Signals intelligence
Intelligence gathering involves a range of specialized approaches - from Signals intelligence (SIGINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Measurement and Signature Intelligence (MASINT), and Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), to Open-source intelligence (OSINT). In many cases, information collected from human sources is still considered highly reliable by intelligence analysts, especially while transforming a collection of disparate data strands into an actionable prevention plan. Mark Lowenthal, a leading intelligence thinker, argues that traditional HUMINT is still considered a crucial element in intelligence, that can significantly tilt the balance of power.