Forensic Focus: Recent Episodes
Forensic Focus: Digital Forensics, Incident Response, DFIR
Digital forensics discussion for computer forensics, DFIR and eDiscovery professionals. Visit Forensic Focus at forensicfocus.com for more.
Ben Dimmock, Police Well-Being Lead at Bedfordshire Police, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about psychological safety, trauma exposure, and the long-term emotional toll of working in policing and digital forensics. Ben shares his own experience of depression 12 years into his service, the stigma that made him hide it, and how opening up eventually led him to build and lead one of the largest full-time police well-being teams in the country. He and host Paul explore why well-being has to be treated as an operational necessity rather than a "pink and fluffy" add-on, and how a culture of stoicism has historically driven burnout, long-term sickness, and unresolved trauma.
The conversation digs into cumulative trauma β the gradual erosion that builds job after job until something small flicks the switch β and what genuinely psychologically safe leadership looks like versus performative box-ticking. Ben explains the day-to-day work of his team, from 80β100 welfare interventions a month and TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) assessments to peer support networks, and two services he believes are unique to Bedfordshire: dedicated welfare support for officers under investigation, and support for their families. Drawing on Paul's own background in online child abuse investigations and his current work as an NHS psychologist, the two discuss supervision, proactive check-ins, and why sometimes people just need to be listened to rather than "fixed."
#PoliceWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #MentalHealth #TraumaInformedLeadership #Policing #DigitalForensics
00:00 Introducing Ben Dimmock
02:22 Depression and Breaking Stigma
04:46 Speaking Out
06:48 Why Well-Being Is Operational
10:12 Stoicism and Burnout Costs
12:00 Defining Psychological Safety
15:19 Proactive Support Culture
16:44 Building a Well-Being Team
20:57 Cumulative Trauma and Check-Ins
22:09 Supervision and TRiM Tools
26:45 Quick Check Ins
28:02 Cumulative Trauma Explained
30:13 Investigations And Welfare
33:45 Real Versus Performative
36:40 Inside The Well-Being Team
39:34 Supporting Families Too
41:47 Don't Suffer Alone
42:59 Listening Versus Fixing
44:03 Closing Thoughts
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/cumulative-trauma-in-digital-forensics-and-policing-with-ben-dimmock/
π Show Notes
Bedfordshire Police β https://www.beds.police.uk/
Oscar Kilo / National Police Well-being Service β https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) β https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a79e5f4e5274a18ba50f9cf/0392-12attachment2of2.pdf
Ben Dimmock on LinkedIn β https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-dimmock-6325b4316/
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David Shipley, Instructor at Anglia Ruskin University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the human cost of online safeguarding work and his fight to close a gap in UK law. Drawing on 16 years investigating abusive imagery and online child sexual offending, David reflects on what the work actually involves β from the scale of the problem and the relentless build-up of warrants and digital forensic backlogs, to the difficult triage decisions investigators must make when no team can examine every device. He's candid about what "safeguarding" really means in practice, and about the mental toll the role takes on the people who do it.
The conversation then turns to David's final year in policing, when his work on the David Fuller case led him to discover that much of the sexual abuse of corpses he was cataloguing was not actually illegal. David explains how he took that discovery from a Ministry of Justice rejection through a lost bill and a change of government to eventual Royal Assent β a four-year campaign that introduced a new offence and raised the maximum sentence for sexual penetration of a corpse from two to seven years. He closes with frank advice for the next generation of investigators on protecting their own well-being and holding onto an investigative mindset.
#OnlineSafeguarding #InvestigatorWellbeing #LawReform #Policing #MentalHealth #DigitalForensics #DFIR
00:00 Introducing David Shipley
01:20 An Unusual Route Into Safeguarding
03:23 The Scale Of The Problem
06:55 Warrants, Workload And Backlogs
08:40 Triage: You Can't Examine Everything
11:52 What Safeguarding Really Means
14:46 The Hidden Mental Toll
18:21 How Welfare Support Evolved
22:27 Questionnaires And Team Culture
24:58 The Session That Changed My Mind
26:15 The David Fuller Case
29:27 Retiring, Then Returning To Finish The Job
31:51 Continuity And Limiting Exposure
33:50 Discovering The Gap In The Law
36:38 Shock, Duty And Dignity In Death
38:24 Launching The Campaign
41:11 The Ministry Of Justice Says No
44:05 Setbacks, A Lost Bill And A Second Chance
47:00 Royal Assent And Mixed Emotions
50:31 What The New Law Actually Changes
55:32 Advice For The Next Generation
58:08 Closing Reflections
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/david-shipley-investigating-the-darkest-corners-of-digital-evidence/
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Marcus Rowe, Business Director β Public Safety & Forensics at Leica Geosystems, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about 3D laser scanning, forensic digital twins, and the role of LiDAR in modern crime and collision investigation. Marcus shares his path from military and civilian policing β including a career in forensic collision investigation with Devon & Cornwall Police β into industry, and explains how Leica Geosystems (part of Hexagon) is empowering investigators with tools that capture entire scenes for analysis, courtroom presentation, and cold case review.
Marcus and Si also discuss the upcoming Forensics Europe Expo at Olympia on 1β2 July, which is set to bring together senior leaders, practitioners and solution providers from across the forensic community. To learn more and secure a free visitor pass, visit: https://www.forensicseuropeexpo.com.
The conversation also turns to Marcus's involvement in the world's largest crash test, featured in the Channel 4 documentary Pile Up. Working blind to the staged scenario, Marcus reconstructed the multi-vehicle collision from post-event scene capture and 3D modelling β at times surfacing detail that the 90 cameras filming the event had missed.
#LiDAR #3DScanning #CrashInvestigation #ForensicDigitalTwins #LeicaGeosystems #DigitalForensics #DFIR
β±οΈ Timestamps
00:00 Welcome Marcus Rowe
02:44 From Policing to Leica Geosystems
05:35 Leica Conference Highlights
08:43 Forensic Digital Twins Talk
17:55 What to Expect at FEE
22:29 Students and Career Pathways
26:08 World's Largest Crash Test
31:07 LiDAR Explained Simply
34:36 Courtroom Storytelling in 3D
36:02 Real Cases and Proof Standards
38:40 TV Production
41:20 Micron Accuracy Use Cases
42:25 Footprints Without Contact
46:56 From Microns to Kilometers
50:35 VR for Juries and Trust
52:04 Holistic Capture Beats Bias
56:02 FEE Event Invitation
01:00:36 Wrap Up
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/leicas-marcus-rowe-on-investigating-the-worlds-largest-crash-test-plus-what-to-expect-at-fee-2026/
π Show Notes
Leica Geosystems β https://leica-geosystems.com
Hexagon β https://hexagon.com
Leica DISTO β https://shop.leica-geosystems.com/disto
Forensics Europe Expo (FEE) β https://www.forensicseuropeexpo.com
Channel 4 "Pile Up" documentary β https://www.channel4.com/programmes/pile-up-worlds-biggest-crash-test
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Phil Anderson, Senior Lecturer at Northumbria University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study. Phil and host Paul Gullon-Scott unpack the findings from a survey of 179 digital forensic investigators across the UK, US, Australia, Canada, Germany, South Africa, India, and beyond. The study used validated psychometric instruments to put hard numbers behind what the profession has been hearing anecdotally for years.
Paul and Phil dig into the emerging impact of AI-generated CSAM, where 60% of respondents reported finding it slightly more distressing than real material β and where victim identification is beginning to break down as the realism of generated imagery improves. They also examine the most clinically significant finding in the study: 20% of digital forensic investigators reported active suicidal or self-harm ideation at a clinically significant frequency, roughly four times the general population rate. Set against 61% of respondents lacking access to good-quality support services, alongside hypervigilance, sleep disturbance, retention risk, and physical health symptoms, the picture is one Forensic Focus is taking directly to the UK Home Office.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #InvestigatorWellbeing #CSAM #AIGeneratedCSAM #LawEnforcement
00:00 Welcome and Study Intro
00:38 Meet Phil and Motivation
03:23 Survey Scope and Global Reach
07:53 Who Responded and Why It Matters
09:38 Methodology and Validated Measures
11:38 Workload Pressures and AI Factor
15:21 Top Stressors and Management Levers
20:29 Burnout Risk and Retention Crisis
25:56 AI Generated CSAM Findings
31:36 AI Victim Misidentification
32:42 Investigator Stress Burden
33:27 Tech Outpacing Regulation
36:28 PTSD Symptom Findings
38:06 Judgment Under Trauma
40:14 Suicidal Ideation Data
45:16 Support Services Crisis
46:42 Physical Health Impacts
50:03 Report Next Steps
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/burnout-ptsd-suicidal-thoughts-the-dfir-well-being-study-results-are-in/
π Show Notes
Northumbria University β https://www.northumbria.ac.uk
Paul Gullon-Scott on LinkedIn β https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-g-0090605/
Phil Anderson on LinkedIn β https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-anderson-a555377/
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Stuart Hutchinson, VP of Sales at ADF Solutions, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about on-scene digital forensics and empowering first responders during the golden hour. Stuart shares his journey from 23 years with the Met Police β including a chance encounter in a New Scotland Yard lift that led him into Mac forensics and the vendor space at BlackBag, Cellebrite, Oxygen, and now ADF. With 99.9% of investigations involving a digital element, he argues that mishandling digital evidence at the scene is as damaging as trampling through traditional forensic evidence.
The conversation covers ADF's preview mode and search profile methodology, which gives first responders advanced logical acquisitions in minutes rather than 45+ minutes for a full extraction. Stuart explains how one UK force cut lab submissions by over 40% using an intelligence-led CAID hash triage strategy, and the team discuss locked-down search profiles built at DFU level, managing collateral intrusion, building trust with victims and witnesses, and ADF's screen capture and OCR for Chromebooks, PlayStations, Xboxes, and anything with HDMI out.
#ADFSolutions #OnSceneTriage #MobileForensics #CAID #CSAM #FirstResponders #DigitalForensics #DFIR
00:00 Introducing Stuart Hutchinson and ADF Solutions
02:13 From Met to Mac Forensics
07:26 Why On Scene Triage
08:01 Golden Hour Decisions
13:24 What to Triage First
16:26 ADF Field Kit Overview
18:04 Preview Mode Workflow
22:34 Search Profiles and Staging
26:38 Investigator Over Automation
28:11 Impact and CSAM Hashing
29:34 CAID Hash Triage Strategy
32:45 Efficiency Versus Thoroughness
35:07 Locked Search Profiles
37:20 Training For Limitations
42:46 Device Security Pressures
44:45 From Triage To Full Forensics
47:44 Victim Witness Phone Trust
52:27 Screen Capture And OCR
57:49 Wrap Up And Resources
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/on-scene-digital-forensics-winning-investigations-before-the-lab/
π Show Notes
ADF Solutions β https://adfsolutions.com/
ADF Weekly Training Sessions β https://adfsolutions.com/weekly-training-sessions/
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Dr. Fazeelat Duran, Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Birmingham, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the psychological impact of working with distressing material in law enforcement roles. Drawing on her recent longitudinal study β the first of its kind to follow newly recruited secondary investigators and analysts from day one through 18 months in role β Dr. Duran explains how repeated, indirect exposure to traumatic material shapes mental health over time. She walks through the trajectory her team observed at six, 12, and 18 months, the concept of "dosage of exposure," and why early warning signs often go hidden in the first six months when the novelty effect masks the emotional toll to come.
The conversation then turns to coping strategies, the difference between adaptive and maladaptive responses (including the trap of thought suppression), and the idea of a psychological contract between staff and the organisation β and what happens when that contract is breached through unmanageable workloads, limited staffing, and a lack of allocated time for well-being resources. Dr. Duran and host Paul also discuss what organisations should be doing differently, why a one-size-fits-all approach to support fails this group, and the next phase of Dr. Duran's work, including brain imaging findings and a new study on neurodivergence in this workforce.
