients ask is: “How long will this investigation take?”
The short answer is: it depends.
An OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) investigation uses publicly available information—such as websites, social media, public records, news articles, and online databases—to answer specific questions. Because every investigation has different goals, subjects, and challenges, there is no single, fixed timeline.
To help set clear expectations, OSINT investigations are often described in four levels, each with a different depth, purpose, and time commitment.
The Four Levels of an OSINT Investigation
1. Cursory Investigation
Estimated time: 3–6 hours
A cursory investigation is a quick, high-level review of easily accessible information.
This level focuses on answering basic questions such as:
- Does this person or company have an online presence?
- Are there any immediate red flags?
- Is there enough information to justify a deeper investigation?
What this looks like in practice:
- Reviewing search engine results
- Checking major social media platforms
- Looking at readily available public records or news mentions
This type of investigation is often used for initial vetting, early decision-making, or time-sensitive situations where a fast answer is needed.
2. Preliminary Investigation
Estimated time: 1–3 days
A preliminary investigation goes a step further by expanding the number of sources and beginning to connect information across platforms.
At this stage, the goal is to better understand who or what you’re dealing with and whether further investigation is necessary.
What this includes:
- A broader review of social media activity
- Examination of public records, forums, and online affiliations
- Cross-checking information for consistency and credibility
This level is commonly used to:
- Assess potential risks
- Evaluate credibility
- Support early-stage due diligence or internal reviews
3. Primary (Full) Investigation
Estimated time: 1–3 weeks (or longer, depending on complexity)
A primary or full investigation is a comprehensive, in-depth analysis designed to answer specific, clearly defined questions.
This is the most detailed level of OSINT investigation and typically involves:
- Extensive review of domestic and international public records
- Analysis of historical and archived online content
- Mapping relationships between people, companies, and entities
- Reconstructing timelines and identifying patterns
This level is often used for:
- Legal matters and litigation support
- Corporate due diligence
- Threat, fraud, or reputational risk assessments
- High-stakes decision-making
Because of the depth involved, full investigations take longer and require careful documentation and verification to ensure accuracy.
4. Follow-Up Investigation
Estimated time: A few hours to several days
A follow-up investigation is conducted after a primary investigation has been completed.
It is typically more focused and may involve:
- Reviewing new information that has emerged
- Monitoring changes in online activity
- Validating or updating previous findings
Follow-up investigations are useful when:
- Circumstances change
- New leads appear
- Ongoing monitoring is required
What Factors Affect How Long an Investigation Takes?
Several factors influence the overall timeline of an OSINT investigation:
1. Scope and Goals
A narrowly defined question can be answered faster than a broad or open-ended request. Clear objectives help keep investigations efficient and focused.
2. Availability of Information
Some individuals or organizations have a large, visible online footprint, while others deliberately limit their presence. The less information that is publicly available, the longer it may take to find and verify relevant data.
3. Complexity of Sources
Investigations involving multiple countries, languages, or platforms require additional time for careful review and interpretation.
4. Verification Requirements
Reliable investigations don’t rely on a single source. Time is often spent confirming information across multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy.
5. Legal, Ethical, and Policy Considerations
OSINT investigations follow legal and ethical boundaries. Working within these constraints may limit certain sources or require additional care, which can affect timelines.
6. Reporting and Deliverables
The level of detail expected in the final report—whether a short summary or a comprehensive analysis—also impacts how long the investigation takes.
What This Means for You
If seeing investigation timelines measured in hours or weeks feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—and it’s important to know that you are never locked into more work than you’re comfortable approving.
OSINT investigations are designed to be collaborative and flexible. From the start, you are involved in determining how many hours your budget allows and what level of investigation makes sense for your situation. There is no “one-size-fits-all” requirement to proceed to a full investigation.
During a cursory or preliminary investigation, investigators work within the agreed scope and time estimate. If it becomes clear that there is far more information than anticipated—for example, an unexpectedly large number of data sources, accounts, or records—you will be contacted before additional time is spent.
At that point, you can decide whether to:
- Expand the scope
- Adjust the budget
- Narrow the focus
- Or stop the investigation altogether
The goal of an OSINT investigation is not to use the maximum number of hours possible, but to use the right amount of time to answer your questions responsibly and effectively.
Clear communication, regular check-ins, and budget awareness are all part of the process—so you remain informed, in control, and confident at every stage.
So, whether you’re seeking to verify an individual’s background, locate missing information, or gather digital intelligence for a civil or legal case, Shadow Investigations will always proceed with transparency, ethical diligence, and your explicit approval—ensuring the investigation moves at a pace and scope that aligns with your goals, your comfort level, and your budget.
For a complimentary, obligation-free consultation, please get in touch with us at 604-657-4499, info@shadowinvestigationsltd.ca, or fill out our contact form below with your preferred contact method and a brief overview of what you would like assistance with. All communications are confidential, and your information will be used solely to respond to your request.
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