The quality of intelligence input into the targeting of information infrastructures will largely determine the effectiveness of the targeting outcomes.

As previously mentioned, the intelligence applies to psychological requirements as much as to requirements related to all components of the infrastructures themselves. These requirements are comprehensive and need to be identified and fulfilled in advance of any crisis or conflict, not once they occur.

Many of the requirements may be met from open-source material or overt means. Examples are sociological and related information about the people, and details about the information infrastructures themselves, especially the NII and GII. Covert collection requirements will also apply, covering aspects of all components (hardware, software, and details about the information, people and power supply) across both the NII and particularly the DII.

High-quality analysis of the intelligence is also critical. This necessity applies across the board, but particularly in psyops related areas where judgements about the people in our region and their responses in various wartime situations and post-war aspirations may be a difficult and, at times, controversial call.

‘Wargaming’ that identifies intelligence gaps and challenges assessments (as well as developing skills and experience) will form an important part of the intelligence process.