#SecondaryTraumaticStress #MentalHealth #LawEnforcement #Wellbeing #PsychologicalContract #DigitalForensics #DFIR
00:00 Introducing Dr Fazeelat Duran
02:09 Secondary Trauma Explained
03:42 Research Gap and Longitudinal Study Design
11:17 Early Warning Signs
12:51 Proactive Tailored Support
18:02 Mixed Methods Evidence
19:49 Dosage of Exposure
22:59 Daily Volume and Attrition
25:16 Coping Shifts Over Time
26:45 Maladaptive Coping Patterns
29:05 Isolation and Social Strain
30:34 Workload and AI Pressure
33:08 Psychological Contract Breach
35:23 Building a Caring Culture
37:25 Early Support and Preparation
40:27 Signs, Symptoms and Self Care
42:30 Neurodivergence Research
44:51 Closing Reflections
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/how-distressing-material-shapes-investigator-well-being/
π Show Notes
Ongoing Exposure to Distressing Material is Associated with Worsening Mental Health in UK Law Enforcement Staff: a Longitudinal Interview Study β https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11896-026-09809-2
Dr Fazeelat Duran, University of Birmingham β https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/psychology/duran-fazeelat
National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) Academic Centres of Excellence β https://news.npcc.police.uk/releases/npcc-creating-nine-policing-academic-centres-of-excellence-p-aces
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Si and Desi discuss a range of digital forensics topics, from writing forensic reports that juries can actually understand, to whether AI is coming for "button pusher" DFIR jobs. They explore plain language standards, the classic confusion between forensic "images" and pictures, and Brett Shavers' provocative blog post on AI and job security β leading into a wider discussion about the distinction between technicians and analysts in digital forensics.
Si shares highlights from the Leica Geosystems Conference, including fascinating audio forensics research by Henry Vega on deriving vehicle speeds and weapon calibers from sound recordings, and Swedish police reconstructions of a mass shooting using audio evidence and Unreal Engine walkthroughs. The pair also explore the forensic challenges of AI-generated code, agentic processes on endpoints, and the security risks of consumer AI tools.
#DFIR #DigitalForensics #AI #PrivacyParadox #AudioForensics
00:00 Welcome
00:34 Writing Clear Forensic Reports
01:20 Visual Timelines and Storytelling
06:52 Jargon Pitfalls and Glossaries
10:50 Old Media and Blu-Ray News
12:16 UPS Backups and Failing NAS
16:58 AI Will Replace Button Pushers
18:58 Technician vs Analyst Debate
25:54 Backlogs, Privacy and Evidence
34:39 Privacy Paradox and Distrust
42:45 AI Writes Podcast Intro
43:52 Copyright Lawsuit Talk
45:24 Claude vs ChatGPT Coding
48:48 Forensic Traces of AI
50:16 Agentic IR Attribution
53:43 Consumer Agents Security Risks
59:13 Leica Conference Highlights
01:01:09 Audio Forensics Breakthroughs
01:06:44 Image Forgery History
01:12:58 Chunnel Travel
01:17:36 Wrap-Up
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/dfir-in-2026-ai-button-pusher-forensics-writing-courtroom-reports-audio-breakthroughs-and-the-leica-geosystems-conference/
Show Notes
'If you suck at your DFIR job, AI is going to take it.' (Brett Shavers) β https://brettshavers.com/brett-s-blog/entry/if-you-suck-at-your-dfir-job-ai-is-going-to-take-it
'Sony shuts down production of recordable CD-R, DVD-R and BD-R discs' (Azernews) β https://www.azernews.az/region/228058.html
Ross Ulbricht (Wikipedia) β https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Ulbricht
'Regulator contacts Meta over workers watching intimate AI glasses videos' (BBC) β https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0q33nvj0qpo
'Why people don't demand data privacy β even as governments and corporations collect more personal information' (The Conversation) β https://theconversation.com/why-people-dont-demand-data-privacy-even-as-governments-and-corporations-collect-more-personal-information-262197
'Evaluating privacy - determining user privacy expectations on the web' (Science Direct) β https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0167404821000651
'The privacy paradox: Stay one step ahead of it' (Data Guard) β https://www.dataguard.com/blog/privacy-paradox/
Oxford Guide to Plain English (Amazon) β https://amzn.eu/d/09dj8Gr8
Placing the Suspect Behind the Keyboard: Using Digital Forensics and Investigative Techniques to Identify Cybercrime Suspects (Amazon) β https://amzn.eu/d/08fpfTny
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Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie, Associate Professor at the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services at Anglia Ruskin University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about mental health and well-being in policing β and the often-overlooked toll on police families. Drawing on 17 years as a police officer before moving into academia, Dr Lennie shares the moment her own mental health forced a career-defining decision, and how that experience shaped her research into the culture of silencing, stigma, and emotional masking that still pervades policing today. She explains why the context of policing β the trauma, threat, and violence β is not what harms officers most; it's how they're treated by the organisation afterwards.
Dr Lennie describes the isolation partners face, the vicarious trauma they absorb while debriefing their officers, the intergenerational patterns that pull children of police into the same job with the same emotional rules, and the practical support families are asking for. She also discusses the Leapwise National Police Wellbeing Survey, the shift away from "resilience" messaging, the role of the academic working group at Anglia Ruskin, and why properly evaluating interventions is the only way to secure lasting change.
#PoliceWellbeing #PoliceFamilies #MentalHealth #PoliceMentalHealth #VicariousTrauma #DigitalForensics #dfir
β±οΈ Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie
02:40 From Policing to Academia
03:51 Mental Health Breaking Point
06:54 Culture of Silence
11:13 Evidence Into Action
12:44 Biggest Challenges Today
13:59 How Families Are Impacted
18:38 Why Families Are Overlooked
19:29 Support Families Need
22:31 Kids and Hidden Trauma
26:42 Stress at Home
28:07 Emotional Silencing
29:23 Punitive Help-Seeking
32:46 Investigations and Isolation
33:32 Academic Working Group
35:32 Evidence Into Practice
46:41 Research Trust Barriers
51:57 Final Message
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/policings-well-being-problem-stigma-isolation-and-the-retention-crisis/
π Show Notes
Centre of Excellence for Equity in Uniformed Public Services (CEEUPS) β https://www.aru.ac.uk/research/our-research-institutes-and-centres/centre-of-excellence-for-equity-in-uniformed-public-services
Dr Sarah-Jane Lennie (email) β Sarah-Jane.Lennie@aru.ac.uk
National Police Well-Being Survey 2025 β https://oscarkilo.org.uk/national-police-wellbeing-survey-2025-deep-dive-psychological-safety
Oscar Kilo Thank You Film β https://youtu.be/f-WUJeQG_E4?si=1PgwYD24n58T0M3z
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Rob Fried, digital forensics consultant, author, and assistant professor at Hofstra University, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the evolving challenges of forensic practice, AI in investigations, and his latest book. Rob discusses his annual publication cadence β now in its fourth edition β and how each year's content is shaped by real cases, collaborations, and emerging topics in the DFIR community. This year's edition tackles AI policy, data culling strategy, and the documentation practices that keep forensic work defensible in court.
The conversation also covers the growing complexity of remote collections and the soft skills required to manage them effectively, the tension between targeted and full file system approaches, and what happens when those decisions come under scrutiny in litigation. Rob shares his experience building a forensics practice from the ground up within an established e-discovery firm, his work teaching the next generation of examiners at Hofstra, and his upcoming symposium β now in its fifth year β which this year will focus on open source intelligence and corporate investigations.
#mobileforensics #digitalforensics #dfir
β±οΈ Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Rob Fried
03:48 Why Rob Keeps Writing
07:33 AI Policies and Teaching
09:39 AI Tools and NotebookLM
11:42 AI Spam Call Story
14:33 Forensic Lab and Data Strategy
22:30 Targeted Collection Risks
26:10 Remote Collections and Soft Skills
33:41 Building a Forensics Practice
35:14 Academia and Closing Skill Gaps
39:17 Forensics Network
41:26 Learning and Collaboration
45:42 Planning the Annual Symposium
50:36 Tech Roots and Career Values
54:49 Swag, Challenge Coins and Future Plans
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π₯ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/rob-fried-on-new-challenges-in-digital-forensics/
π Show Notes
Forensics By Fried β https://forensicsbyfried.com
Rob Fried's Books β https://forensicsbyfried.com/books
AI Spoof Call (Instagram) β https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVOXY5MiGNT/?igsh=N3J0cDJwaXk1bW5o
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π Complete the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study: https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey
Bunmi Bloom, co-founder of Sena Forensics, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the emotional reality of working in digital forensics and the psychological toll of long-term exposure to traumatic material. Drawing on her background with the Metropolitan Police and the Financial Conduct Authority, Bunmi reflects on how DFIR practitioners navigate disturbing images, case reports, and the pressure to "stay strong and get on with it."
The conversation explores coping mechanisms inside the lab, the vital role of social support, and how desensitisation can develop over time. Bunmi shares why many investigators feel unable to speak openly, how team culture shapes resilience, and what better preparation for new DFIs could look like. She also considers whether psychological screening, mentoring, and leadership-driven change could help create safer, more supportive forensic workplaces.
#digitalforensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Policing #CSAM
00:00 Introducing Bunmi Bloom
00:39 Sena Forensics: Mission and Services
03:44 Professional Background
05:35 The Impactful LinkedIn Post
07:50 Emotional Challenges in Digital Forensics
10:55 Coping Mechanisms and Social Support
15:20 Desensitization and Emotional Detachment
18:39 Preparation and Support for New DFIs
22:56 The Importance of Recognizing Stressors
25:16 The Role of Social Support
28:27 Cultural Shifts in Mental Health Awareness
31:53 Psychological Screening in Recruitment
38:53 Systemic Change and Leadership
41:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/preparing-investigators-for-trauma-exposure-in-digital-forensics/
π Show Notes
Sena Forensics on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sena-forensics-bunmi-bloom-76a592374/
Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey
π Follow Forensic Focus
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π Take The Surveys
An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making
https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C
Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study
https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey
Carol Brooks, a cyber and organisational psychologist and leadership consultant, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her PhD research into covert cyber investigators and the psychological factors that shape their resilience and investigative decision-making. She explains what it really means to work "covertly" online and why inconsistent job titles across law enforcement, cybersecurity and the private sector make it difficult even to define the workforce she is studying.
The conversation explores the significant challenges involved in recruiting participants β from suspicion and cultural barriers to the difficulties of engaging freelancers and small teams β and highlights why anonymity and ethical oversight are critical to building trust. It also examines the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry if research is to have real-world impact, before concluding with a call for covert cyber investigators worldwide to take part in the study and help give this hidden workforce a much-needed voice.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #CyberPsychology #InvestigatorWellbeing #CovertInvestigations #mentalhealth
00:00 Introducing Carol Brooks
02:05 Carol's PhD Journey and Research Focus
06:49 Understanding Covert Cyber Investigators
13:11 Challenges in Recruiting Participants
27:18 Psychological Factors in Cyber Investigations
29:54 Setting PhD Goals and Challenges
31:02 Connecting with Covert Investigators
32:25 Overcoming Suspicion and Misconceptions
33:26 Strategies for Accessing Networks
36:37 Supporting Investigator Wellbeing
46:55 Bridging Academia and Industry
52:50 Balancing PhD and Personal Life
58:36 Call to Action for Covert Investigators
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/covert-cyber-investigator-well-being-with-carol-brooks/
π Show Notes
An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making - https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C
British Psychological Society Cyber Psychology Section β https://www.bps.org.uk
Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey
π Follow Forensic Focus
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Phil Anderson from Northumbria University joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the launch of the Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study β a global research project examining the psychological and physical impact of digital forensic work across both law enforcement and the private sector.
