Reconnaissance is the gathering of information about the target of an action. It precedes action planning. It can be done either physically (e.g., by traveling to the action site to inspect it) or digitally (e.g., by researching the target on the web). You should take into account the techniques an adversary may use against you during reconnaissance as much as you take them into account during the action itself.
Examples of physical reconnaissance include:
- Inspecting possible routes to and from the action site to evaluate which route you might take. For example, a good route may have minimal surveillance camera coverage and a suitable place to change clothing before the action.
- Inspecting the action site itself, looking for surveillance cameras, guards, alarm systems and opportunities to attack the target.
When conducting physical reconnaissance, you can:
- Practice anti-surveillance to counter the risk of physical surveillance.
- Dress anonymously to counter the risk of being observed or recorded.
Examples of digital reconnaissance include:
- Visiting the target's website.
- Inspecting the action site on online maps.
When conducting digital reconnaissance, you should follow digital best practices.
Techniques addressed by this mitigation
| Name | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Alarm systems | Before an action, you can survey the target building or infrastructure to determine the presence of an alarm system, and the type and location of sensors or other alarm devices. | |
| Guards | Before an action, you can identify the presence of guards at the action site. | |
| Mass surveillance | ||
| Video surveillance | Before an action, you can identify the location of surveillance cameras at an action site and make plans to avoid them if possible. | |
| Police patrols | Before an action, you can identify the nearest police station, their shift change schedule, and patrol patterns, and you can identify routes that are not visible to police patrols and that would make pursuit difficult (forests, railroad tracks, etc.) | |