CRAWLTM
CRAWLTM Methodology Explained for Investigations & Intelligence
In a fast-paced, answers-now business environment, it is important to recognize the importance of patience, ethics and precision. Before racing to a database, charge into a courtroom and replay facts to clients, you must first learn to CRAWLTM.
The CRAWL™ Method, developed by Cynthia Hetherington, is a proprietary investigative framework used to navigate the vast landscape of online data. CRAWL stands for Communicate, Research, Analyze, Write, and Listen—a step-by-step process that ensures thorough, ethical, and actionable intelligence gathering. By following this method, investigators and analysts can transform scattered digital information into reliable insights for decision-making in areas such as due diligence, risk management, and cyber investigations.
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The CRAWL™ Method offers a strategic advantage to professionals seeking clarity in a data-saturated world. By systematizing the online investigative process—Communicating the why of the work, Researching the data and problem, Analyzing for meaning, Writing clear reports, and Listening for action—CRAWLTM empowers organizations to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you're conducting due diligence, assessing digital threats, or uncovering hidden assets, CRAWLTM ensures a repeatable, defensible, and efficient approach to gathering intelligence that reduces risk and drives results.