Drawing on his 24-year academic career and long-standing collaboration with Northumbria Police, Phil explains how digital forensics units have evolved and why DFIs are facing unprecedented levels of stress, burnout, and workload pressure.
Together with host Paul, he outlines the four core research themes behind the study β early-life trauma and resilience, the mind-body impact of occupational stress, organisational protective factors, and the role of neurodiversity β and issues a clear call to action for DFIs worldwide to take part and help drive meaningful change.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicWellbeing #DFIs #MentalHealth #Neurodiversity #Trauma #PoliceForensics
00:00 Phil Anderson's Journey into Digital Forensics
01:34 Collaboration with Northumbria Police
02:33 The Evolution of Digital Forensics Units
03:34 Planning the Forensic Focus Well-Being Study
11:40 Exploring the Impact of Early Life Trauma on DFIs
19:51 Coping Strategies and Physical Health in DFIs
24:37 Challenges and Stressors in Digital Forensics
27:51 Challenges in Digital Forensics
28:42 Recruitment and Retention Issues
30:18 Acknowledging the Crisis
33:34 Protective Factors Against Trauma
44:08 Neurodiversity in Digital Forensics
47:46 Call to Action: Participate in the Survey
π Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/forensic-focus-international-well-being-study-have-your-say/
π Show Notes
Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey
Forensic Focus and Northumbria University Launch International Well-Being Study for Digital Forensic Investigators - https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/forensic-focus-and-northumbria-university-launch-international-well-being-study-for-digital-forensic-investigators/
π Follow Forensic Focus
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Si and Desi close out the year on the Forensic Focus Podcast with a wide-ranging end-of-2025 wrap-up, reflecting on how the year unfolded for the show and the DFIR community. They discuss the mental health series, guest appearances, and how everyday technologies β from streaming services to wearables β are increasingly intersecting with forensic investigations, even when people don't realise it.
The conversation then broadens to bigger technology shifts, including the rapid rise of AI and its legal, ethical, and societal implications. Si and Desi explore bias, misinformation, validation, and why human oversight still matters, before turning to the resurgence of operating system "wars," Apple's growing market share, Linux's expanding presence, and what changing user behaviour could mean for digital forensics in the years ahead.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicFocusPodcast #AI #Wearables #Linux #Apple
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
β±οΈ Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Forensic Focus Podcast
00:33 Reflecting on the Year 2025
01:32 Challenges and Changes in 2025
02:09 Mental Health Series and Guest Appearances
04:51 Streaming Services and TV Licenses
09:27 Wearable Technology and Forensics
18:11 AI in Legal and Ethical Contexts
44:20 AI's Inevitable Rise
44:37 The Resurgence of Operating System Wars
45:19 Apple's Growing Market Share
46:31 Linux's Increasing Presence
53:14 Challenges for Linux Adoption
01:02:31 The Shift to Mobile and Tablet Usage
01:14:49 AI-Generated Content and Its Implications
01:21:50 Reflections on Free Speech and AI
01:27:57 Looking Ahead to the Future
π§ Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/si-and-desis-holiday-special-2025/
π Show Notes
Forensic Focus Podcasts - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast
Forensic Focus Jobs Board - https://www.forensicfocus.com/jobs
'The old-school landline is having a cultural moment', ABC - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/landline-rotary-phone-social-media-ban-family-connect/106010638
'Judges have become 'human filters' as AI in Australian courts reaches 'unsustainable phase', chief justice says', The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/law/2025/nov/21/judges-have-become-human-filters-as-ai-in-australian-courts-reaches-unsustainable-phase-chief-justice-says
'Founder Admits His "AI Transcription" Startup Was Just Him Joining People's Meetings and Taking Notes by Hand', Futurism - https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/fireflies-founder-startup-ai
'Man Alarmed to Discover His Smart Vacuum Was Broadcasting a Secret Map of His House', Futurism - https://futurism.com/robots-and-machines/robot-vacuum-broadcasting
π Follow Forensic Focus
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Keith Lockhart from Oxygen Forensics joins Si and Desi on the Forensic Focus Podcast to examine how remote digital evidence collection is changing investigative workflows across DFIR, eDiscovery, and corporate investigations. Drawing on recent XiB mobile training and real-world deployments, Keith explains where remote and agent-based acquisition delivers practical benefitsβand where traditional hands-on methods remain essential.
The discussion covers targeted versus full acquisitions, consent and governance in corporate environments, and the operational realities of collecting data across networks, jurisdictions, and time zones. It also explores over-the-air mobile collection, workstation memory capture, drone forensics, and why parser development remains a constant challenge as apps and platforms evolve.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #IncidentResponse #eDiscovery #RemoteCollection #DigitalEvidence #cybercrime
π Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com
β±οΈ Timestamps
00:00 Welcoming Keith from Oxygen
01:59 Discussing the XiB Course Experience
05:19 Challenges and Successes in Mobile Phone Extraction
10:22 Remote Collection and Its Evolution
14:38 ROI and Practical Applications of Remote Collection
30:32 Remote Collection in Corporate and Law Enforcement
35:01 Parole Monitoring Challenges
35:20 Case Study: Faulty Monitoring Software
36:34 The Need for Reliable Monitoring Tools
37:23 Cross-Border Data and Legal Concerns
38:02 Chain of Custody in Law Enforcement
39:26 Remote Acquisition and Targeted Data Collection
41:33 Corporate Use Cases and Data Management
51:04 Drone Acquisition and Challenges
01:00:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Developments
π₯ Video/Transcript β https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/oxygen-forensics-on-smarter-faster-remote-dfir-collections/
π Show Notes
Oxygen Forensics β https://www.oxygenforensics.com/
Review: Oxygen Forensics Training β Extraction in a Box (XiB) β https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/oxygen-forensics-training-extraction-in-a-box-xib/
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Heather and Jared Barnhart return to the Forensic Focus Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation covering Cellebrite's growing Case-to-Closure Summit, behind-the-scenes insights from building one of the industry's toughest CTFs, and their digital forensic work on one of the most high-profile US murder cases in recent years. They share why the C2C Summit focuses on practitioner-led talks rather than product pitches, what made the first event such a success, and what's planned for the next gathering β including expanded training and a keynote from Terry Crews.
The discussion also dives into how they design complex CTFs, why intentionally frustrating questions teach critical thinking, and how their mobile forensics analysis helped reveal behavioural patterns, intent, and attempts to hide activity in the Idaho murders investigation. They finish by exploring the future of investigations and AI β from cautious, evidence-bounded implementations to the importance of validation and avoiding confirmation bias.
Get 50% off Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 registration with promo code: 2026-c2c-ForensicFocus
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MobileForensics #Cellebrite #CTF #incidentresponse #ForensicFocus #AIForensics
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions
01:33 C2C Summit Overview
03:35 C2C Summit Success and Highlights
09:45 Challenges and Insights from CTF
19:56 Introduction to the Idaho Murders Case
25:10 The Slow Process of Justice
25:53 Key Evidence: The Knife Sheath and the Car
27:46 Digital Footprint and Intent
28:58 Challenges in Mobile Forensics
31:49 Behavioral Patterns and Digital Evidence
42:30 AI in Forensics
43:17 Future of Digital Investigations
44:00 The Role of AI in Investigations
50:52 Validation and Confirmation Bias
54:24 Closing Remarks and Future Plans
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com
π§ Episode Page & Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/the-idaho-murders-from-behavioural-clues-to-ais-role-in-digital-forensics/
π Show Notes
Cellebrite β https://www.cellebrite.com
Cellebrite C2C User Summit 2026 β https://events.cellebritec2c.com/event/2026/overview
CFReDS β https://cfreds.nist.gov/
SANS DFIR Summit & Training 2026 β https://www.sans.org/cyber-security-training-events/digital-forensics-summit-2026
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Justin Tolman from Exterro joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to talk about the future of FTK and the role FTK Imager still plays in everyday casework. He explains why the original free version remains available, and what prompted the introduction of Imager Pro with added capabilities like BitLocker decryption and iOS collections. Justin also reflects on his time in law enforcement and training, and why the investigative side of the work still holds a strong pull.
Looking ahead, Justin shares where FTK development is headed β from large-scale processing and streamlined review workflows to Whisper-based audio transcription and careful, targeted use of AI for tasks like summarising long documents and cross-media searching. He also previews Exterro's upcoming Inform event β a 15-hour global broadcast featuring talks from practitioners around the world β and invites the community to get involved.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #FTK #Exterro #ForensicImaging #MobileForensics #IncidentResponse
00:00 Welcome to the Forensic Focus Podcast
00:31 Introducing Justin Tolman from Exterro
01:46 Justin's Journey into Forensics
03:10 Transition to Training and Exterro
06:31 FTK Imager Pro: Features and Benefits
14:36 Training and Community Resources
16:29 Updates on FTK Suite and Scalability
19:10 On-Prem vs. Cloud Solutions
26:57 AI in Forensics: Benefits and Challenges
37:45 Addressing AI Bias in Forensics
38:53 Case Study: AI Misinterpretation in Seattle Shooting
40:14 The Importance of Validation in AI Forensics
41:18 Challenges in Identifying Legal vs. Illegal Content
43:08 The Future of AI in Forensics
44:18 Collaboration and Integration in Forensic Tools
46:07 The Role of APIs and Open Standards
47:18 Challenges with Proprietary Forensic Formats
54:36 The Need for High Compression Formats
56:32 Forensic Focus Podcast and Community Engagement
01:00:56 Upcoming Forensic Events and Presentations
01:06:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
π Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com π§
Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-ftk-imager-pro-vendor-neutral-forensics-smarter-ai-and-exterros-forensic-vision/
π Show Notes
Exterro β https://www.exterro.com
FTK Imager PRO βhttps://www.exterro.com/digital-forensics-software/ftk-imager-pro
Exterro Inform β https://www.exterro.com/resources/exterro-inform FTK Podcasts β https://www.exterro.com/resources/ftk-over-the-air-podcast
OpenAI Whisper (speech-to-text) β https://github.com/openai/whisper
Ollama (local LLM framework) β https://ollama.ai
Project VIC β https://www.projectvic.org
CAID (UK) β https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/child-abuse-image-database
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Gareth Davies, Chairman of F3 (First Forensic Forum), joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to explore how a grassroots, vendor-neutral community has helped shape digital forensics in the UK for three decades. He traces F3's origins in the 1990s, when affordable training and tool-agnostic knowledge-sharing were scarce, and explains why the forum still focuses on byte-level, lab-ready techniques over sales pitches.
Looking ahead, Gareth previews F3's 2025 conference in Warwickshire (Nov 18β20), the not-for-profit pricing model, and upcoming trainings on UAVs, software-defined radio, implants/biomed devices, smartwatch and vehicle forensics, and video authentication/deepfakes. He also discusses international growth (including interest in an Australian chapter) and an open call for volunteers to help run events and keep training affordable.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #ForensicsTraining #IncidentResponse #VehicleForensics #CryberCrime #DigitalEvidence #DigitalInvestigtion #DigitalEvidence
π Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com
00:00 Introducing Gareth Davies
01:09 What is F3?
03:01 Gareth's Journey into Forensics
05:35 PhD and Research Work
06:54 Current Role and Responsibilities
09:08 Interesting Cases and Projects
12:27 Involvement with F3
14:41 F3's Global Reach and Community
20:03 Challenges and Future of F3
22:39 Personal Experiences and Networking
24:47 Becoming Chairman of F3
30:50 Upcoming F3 Event Details
35:28 Digital Forensics Teaching and Research
37:30 Upcoming F3 Training
42:38 Challenges in Digital Forensics
45:28 The Importance of Community and Resources
55:04 Personal Interests and Hobbies
57:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
π₯ Video/Transcript β https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-f3-building-community-and-sharing-knowledge-in-digital-forensics/
π Show Notes F3 β First Forensic Forum website - https://f3.org.uk
F3 β First Forensic Forum LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/f3.org.uk/
Spyder Forensics - https://www.spyderforensics.com
BΓ©nΓ©dictine - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C3%A9n%C3%A9dictine
APOLLO - https://github.com/mac4n6/APOLLO
DFRWS - https://dfrws.org
GCK File Signature Table - https://filesig.search.org
NIST - https://www.nist.gov/itl/ssd/digital-forensics
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Debbie Garner, retired Special Agent in Charge at the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share insights from her 30-year career. From undercover narcotics work in her early 20s to leading Georgiaβs Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Debbie brings a unique perspective on collaboration, child protection, and investigator wellness.
She discusses the challenges of cyber tips backlogs, the importance of cross-border cooperation, and why well-being must be built into the culture of child exploitation investigations. Debbie explains how she introduced practical, budget-conscious wellness initiatives β from group discussions to peer support and mental health check-ins β and how these efforts helped transform trust, retention, and resilience within her unit.
Debbie and Paul also explore the stigma investigators often face, how leadership decisions can make or break support for officers, and what agencies can do to better safeguard the people safeguarding children.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #WellBeing #LawEnforcement #childprotection
π Visit Forensic Focus at https://www.forensicfocus.com
00:00 Introduction and Guest Background
00:49 Early Career in Law Enforcement
02:11 Specialization in Child Exploitation and Computer Crimes
03:27 Challenges and Changes in Law Enforcement
06:03 The ICAC Task Force Program
09:34 Cross-Border Investigations and Cooperation
14:46 Wellness and Resiliency in Law Enforcement
18:01 Building a Culture of Wellness
28:16 Personal Stories and Agency Support
39:57 Final Thoughts and Advice
π₯ Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/inside-the-fight-against-child-exploitation-leadership-and-wellness-lessons-from-debbie-garner/
π Show Notes
Innocent Justice Foundation - https://innocentjustice.org
Raven (ICAC Task Force Funding Advocacy) - https://raven.us
Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com
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Hannah Bailey, founder of Blue Light Wellbeing, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share her powerful journey from frontline policing to becoming a psychotherapist, trauma therapist, and well-being coach. Drawing on 15 years in the police β including CID and major crime β Hannah brings unique cultural credibility to her work supporting digital forensics professionals, first responders, and other high-risk roles.
She talks openly about living with PTSD and burnout, facing two breast cancer diagnoses, and how those experiences inspired her to focus on proactive mental health support. Hannah and Paul discuss why cultural awareness in therapy matters, how approaches like psychoeducation and regular supervision can help, and why therapy isnβt just for people who are βbroken.β
Hannah also explains BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), a modern trauma therapy that transformed her own recovery, and shares practical advice for those in digital forensics and other trauma-facing roles on spotting early signs of stress and building long-term resilience.
#DigitalForensics #DFIR #MentalHealth #WellBeing #PTSD
00:00 Introduction
02:44 Hannah Bailey's Background and Career
04:08 The Onset of Mental Health Challenges
06:01 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Its Impact
06:37 Returning to Policing and Further Challenges
09:44 Lack of Support
12:14 Proactive Mental Health Approaches
17:18 Hannah's Work with DFIs and Other Forces
20:22 The Importance of Early Intervention
26:28 The Value of Therapy in Organizations
27:35 The Importance of Culturally Aware Therapists
29:29 Introduction to Brain Work Recursive Therapy (BWRT)
33:52 Combining Trauma Therapy and Wellbeing Coaching
34:32 The Therapeutic Process and Its Benefits
36:21 Supervision and Support in Therapy
36:57 Proactive Approaches in Digital Forensics
39:11 Building Trust and Non-Judgmental Spaces
43:30 Final Thoughts
π₯ Video/Transcript - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/well-being-in-digital-forensics-and-policing-insights-from-hannah-bailey/
π Show Notes Blue Light Wellbeing - https://www.bluelightwellbeing.uk
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Dr Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone from Adapt & Evolve join Paul to discuss their unique approach to mental health and well-being in digital forensics. Dr Billings is a biologist and former senior investigator, while Mark is a former Assistant Chief Constable. Together they've developed a model that focuses on recognising the early biological signs of stress rather than waiting for mental health problems to develop.
They discuss how stress shows up physically in the body, why many digital forensic investigators feel unheard in their organisations, and why standard well-being support often doesn't work in law enforcement. The conversation covers practical stress reduction techniques and how understanding what stress does to your body can help people spot problems early.
Mark and Zoe have worked with various organisations including the FBI, using their combined decades of police and investigative experience to provide support that actually fits the culture of law enforcement and forensic work.
#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #Wellbeing
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Spotlight on Mental Health in Digital Forensics
00:59 Meet the Experts: Dr. Zoe Billings and Mark Pannone
01:39 The Origins of Adapt & Evolve
03:48 Biological Aspects of Stress
04:57 Implementing Preventative Measures
09:05 Leadership and Organizational Challenges
20:01 Physical Ailments from Stress
26:09 Cultural Awareness in Law Enforcement
31:45 ISO Standards and Legal Obligations
39:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Show Notes
Adapt & Evolve - https://www.adaptandevolve.co.uk/
Dr Jo Morrissey joins Paul to discuss her research into wellbeing challenges faced by forensic practitioners worldwide. As Workforce Strategy Lead at the Forensic Capability Network, Dr Morrissey is conducting a comprehensive study examining mental health impacts across all forensic disciplines - from digital forensics to crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, and fingerprint examination.
They explore the unique psychological pressures forensic practitioners face, including exposure to traumatic material, working in isolation, and the barriers that prevent many from seeking help. Dr Morrissey discusses how stigma around help-seeking behavior and fears about career prospects continue to affect practitioners, and why evidence-based national guidelines are urgently needed.
Take part in the research: Dr Morrissey is seeking responses from current and former forensic practitioners worldwide across all disciplines and sectors. The survey examines well-being challenges, available interventions, and their effectiveness. Your participation could help shape future well-being support for the forensic community. Survey closes Friday 4th July 2025.
Survey link: https://forms.office.com/e/GXPMwnpyMi
#ForensicScience #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #DigitalForensics
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jo Morrissey
01:31 Overview of the Wellbeing Study
03:34 Challenges Faced by Forensic Practitioners
08:25 Survey Specifics and Goals
14:57 Barriers and Stigma in Wellbeing
18:49 Ethical Considerations and Future Research
20:09 Open Access to Research Report
20:38 National Guidelines for Wellbeing
22:00 Challenges in Implementing Guidelines
25:07 Importance of Survey Participation
27:02 Potential for Funding and Further Research
28:06 Exploring Differences in Wellbeing
30:51 Impact of Experience and Culture on Wellbeing
33:39 Resilience and Adverse Childhood Experiences
37:05 Closing Remarks and Future Research
Host Paul Gullon-Scott sits down with Tom Oldroyd, Director of Strategy and Sales at Semantics 21, to discuss S21βs digital forensics platform that prioritizes investigator mental health alongside cutting-edge technology. Drawing on his 17 years in policing and experience running a digital forensic unit, Tom highlights the psychological toll on investigators exposed to disturbing content daily, arguing it's one of the most challenging yet underrecognized jobs in policing.
Tom highlights Semantics 21's innovative solutions, including their Global Alliance Database with 3.1 billion hashes that can pre-label up to 70% of evidence automatically, AI-powered victim rescue tools, and their groundbreaking features to track investigator exposure levels in real-time. Tom demonstrates protective features like mandatory break reminders, privacy overlays, and decompression videos designed to help investigators manage psychological impact.
#DigitalForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI #Wellbeing
00:00 Introduction
00:30 Showcasing Semantics
21: Innovation in Digital Forensics
00:40 Protecting Investigator Wellbeing
01:53 Meet Tom Oldroyd
02:56 Challenges in Digital Forensics
06:02 The Growing Threat of Digital Crime
07:38 Global Collaboration and Technology
08:48 Introducing S21 LASERi-X
09:33 The Power of AI and Databases
12:23 Global Alliance Database: A Game Changer
16:52 Efficiency and Investigator Wellbeing
21:11 Advanced Features and Workflow
27:51 Tracking Exposure Levels with Semantics 21
28:20 Monitoring Well-Being
29:13 Handling Large Volumes of Data
30:24 Threshold System and Victim Rescue
32:27 Efficient Data Import and Grading
33:27 Global Alliance Database and Photo DNA
36:32 Wellbeing Features and Stress Management
44:00 Cross-Company Collaboration and Data Sharing
45:38 Pricing and Accessibility of Semantics 21
47:54 User Feedback and Customization
51:12 AI Location Prediction Technology
53:42 Conclusion and Contact Information
Show Notes
Semantics 21 - https://www.semantics21.com
Semantics 21 Articles on Forensic Focus - https://www.forensicfocus.com/author/semantics21
Jessica Hyde from Hexordia joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her unique journey from Marine Corps avionics technician to digital forensics expert. Jessica shares how her military background provided transferable skills for forensic investigations, emphasizing the importance of documentation, troubleshooting, and diverse perspectives in finding truth in digital evidence.
The conversation explores critical topics including IoT forensics challenges, the urgent need for timely data acquisition before evidence degrades, and the role of AI in forensic analysis. Jessica also discusses her experience teaching at George Mason University since 2016, how students' questions enhance her own knowledge, and why interdisciplinary teams create better forensic outcomes.
With candid reflections on maintaining perspective while handling difficult cases and thoughts on the future challenges of policy and law keeping pace with technology, this episode offers valuable insights for both seasoned professionals and those new to digital forensics.
#DigitalForensics #MobileForensics #CyberInvestigation #DFIR #AI
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:02 Jessica Hyde's Unique Career Path
03:06 Transition to Digital Forensics
13:17 Teaching and Learning in Digital Forensics
20:12 Hands-On Forensics and IoT Devices
24:19 The Importance of Interdisciplinary Teams
27:12 Humor and Levity in Forensics
29:38 The Role of Cyber Investigators
31:07 Bias in Cyber Investigations
32:01 Generational Perspectives in Technology
33:51 Privacy Concerns in Digital Forensics
36:53 The Importance of Timely Data Acquisition
44:28 Challenges with AI in Digital Forensics
54:42 Policy and Legal Challenges in Digital Forensics
56:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Show Notes
Hexordia - https://www.hexordia.com
George Mason University - https://dfor.gmu.edu/person/jessica-l-hyde
SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org
Heather Barnhart and Paul Lorenz join the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss key insights from Cellebrite's 2025 DFIR Industry Trends Survey. They dive into the challenges facing digital forensics today - from locked devices and encrypted applications to overwhelming case backlogs.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 2,100 professionals across 95 countries, reveals notable trends: 98% of prosecutors consider digital evidence critical to their cases, and 80% of respondents believe AI can enhance investigation effectiveness.
The discussion delves into the growing acceptance of cloud storage in forensics, the cautious adoption of AI in investigations, and the preference for in-person training despite the convenience of online options. The guests also discuss cognitive bias in investigations and the importance of maintaining forensic integrity when presenting digital evidence.
#digitalforensics #dfir
00:00 Welcome and Introductions
00:56 Paul Lorenz's Journey into Forensics
03:19 Challenges in Digital Forensics
04:36 Industry Trends and Survey Insights
06:37 Mental Health and Community Support
17:19 AI in Digital Investigations
22:57 Case Studies and Real-World Examples
27:37 Diverse Paths in Investigations
28:07 Challenges of Bias in Forensic Cases
30:33 The Complexity of Cloud Storage
37:45 Generational Shifts in Technology Adoption
41:30 The Importance of Training in Forensics
43:19 In-Person vs. Online Training Preferences
50:12 Concluding Thoughts and Future Trends
Show Notes
2025 Industry Trends Survey - https://cellebrite.com/en/industry-trends-survey-2025
Cellebrite - https://cellebrite.com/en/home
Brett Shavers joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the critical "investigative mindset" needed for effective digital forensics. Drawing from his unique background in undercover law enforcement operations and his transition to digital forensics, Brett shares invaluable insights on why technical skills alone aren't enough in DFIR.
Digging into practical challenges with hosts Si and Desi, Brett tackles head-on why DFIR isn't an entry-level field, the importance of understanding human behavior behind digital evidence, and how to approach cases with both technical precision and investigative strategy. He discusses his journey authoring several influential books including "DFIR Investigative Mindset," "Placing the Suspect Behind the Keyboard," and the definitive guide to X-Ways Forensics.
Whether you're a seasoned investigator or considering a career in digital forensics, Brett offers practical wisdom on balancing technical proficiency with investigative thinking, effective communication of complex findings, and why we should remember we're not investigating computersβwe're investigating people who use computers.
#digitalforensics #dfir
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:01 Brett Shavers' Background in Law Enforcement
03:33 Transition to Forensics
05:03 Challenges in DFIR
07:17 Educational Pathways and Industry Insights
12:51 X-Ways Forensics and Tool Proficiency
16:58 Investigative Mindset and New Book
27:46 The Importance of Education in Cybersecurity
28:04 Challenges in Teaching Investigative Skills
28:59 Real-World Training Scenarios
30:38 Understanding the Human Element in Cybersecurity
35:35 The Role of Communication in Cybersecurity
42:59 Technical Proficiency and Case Management
47:32 Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
53:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Show Notes
Brett's Ramblings - https://www.brettshavers.com/
DFIR Training - https://www.dfir.training/
Brett's Books - https://brettshavers.com/my-books
Brandon Epstein joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the evolving landscape of digital forensics and the growing role of artificial intelligence in evidence analysis. Brandon shares his journey from being a major crimes detective in New Jersey to co-founding Medex Forensics (later acquired by Magnet), and discusses his current roles both at Magnet Forensics and as chair of the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE).
In this wide-ranging conversation, he explains how AI is being responsibly implemented in forensic tools like Magnet Axiom's Copilot feature and Magnet Verify, highlighting the critical distinction between using AI for investigative leads versus evidentiary conclusions. Brandon also dives into the challenges of media authentication in an era of deepfakes, the shift toward cloud-based forensic platforms, and provides a preview of his upcoming "AI Unpacked" webinar series.
#digitalforensics #dfir #ai
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:32 Life in Nashville and User Summit Highlights
02:07 The Importance of Networking at Conferences
04:32 Brandon's Journey to Magnet Forensics
10:17 AI and Digital Forensics
16:02 AI Unpacked Webinar Series
21:40 Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE)
33:16 The Collaborative Spirit in Forensics
34:45 Magnet's Expanding Product Line
36:14 The Future of Cloud in Digital Forensics
39:08 Challenges and Benefits of Cloud Adoption
45:26 The Role of AI and Cloud in Conferences
46:09 Magnet's Acquisition of DVR Examiner
48:47 The Importance of Video Authenticity
52:29 Emerging Technologies in Forensics
58:04 Personal Insights and Closing Remarks
Show Notes
Magnet Forensics - https://www.magnetforensics.com
AI Unpacked - https://www.magnetforensics.com/ai-unpacked/?utm_source=ForensicFocus&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=UTMC-0000077
SWGDE - https://www.swgde.org
Hosts Si and Desi welcome back Robert Fried, winner of the Top Professional Investigator award. Rob discusses his new book, βForensic Data Collection 2.0,β and shares insights on the evolving landscape of digital forensics.
The conversation explores the importance of documentation in forensic investigations, balancing technical skills with human interaction, and meeting the challenges of AI and emerging technologies. Rob emphasizes building rapport with clients and stakeholders while mentoring the next generation of digital forensic examiners.
Rob shares his fascinating journey from law enforcement training to private sector work, highlighting how the human element remains essential even as technology evolves. He also discusses his collaborative work with legendary NYPD detective Ralph Friedman and his connections with tech pioneers including Frank Canova (inventor of the first smartphone) and Neil Papworth (sender of the first text message) who endorsed his book.
Whether you're a seasoned digital forensics professional or just starting in the field, this episode offers valuable insights into the documentation, methodology, and people skills that make for successful investigations in today's rapidly changing digital landscape.
#digitalforensics #dfir #investigator
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:08 Achievements and Industry Involvement
03:37 Challenges and Changes in Forensics
07:57 Writing and Teaching Forensics
16:09 Human Element in Investigations
30:30 Building Trust and Professional Relationships
34:13 The Importance of Hands-On Learning
34:58 Teaching and Learning from the Younger Generation
36:28 Scientific Methodology in Problem Solving
38:21 The Role of Documentation in Digital Forensics
43:23 Building a Collaborative Community
46:27 Challenges and Innovations in Digital Forensics
49:20 The Human Element in Forensic Investigations
55:25 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
Show Notes
Forensics By Fried - https://forensicsbyfried.com
Forensic Data Collections 2.0 - https://forensicsbyfried.com/books
Robert Fried LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbfried
Forensic Data Collections 2.0 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13178163
Top Professional Investigator - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7259530724997742592
Dr Michael Bourke joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the psychological impact of investigating internet crimes against children and how organizations can better support digital forensic investigators' mental health. As a distinguished clinical psychologist and researcher, Dr Bourke shares powerful insights from his extensive work in this field, explaining how repeated exposure to disturbing material can affect even the most resilient professionals.
Dr Bourke introduces his innovative "sunburn analogy" to explain how secondary traumatic stress accumulates over time, discusses practical strategies for protecting investigators' wellbeing, and reveals details about the groundbreaking FORWARD Center, a new non-profit wellness facility dedicated to supporting first responders. He also shares insights from the National Wellness Survey, which received responses from 8,000 law enforcement professionals, demonstrating the urgent need for better mental health support in this field.
#digitalforensics #DFIR #mentalhealth #wellbeing
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:00 Inspiration Behind the Research
03:01 Challenges Faced by Digital Forensic Investigators
06:00 The Importance of Proactive Mental Health Support
13:32 Cultural Competence in Therapy
23:42 Practical Steps for Organizations
34:23 The National Wellbeing Survey
38:03 The Forward Center Initiative
48:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Si and Desi kick off 2025 with a deep dive into critical trends shaping digital forensics. They tackle pressing challenges such as AI-driven threats, including deepfakes and AI-generated images, and examine the security risks associated with connected devices. The discussion also explores the ongoing impact of the pandemic on mental health, remote work, and the forensic community's well-being.
With a focus on practical insights and support for forensic professionals, they cover evolving threats, emerging technologies, and the importance of mental resilience in the field. Stay tuned for updates on future podcast guests, conferences, and new tech developments.
Don't forget to check the show notes for resources, including mental health support services and recommended reading.
00:00 Welcome to 2025
01:10 AI in Law: Conference Insights from Luxembourg
03:07 The Impact of AI on Social Media and Deepfakes
05:03 AI-Generated Images
06:51 The Future of Digital Watermarking and Cybersecurity
11:59 Advancements in AI and Desktop Supercomputers
21:37 The Rise of Smart Home Devices and Security Concerns
23:16 Privacy Issues with Medical Devices and Data Collection
31:14 Predictive Algorithms and the Dystopian Future
32:12 Apple's Siri Payout
32:35 Films Predicting 2025
34:18 US Strategic Preparation Plans
37:04 Mental Health in 2024
44:08 Impact of Remote Work
51:17 The Role of Gossip in Society
59:19 Cyber Threats and Mental Health
01:01:05 Final Thoughts and Resources
Show Notes
NVIDIA Puts Grace Blackwell on Every Desk and at Every AI Developerβs Fingertips, Nvidia News - https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-puts-grace-blackwell-on-every-desk-and-at-every-ai-developers-fingertips
US man used AI to generate 13,000 child sexual abuse pictures, FBI alleges, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/21/child-sexual-abuse-material-artificial-intelligence-arrest
Tasmanian jailed for possessing AI-generated child abuse material, AFP - https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/tasmanian-jailed-possessing-ai-generated-child-abuse-material
Raspberry Pi - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/
Rise of killer robot fridges as experts warn kitchen appliances getting 'smarter', Daily Star - https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/rise-killer-robot-fridges-experts-34387400
βIβm Possibly Alive Because It Exists:β Why Sleep Apnea Patients Rely on a CPAP Machine Hacker, Vice - https://www.vice.com/en/article/im-possibly-alive-because-it-exists-why-sleep-apnea-patients-rely-on-a-cpap-machine-hacker/
Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Governmentβs Secret Plan to Save Itself β While the Rest of Us Die, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25813952-raven-rock
While the Rest of Us Die: Secrets of America's Shadow Government, Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_the_Rest_of_Us_Die:_Secrets_of_America's_Shadow_Government
Sandy Hook Promise - https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/
The Selfish Gene, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61535.The_Selfish_Gene
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23692271-sapiens
Unexpected Privacy Risks in CPAP Machine Updates, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unexpected-privacy-risks-cpap-machine-updates-ryan-chalupovitsch-gh2kc/
Canceling the apocalypse? What can we learn from films set in 2025, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/02/what-learn-movie-set-future
Forensic Focus Discord - https://discord.gg/97zKvTXHeS
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:
Samaritans β https://www.samaritans.org
Mind β https://www.mind.org.uk
Oscar Kilo β https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
Occupational health unit (OHU) β all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) β check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you
GP β your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services
Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Professor Patrick Brady, a criminal justice and criminology professor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share his research on the mental health challenges faced by digital forensic investigators, particularly those handling child sexual abuse material (CSAM) cases. Drawing from personal experiences and years of study, Professor Brady delves into secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and compassion satisfaction, highlighting the profound impact this work has on investigators and their families.
The discussion explores the importance of proper onboarding, specialised training, and leadership approaches that prioritise well-being. Professor Brady also examines the role of social support, stress management strategies, and organisational resources in helping investigators maintain a healthy work-life balance and manage the emotional toll of their work. With practical insights and a focus on fostering resilience, this episode provides a compelling look at how the industry can better support those on the front lines of digital forensics.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
00:45 Inspiration Behind the Research
01:11 Personal Experiences and Career Path
02:51 Exploring Vicarious Trauma and Burnout
04:58 Impact on Personal Life and Relationships
05:48 Research Findings and Implications
08:54 Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
09:36 Role of Supervisors and Administrators
10:10 Family Support and Social Dynamics
18:30 Technological Advancements and Training
20:19 Mental Health and Wellness Initiatives
30:42 Personal Reflections and Future Directions
37:36 Challenges in Researching Domestic Violence Among Police
40:03 Mindfulness and Mental Health in Policing
41:07 Importance of Specialized Training and Support
43:18 Stigma and Mental Health in Law Enforcement
46:45 Role of Psychologists and Continuity of Care
59:28 Support Systems and Family Involvement
01:02:47 Need for More Research and Funding
01:06:24 Final Thoughts and Future Directions
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:
Samaritans β https://www.samaritans.org
Mind β https://www.mind.org.uk
Oscar Kilo β https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
Occupational health unit (OHU) β all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) β check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you
GP β your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services
Show Notes
Crimes Against Caring: Exploring the Risk of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction Among Child Exploitation Investigators - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11896-016-9223-8
The dark figure of stalking: Examining law enforcement response - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0886260515596979
Burnout Among Forensic Interviewers, How They Cope, and What Agencies Can Do to Help - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1077559519843596
What We Can Learn About Vicarious Trauma From Child Maltreatment Investigators, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Vicarious-trauma.pdf
Identifying & Corroborating Stalking, Patrick Q. Brady, Ph.D. - https://www.forensicfocus.com/stable/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Identifying-corroborating-stalking.pdf
Nick Furneaux, a renowned figure in digital forensics and cryptocurrency investigations, joins the Forensic Focus podcast. He shares his journey into the world of digital forensics, his work on covert data extraction tools, and his development of expertise in memory and cryptocurrency forensics.
The conversation explores Nick's new book, 'There's No Such Thing as Crypto Crime,' and the importance of discovering and properly investigating cryptocurrency-related activities within the broader context of traditional criminal investigations.
Nick emphasizes the need for effective discovery tools for forensic investigators and highlights the evolving role of cryptocurrencies in various types of crimes. The discussion also touches on the personal impact of crime on victims and the importance of multi-disciplinary investigative teams.
#cryptocrime #cryptocurrency #dfir #digitalforensics
00:00 Introduction to Nick Furneaux
01:19 Nick's Journey into Digital Forensics
02:52 Early Forensic Tools and Techniques
05:01 Transition to Cryptocurrency Investigations
06:44 Challenges in Modern Forensics
12:20 The Need for Better Discovery Tools
21:26 Cryptocurrency in Criminal Investigations
31:51 Integration of Forensic Specializations
34:30 Crypto Crime and Publicity
35:24 Operation Shamrock and Romance Scams
39:52 Victims and Perpetrators of Scam Farms
41:11 The Human Impact of Forensic Investigations
53:45 The Future of Cryptocurrency
58:51 Concluding Thoughts and Recommendations
Show Notes
Seize and Desist Podcast - https://www.listennotes.com/de/podcasts/seize-desist/ep-17-theres-no-such-thing-AVZjDxJG7rp
Thereβs no such Thing As Crypto Crime - https://www.amazon.co.uk/There%E2%80%B2s-Such-Thing-Crypto-Crime/dp/1394164823
Heather and Jared Barnhart from Cellebrite join the Forensic Focus Podcast to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and digital forensics. This insightful episode dives into detecting AI-generated imagery, combating misinformation, and addressing challenges posed by deepfakes.
They discuss advancements in tools like Cellebrite's Media Origin, the importance of metadata in investigations, and the impact of AI-assisted technologies on mental health and case efficiency. The conversation also highlights the evolving legal and ethical implications of AI in forensics, from watermarking imagery to the role of human review in court-admissible evidence.
00:00 β Introducing Heather and Jared Barnhart
00:41 AI and Image Analysis: Tackling Forged and Fraudulent Images
01:08 The Rise of AI in Legal and Criminal Cases
01:58 Personal Motivations and Research on AI
02:38 The Impact of AI on Public Perception and Trust
04:39 Challenges in Detecting AI-Generated Content
05:41 The Role of Social Media and Personalized Feeds
06:14 Generational Differences in Media Skepticism
08:17 The Evolution of Photography and Computational Enhancements
11:07 Forensic Techniques for Detecting AI Manipulations
16:40 The Debate on AI Watermarking and Authenticity
22:54 The Role of AI in Forensic Investigations
30:03 AI and the Legal System: Challenges and Considerations
34:02 Future of AI in Digital Forensics
44:18 Mental Health in Law Enforcement
47:39 Funding and Policy for Law Enforcement
52:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Matt Finnegan from Oxygen Forensics joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to share his journey into digital forensics, starting with his military background. He talks about what itβs like working with mobile devices, the challenges of keeping up with ever-changing smartphone security, and his role as a Solutions Architect.
Matt also provides insights on the state of mobile forensics today, why cloud solutions are becoming more important, and how to handle massive amounts of data. The conversation ends with a reflection on the future of the field and the ongoing need to keep forensic methods clear and transparent.
00:00 β Introduction to Matt Finnegan from Oxygen Forensics
00:46 Matt Finnegan's Journey into Digital Forensics
01:57 Training and Early Experiences in Digital Forensics
03:52 Transition from Military to Oxygen Forensics
04:24 Role and Responsibilities of a Solutions Architect
07:43 Challenges in Mobile Forensics
10:10 Advancements in Mobile Device Security
19:44 Cloud Forensics and Data Extraction
28:30 Challenges of Data Volume and Processing
37:59 Operating Systems and Forensic Tools
44:43 Factory Reset and Data Recovery
49:45 Future Challenges in Digital Forensics
Martino Jerian, CEO of Amped Software, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss AIβs impacts on video forensics. In this episode, Martino delves into the growing role of artificial intelligence in automating forensic processes, as well as the benefits and challenges it brings to the field. He shares insights on how AI is reshaping image and video enhancement, deepfake detection, and the authentication of digital evidence, while also cautioning about the risks of over-reliance on these tools. Martino provides a detailed perspective on how AI is being applied responsibly to balance efficiency with accuracy, especially in high-stakes forensic investigations.
The conversation also explores Martino's contributions to legislative discussions in the European Parliament, emphasizing the importance of educating practitioners, journalists, and the public on AI's proper use in digital forensics. If you're interested in the latest deepfake detection methods or the evolving regulatory landscape of AI, this episode offers an in-depth look at the future of video forensics.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:31 Discussing AI and Regulation
01:22 Challenges in Video Evidence
04:12 AI in Forensic Tools
07:52 Research and Trends in AI
10:48 Deepfake Detection and Legal Implications
14:45 Future of AI in Forensics
20:00 AI and Image Authentication
42:44 Staying Updated in AI and Forensics
47:12 Conclusion and Farewell
Show Notes
Video Evidence Principles, Amped Software β https://ampedsoftware.com/video-evidence-principles
Judge Blocks Use of AI-Enhanced Video Evidence, NBC β https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-state-judge-blocks-use-ai-enhanced-video-evidence-rcna141932
Ferrari Exec Foils Deepfake Attempt, Fortune β https://fortune.com/2024/07/27/ferrari-deepfake-attempt-scammer-security-question-ceo-benedetto-vigna-cybersecurity-ai/
Amped Blog β https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/
Martinoβs LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinojerian/
Can AI Be Used for Forensics and Investigations? β https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/can-ai-be-used-for-forensics-and-investigations/
Paul Gullon-Scott BSc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the mental health challenges faced by digital forensic investigators (DFIs), particularly in relation to secondary traumatic stress (STS). He explains how exposure to distressing content, such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.
Drawing on his many years of experience in digital forensics and research, Paul highlights the lack of UK-specific studies in this area and shares his development of a well-being framework aimed at reducing the mental health toll on DFIs. This framework includes a grading policy and a well-being booklet designed to help investigators recognize stress symptoms in themselves and others, while reducing their exposure to traumatic material.
Paul also touches on his recent research into the role of neurodiversity in digital forensics and the importance of adapting mental health support to neurodiverse individuals in the profession.
00:00 β Introducing Paul Gullon-Scott Bsc MA MSc MSc FMBPSS and his Research into DFI Mental Health
07:20 β Impact of CPS Guidelines on DFIs
10:30 β Research Findings on Secondary Traumatic Stress
22:40 β Gender and Age Differences in Stress Response
30:50 β Support Systems and Coping Strategies
46:00 β Neurodiversity in Digital Forensics
52:50 β Conclusion and Final Thoughts
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:
Samaritans β https://www.samaritans.org
Mind β https://www.mind.org.uk
Oscar Kilo β https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
Occupational health unit (OHU) β all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) β check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you
GP β your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services
Content warning - this episode discusses suicidal feelings.
Prof. Sarah Morris joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss the critical topic of mental health within the digital forensics field. The conversation covers the impact of traumatic content on analysts, the gaps in mental health support services, and the challenges faced by the industry due to work-related stress.
The episode also explores strategies for coping with mental health issues, the role of AI in mitigating exposure to sensitive content, and the importance of organizational changes to better support professionals in the field.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:
Samaritans β https://www.samaritans.org
Mind β https://www.mind.org.uk
Oscar Kilo β https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
Occupational health unit (OHU) β all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) β check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you
GP β your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services
Heather Barnhart from Cellebrite joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss combating the rise of AI-generated child exploitation material. Heather shares her extensive experience and insights on the impact of AI and deepfakes on investigations, the challenges faced by law enforcement worldwide, and the importance of education in combating digital crimes.
Heather also emphasizes the significance of validating forensic tools and the necessity of educating both professionals and the public about the ethical and legal implications of AI.
00:00 β Introducing Heather Barnhart and her background in DFIR
03:05 β The Evolution of Child Exploitation and AI
07:25 β Challenges in Detecting Deepfakes
12:15 β Reporting and Legislation on AI and CSAM
17:30 β Public Awareness and Education on AI Exploitation
25:49 β Inappropriate Social Media Practices
37:05 β The Role of AI in Digital Forensics
39:20 β Validating AI findings
49:14 β Career Reflections and Future Directions
Show Notes
βThose explicit AI-generated Taylor Swift images, unsurprisingly, came from 4Chanβ, The Verge - https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/5/24061985/those-explicit-ai-generated-taylor-swift-images-unsurprisingly-came-from-4chan
Take It Down - https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/
Stop NCII - https://stopncii.org/
βAI-generated kids draw predators on TikTok and Instagramβ, Forbes - https://www.forbes.com.au/news/innovation/tiktok-predators-ai-generated-kids/
The Exodus Road - https://theexodusroad.com/
Chuck Cobb from Magnet Forensics joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss training and certification. Chuck delves into his extensive background, including his tenure in law enforcement and over a decade of experience in forensic training at both Guidance Software and Magnet. He emphasizes the evolution of forensic training, particularly highlighting the challenges and opportunities that have arisen due to technological advancements and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The conversation also touches on the generational differences in learners, the rise of microlearning, and the importance of scenario-based training that drives practical outcomes for students in both law enforcement and corporate sectors.
Additionally, Chuck explains Magnet Forensics' approach to balancing financial sustainability with providing high-quality training. This includes their strategic use of online self-paced courses, virtual instructor-led sessions, and certifications that ensure examiners are well-equipped to handle various forensic tasks.
Blake Sawyer from Amped Software joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss video and image forensics in the US. He shares insights on the challenges of working with low-quality CCTV footage and how Amped Software has grown and been adopted in the US market.
The conversation delves into the role of the Scientific Working Group on Digital Evidence (SWGDE) in developing best practices for the field and how these standards influence product development. It also covers Amped's new DeepPlate technology for license plate recognition and emphasizes the importance of error margins in AI-assisted forensic analysis.
Blake goes on to discuss Amped's certification program and how it complements other industry certifications. He shares real-world case examples, including the "Pillowcase Murders" investigation, highlighting the practical applications of video forensics in solving complex crimes.
Marco Fontani joins the Forensic Focus podcast to discuss Amped Softwareβs latest AI-powered tool, DeepPlate. DeepPlate is a deep learning system designed to read license plates affected by common issues introduced by surveillance systems, making it a valuable asset for forensic video analysts.
Marco provides an in-depth overview of DeepPlate, explaining how it currently supports eight countries (France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the UK, and the United States) and how it uses separate models for each country to account for varying license plate formats. He also discusses the synthetic data generation process used for training the models, ensuring privacy and mitigating bias.
The conversation delves into the limitations and considerations when using AI-based tools in a forensic workflow, with Marco emphasizing the importance of bias mitigation techniques and proper interpretation of confidence scores. He stresses that DeepPlate is an investigative tool designed to provide a second opinion, rather than a tool for court admissibility.
00:00 β What is DeepPlate and what is its purpose?
02:45 β How many countries does DeepPlate currently support?
09:30 β What are the challenges of diplomatic and personalised number plates?
11:30 β How would a forensic video analyst use DeepPlate as part of their workflow?
13:40 β Can DeepPlate be used in Court?
16:30 β What is Amped Softwareβs position on AI?
19:00 β What will be the impact of updated models on results?
20:50 β What kind of data is used to train the system?
23:30 β How has the system been tested?
26:15 β What are the access conditions for using DeepPlate?
28:05 β Does Amped Software retain user data for DeepPlate and if yes for how long?
29:45 β Is it possible to buy additional seats for your license?
31:00 β What are the limitations and considerations when using AI-based tools like DeepPlate for forensic and investigative purposes?
35:20 β Does Amped Software plan to use AI in other areas?
Show Notes
Washington State Judge Blocks Use Of AI-Enhanced Video As Evidence In Possible First-Of-Its-Kind-Ruling - https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7181308834370494464/
Neural Network for Denoising and Reading Degraded License Plates - https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-68780-9_39
Introducing DeepPlate, Ampedβs Investigative Tool for AI-Powered License Plate Reading - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2024/02/28/introducing-deepplate-ampeds-investigative-tool-for-ai-powered-license-plate-reading
Join Si and Desi for another episode of the Forensic Focus Podcast. This week, they discuss the lack of transparency and potential misrepresentation in the cybersecurity industry, particularly regarding the use of open-source tools by companies and the questionable interpretation of data and statistics in marketing and advertising.
The conversation also delves into the implications of relying on computer systems and algorithms to make important decisions, such as in the case of the Post Office scandal in the UK and the Centrelink repayment debacle in Australia. They emphasize the importance of human oversight, critical thinking, and considering the human impact of such decisions, rather than blindly trusting the outputs of computer systems.
00:00 β The state of the digital forensics industry
02:30 β Desiβs talk at BSides Brisbane
05:30 β Sweaty Cyber Advice and Strongman
09:40 β Companies integrating open source software
23:00 β Advertising, statistics and logical fallacies
28:00 β The Post Office scandal and computer accountability
49:00 β Security, compliance and regulations
56:00 β Closing thoughts
Show Notes
Hardly Adequate YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hardlyadequate
Oxfordshireβs Strongman & Strongwoman - https:\oxfordshire.rocks\
CPS, Computer Records Evidence - https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/computer-records-evidence
Your Logical Fallacyis - https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/
British Post Office Scandal - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Post_Office_scandal
The Guardian, Robodebt Scandal - https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2023/mar/11/robodebt-five-years-of-lies-mistakes-and-failures-that-caused-a-18bn-scandal
Tyler Vigen, Spurious Correlations - http://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
Forensic Focus Discord - https://discord.gg/97zKvTXHeS
Sophie Powell joins Si and Desi on the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss various topics including her recent participation in a TryHackMe webinar, the challenges of applying for graduate schemes, and the relevance of the Cyber 9/12 competition to her career in cybersecurity. They also touch on the psychology of conspiracy theories and the implications of deepfake technology.
00:00 β Welcome to the podcast
03:00 β Sweaty Cyber Advice
03:55 β Fitness and forensics
07:00 β Mental health and mindfulness
09:10 β Gamified assessments
17:00 β Video recorded self-assessments
20:10 β Filtering candidates to fill roles
24:25 β Graduate schemes versus graduate jobs
27:40 β Apprenticeships and student loans
33:40 β Starting out on a graduate scheme
37:35 β UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge
43:55 β Dangers of deepfakes
51:10 β Conspiracy theories and computer psychology
54:40 β Closing thoughts
Show Notes
Hardly Adequate - https://hardlyadequate.com
Try Hack Me - https://tryhackme.com/
UK Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge - https://www.ukcyber912.co.uk/
Chris Doman, Co-Founder of Cado Security, joins the Forensic Focus podcast to discuss cloud forensics and incident response. Cado Security provides cloud-based software for collecting and analyzing forensic evidence in cloud environments.
Chris discusses the challenges of cloud forensics, such as the constantly changing nature of cloud environments and the need to standardize and normalize data from different sources.
Cado Security is working on partnerships with cloud and EDR vendors, as well as IR providers, and is planning to release new features related to SaaS and email compromise investigations.
00:00 β Introducing Chris Doman from Cado Security
03:00 β Starting and growing Cado Security
05:45 β Cado Community
06:30 β Cloud forensics tools
10:40 β Collecting, processing and presenting data
12:00 β Advantages of cloud to cloud
13:50 β Audit logs
16:00 β Automation
20:30 β Training and investigation support
28:00 β Release cycle and managing updates
30:30 β Roadmap
40:30 β Chain of custody
43:00 β Encryption and storage
43:30 β Cado Security at events
Alan Platt, Professional Services Consultant at MSAB, discusses his experience as a former UK police officer working in digital forensics. He talks about the different levels of digital forensics capabilities within police forces and how MSAB products like XAMN and XEC Director are used by frontline officers versus lab analysts.
The discussion covers how MSAB partners with law enforcement to develop custom workflows for mobile device acquisitions that facilitate ISO compliance. Alan explains MSAB's managed service offering, where approved MSAB staff can remotely access a customer's XEC Director server to assist with software updates and troubleshooting. He emphasizes the strict data segregation policies enforced by customers to prevent MSAB from accessing any sensitive case data.
Looking ahead, Alan mentions MSAB's new CEO and hints at some exciting developments coming down the pipeline. He spotlights recent enhancements to XEC Director's speed and database functionality for managing large estates of networked Kiosks. Alan also plugs the new XEC Director training he created to help users fully leverage the platform's capabilities.
00:00 β Introduction to Alan Platt
07:00 β Training
12:00 β Workflows
17:20 β Ensuring a secure environment
19:45 β Customer training
20:35 β Helping customers comply with ISO accreditation
25:00 β Validation and verification
27:30 β ISO standards
30:00 β MSABβs pipeline plans
32:40 β XEC Director
43:45 β Privacy of user data
Nick Harvey, a former Detective Inspector in the Metropolitan Police, discusses his transition from law enforcement to his current role as a Customer Success Manager at Cellebrite. He describes his experience in tackling county lines, a form of organized crime in the UK where drug dealers set up operations in smaller towns and cities to expand their business. He also discusses the role of mobile phones in criminal investigations and how data-driven approaches can expedite the justice process.
Nick goes on to highlight the challenges of explaining digital evidence to judges and juries and the potential impact of artificial intelligence in forensic investigations. He also emphasizes the importance of communication between digital forensics units and investigators and the need for tools that can handle large data sets and provide actionable insights.
Nick shares his thoughts on the impact of regulations on forensic processes and the need for a balance between oversight and efficiency. He concludes by advising investigators to be open to new approaches and to focus on the objectives of their investigations.
00:00 β Introduction to Nick Harvey, Customer Success Manager at Cellebrite
02:40 β Data driven approach to tackling county lines crimes
07:50 β Changing landscape of mobile forensics
11:45 β Operation Venetic and EncroChat crime
15:20 β Ensuring admissibility of evidence
19:50 β Machine learning in crimes and crime detection
24:00 β Machine learning in Cellebriteβs tools
27:10 β Working at Cellebrite
31:30 β Managing large volumes of data
34:40 β Training tool users and empowering investigators to get the most from data
36:00 β Regulations and compliance frameworks
39:55 β Advice for digital investigators
Subscribe to the Forensic Focus Podcast: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/
Keith Lockhart, Vice President of Training at Oxygen Forensics, discusses the evolution of training in the digital forensics industry. He highlights the shift towards online training and the use of technology to deliver courses remotely. He also mentions the importance of gathering feedback from customers and adapting training programs to meet their needs.
Oxygen Forensics is focused on providing a range of training options, including on-demand content and hands-on training with shipped devices. Additionally, Keith discusses the company's new technologies, Oxygen Corporate Explorer (OCE) and Oxygen Analytic Center (OAC), which offer collaborative review and data collection capabilities.
00:00 - Keith Lockhartβs career
06:45 β Educational background
09:15 β Technical knowledge and software development
14:55 β Transitioning to a training role
20:05 β Sharing knowledge and presenting evidence in court
24:15 β Products and training from Oxygen Forensics
34:00 β Receiving customer feedback
35:30 β Online versus in-person conferences and training
38:10 β Providing training and tools in different languages
41:00 β Oxygen Forensic Certifications
44:10 β Oxygen Forensicsβ focus for 2024
Si interviews Monica Harris from Cellebrite about new products and developments in the field of digital forensics. They talk about the importance of staying connected to the community and understanding their needs.
Cellebrite has recently launched several new products, including Endpoint Mobile Now, a SaaS solution for the patent pending remote collection of targeted data on iOS and Android devices. Another new product is Mobile Ultra, a mobile forensics solution that provides access to mobile data on a wide range of iOS and Android devices.
Cellebrite aims to develop technology that meets the needs of their customers and provides solutions for the challenges they face in digital forensics.
00:00 β Introduction to Monica Harris and Cellebrite
03:20 β New Cellebrite products and upgrades
05:40 β Cellebrite Endpoint Mobile Now
12:00 β Storage, privacy and ownership of acquired data
13:30 β Bandwidth requirements
15:00 β Targeting specific data
18:45 β Cellebrite Mobile Ultra
22:15 β Cloud collection platforms
26:10 β Collecting data from the cloud
27:05 β Screen share and capture capabilities
29:15 β Whatβs coming up for Cellebrite?
32:10 β AI and machine learning
36:40 β Final thoughts and invitation to get in touch
Si and Desi interview Rich Frawley from ADF Solutions. They discuss the use of screenshots and screen recording in mobile device investigations. Screenshots and screen recordings can be used to capture evidence that may not be available through logical acquisitions, allowing investigators to add valuable information to their cases.
Rich also discusses the limitations of screenshots and screen recording, such as the inability to capture certain types of data or the risk of alerting the other party in a chat conversation. He emphasizes the importance of investigators knowing their cases and making informed decisions about the best methods to gather evidence.
Rich also highlights the speed and efficiency of ADF Solutions' tools, which focus on triage and intelligence gathering rather than cracking devices. He mentions the company's training programs and the ability to generate reports and share data with other tools. The conversation touches on the future of mobile forensics, including wearables and emerging technologies like smart glasses.
Si Biles interviews Sophie Powell, Professor Sarah Morris, and Rob Black about the Cyber 9/12 Strategy Challenge. The challenge is an opportunity for students to experience a simulated cyber crisis and provide advice to senior government decision-makers.
The guests discuss the value of the competition in developing multidisciplinary skills and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field. They encourage students to participate and emphasize the benefits of networking and learning from industry professionals.
The guests also highlight the need for more outreach and support for women in cybersecurity at all levels of education, and the work of CyberWomen Groups C.I.C..
Show Notes:
Event Recap: The CyberWomen Conference 2023 - https://www.forensicfocus.com/event-info/event-recap-the-cyberwomen-conference-2023/
Si and Desi are joined by Brittany and Ailsa from digital forensics software company ADF Solutions. They discuss how ADF is addressing key challenges for digital forensics practitioners, including handling the massive volumes of data from mobile devices and the cloud.
The guests outline ADF's focus on developing their software as an easy-to-use onsite triage tool that can help quickly identify pertinent evidence. Key features include advanced handling of video files, AI-assisted classification of images, and new screen recording capabilities for mobile devices that allow suspects to safely share relevant data.
The hosts and guests also explore ADF's ongoing research into areas like facial recognition, handling new device types like games consoles and smart watches, and identifying deepfake media.
00:00 β Introduction to Ailsa and Brittany
03:00 β The challenge of vast amounts of data
05:50 β Recovering data from Chromebooks
08:50 β Triaging using ADF tools
12:30 β Benefits of using ADF Solutionsβ tools
15:50 β Limitations in types of apps
17:20 β Keeping up with technological advancements
19:15 β ADF customer base
21:00 - Artificial intelligence in classifying images
30:00 β ADF Solutionsβ triaging kit
37:00 β Training with ADF
40:00 β Target user
44:50 β Roadmap of future devices to examine
51:30 β Main focus for ADF Solutions going forwards
Show Notes:
AI-generated CSAM article on Sky News - https://news.sky.com/story/thousands-of-ai-generated-child-abuse-images-being-shared-online-research-finds-12991727
Si and Desi interview Emi Polito from Amped about how to become an Amped FIVE Certified Examiner (AFCE). They discuss the exam requirements and format, as well as Ampedβs future plans. Emi explains that the certification is aimed at demonstrating competency with the Amped FIVE video analysis software after completing training. The exam consists of multiple choice questions on theory and practical exercises using the software. Emi talks about the online exam format and process for passing or failing.
Emi also discusses the broader challenges many organizations face with validation and accreditation. He emphasizes Amped's commitment to developing tools that facilitate that process. The hosts reflect on the confusing accreditation landscape and Ampedβs passion for improving training and certification in forensics. This episode provides an overview of Amped's new certification and perspective on challenges in the field of video forensics.
Show Notes:
Introducing The AFCE Certification (Amped FIVE Certified Examiner) - https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/introducing-the-afce-certification-amped-five-certified-examiner/
Video Evidence Principles With Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/video-evidence-principles-with-amped-software/
Digital Image Authenticity And Integrity With Amped Authenticate - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/digital-image-authenticity-and-integrity-with-amped-authenticate/
File Analysis And DVR Conversion Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/file-analysis-and-dvr-conversion-training-from-amped-software/
Amped FIVE Speed Estimation 2d Filter And Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/amped-five-speed-estimation-2d-filter-and-training-from-amped-software/
Amped Softwareβs Martino Jerian on Key Challenges and Opportunities for Video Evidence - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/amped-softwares-martino-jerian-on-key-challenges-and-opportunities-for-video-evidence/
LEVA 2023 Training Symposium - https://www.leva.org/
Forensic Collision Investigation & Reconstruction Ltd - https://www.fcir.co.uk/
Amped FIVE Certified Examiner - https://ampedsoftware.com/afce-certification
Introducing the Amped FIVE Certification Program - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2023/10/04/introducing-the-amped-five-certification-program
Amped Software YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ampedsoftware
How to Use the Validation Tool in Amped FIVE - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2023/03/29/how-to-use-the-validation-tool-in-amped-five
Si and Desi talk to Gavin Prue and Selim Kang about their non-traditional paths into cybersecurity careers. They share their diverse educational backgrounds, from vocational college courses to returning to school later in life, and the hands-on training that helped prepare them for incident response roles.
Gavin and Selim provide advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals on the importance of networking, asking questions, having a positive attitude, and being willing to put in extra time learning new skills. They discuss the value of university degrees versus certifications, the pros and cons of accredited cybersecurity programs, and the need for continued education in this rapidly evolving field. Whether starting from scratch or changing careers, their stories demonstrate that resilience and motivation can overcome lack of formal qualifications.
Si and Desi talk to Eva Galperin, Director of Cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and Emma Pickering, Head of Tech and Economic Abuse at Refuge. They discuss the impact of digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) in cases of domestic abuse. They highlight the prevalence of tech-enabled abuse, such as the use of stalkerware, and the need for comprehensive support and safety plans for survivors.
They also talk about the challenges faced by law enforcement in investigating and prosecuting these cases, as well as the importance of training and awareness in addressing tech-enabled abuse. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration between organizations, tech developers, and law enforcement to effectively combat domestic abuse.
Show Notes:
Apple Support: How Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe -
https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/how-safety-check-works-ips2aad835e1/web
IBM: Five Technology Design Principles to Combat Domestic Abuse - https://www.ibm.com/policy/five-technology-design-principles-to-combat-domestic-abuse/
EFF: Today The UK Parliament Undermined The Privacy, Security, And Freedom Of All Internet Users - https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2023/09/today-uk-parliament-undermined-privacy-security-and-freedom-all-internet-users
Wesley Mission: More support to help escape family violence - https://www.wesleymission.org.au/about-us/what-we-do/helping-people-most-in-need/housing-and-accommodation/wesley-emergency-relief/more-support-to-help-escape-family-violence/
Refuge: How we can help you - https://refuge.org.uk/i-need-help-now/how-we-can-help-you/
Electronic Frontier Foundation - https://www.eff.org/
Si and Desi interview Lee Reiber, CEO of Oxygen Forensics. Lee provides an overview of Oxygen's tools for extracting data from mobile devices, cloud services, and computers to aid digital investigations. He talks about Oxygen's training program that is now included with their software to train examiners to become skilled investigators.
Lee also shares insights on overcoming hurdles like encryption and multifactor authentication in mobile forensics. He stresses that there is always a way to get needed data from mobile devices. Lee additionally talks about the vetting process Oxygen uses to ensure their tools are used ethically and explains how Oxygen adapts quickly to help law enforcement with urgent cases.
Join Desi and Si as they chat with Rob Fried, a digital forensics expert, author, and licensed private investigator. In this episode, Rob discusses the upcoming 2023 E-Crime Symposium: Cutting Edge Topics in Digital Forensics, taking place virtually on 31st October 2023.
The symposium will feature keynote talks and panel discussions exploring e-crimes and criminal investigations. Topics include Mobile Device Investigations, Cryptocurrency Investigations, and Forensic Fundamentals in Innovation.
Rob also discusses his background, career, and passion for writing and sharing knowledge in the forensics field. He talks about the value of collaboration and giving back through events like the symposium and authoring books for students and practitioners.
Show Notes:
2023 E-Crime Symposium: Cutting Edge Topics In Digital Forensics - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-e-crime-symposium-cutting-edge-topics-in-digital-forensics-tickets-698455237417?aff=oddtdtcreator
Rob Fried's website - https://forensicsbyfried.com
PI Magazine - https://pimagazine.com
Ryan joins Si and Desi to discuss his research into SS7 hacking and cell phone tracking. As someone passionate about radio technology, Ryan became interested in cell networking and eventually discovered he could intercept calls and texts by building fake cell towers. He learned that phone users have virtually no ability to opt out of their locations and identifiers being commercially available via simple API calls. Ryan hopes to put this knowledge to good use by developing a system to warn domestic abuse shelters if an offender's phone is near by tracking SS7 data.
During the technical discussion, Ryan demonstrates querying an API with his own phone number to retrieve subscriber data and location. The hosts consider how individuals could possibly protect themselves from SS7 exploits, such as avoiding SMS authentication. They also discuss Ryan's other projects exploring radio hacking tools and a magazine shining light on digital counterculture topics.
Si and Desi are joined by Professor Sarah Morris, Digital Forensics Academic and Practitioner, to talk about DFIR at Southampton University, and Sarahβs innovative approach to lecturing.Β
They explore a range of topics, from electronic storage detection using robots, to strength-testing Faraday bags. They also venture into the realm of forensics in unexpected places, like unravelling mysteries hidden within a washing machine.
Plus, Sarah offers a rare insider's perspective on the biometrics and forensics ethics group, an advisory non-departmental public body sponsored by the Home Office.
Si is joined by Martino Jerian, CEO and Founder of Amped Software, and Eugene Liscio, 3D Forensic Analyst at ai2-3D. They discuss Martinoβs recent presentation on video evidence principles to the European Parliament.
Martino explains the difference between authenticity and integrity when it comes to video evidence, and explores the often necessary role of editing in producing a more accurate representation of reality, such as when correcting lens distortion.
In this complex field, our guests emphasize the critical need for maintaining a precise, repeatable, and reproducible workflow, aligning with best practices and established guidelines. They also discuss how judges and juries can easily be mislead by expert witnesses, and the resultant importance of presenting technical information in an accurate but accessible way.
Furthermore, for those curious about a career in video forensics, the trio provides practical insights into the qualifications, training, and experience that can guide you on this path.
Show Notes:
Video Evidence Principles: Presentation at the European Parliament - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2023/06/01/video-evidence-principles-presentation-at-the-european-parliament
3D Forensics | ai2-3D | Ontario - https://www.ai2-3d.com/
3D Forensics YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@3Dforensics
Digital Image Authenticity And Integrity With Amped Authenticate - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/digital-image-authenticity-and-integrity-with-amped-authenticate/
Amped Softwareβs Martino Jerian on Key Challenges and Opportunities for Video Evidence - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/amped-softwares-martino-jerian-on-key-challenges-and-opportunities-for-video-evidence/
Amped Replay Explained: A Detectiveβs Review Of The Enhanced Video Player For Forensic Investigations - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/amped-replay-explained-a-detectives-review-of-the-enhanced-video-player-for-forensic-investigations/
Amped FIVE Speed Estimation 2d Filter And Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/amped-five-speed-estimation-2d-filter-and-training-from-amped-software/
File Analysis And DVR Conversion Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/file-analysis-and-dvr-conversion-training-from-amped-software/
Liverpool John Moores University - https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/courses/postgraduates/2023/36596-audio-and-video-forensics-msc
Si and Desi recap the European Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Conference (EICC) 2023, which hosted a range of talks and discussions on fields related to cybersecurity.
Si highlights some of the talks he found most interesting, including those on the following topics:
- Research conducted at the University of Kent on the prevalence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the DarkWeb, including differences between English- and Chinese-language marketplaces
- Tracking vehicles and anonymising personal data in a way that still allows useful statistical analysis
- Conversion of malware binaries into visual images, allowing for the detection of malware families and programs by visual analysis
- Detecting device fingerprinting on iOS with API function hooking
- Age classification from images, including potential challenges, theoretical uses and current accuracy levels
- Machine learning and cybersecurity
The duo also discuss what's coming next on the Forensic Focus podcast.
Show Notes:
European Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Conference: https://www.fvv.um.si/eicc2023/
Proceedings of the 2023 European Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Conference: https://dl.acm.org/doi/proceedings/10.1145/3590777
Conference program: https://www.fvv.um.si/eicc2023/static/docs/EICC2023_program.pdf
Improving file-level fuzzy hashes for malware variant classification: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1742287619300283
Si and Desi talk to Ryan Parthemore, Product Evangelist at Cellebrite, and Robert Fried, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Forensics Investigations at Sandline Solutions.
They discuss best practices and compliance frameworks to ensure the admissibility of digital evidence at trial. They highlight the foundational principles of repeatability, reproducibility, and justifiability in the field of digital forensics.
Drawing on their own real-life experiences, they emphasize the importance of defensible investigations and illustrate how proper methodologies can protect the chain of custody and ensure the reliability of the digital evidence.
Si and Desi talk to Monica Harris, Project Business Manager at Cellebrite, about current eDiscovery challenges. They cover some of the reoccurring pain points customers experience during the integration stage, the difficulties of collecting mobile data for investigations, and the development of legal holds and how they influence digital forensic cases.
This episode also touches on the role of machine learning in eDiscovery and how large amounts of data can be reformatted for the review stage of a case.
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Desi and Si discuss different online programming courses and what they think about the popular platform, Udemy. They also talk about Flipper, Dev boards, and Raspberry Pi, and delve into the fascinating phenomenon of running the classic game Doom on unlikely devices.
Throughout the episode, Desi and Si share their digital forensics expertise, referencing some of the cases they have been working on and highlighting particular methodologies and technologies that have an impact on cybersecurity.
Show Notes:
100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp for 2023 - https://www.udemy.com/course/100-days...
Domestika - https://www.domestika.org/en
MIT OpenCourseWare - https://www.youtube.com/@mitocw
MasterClass - https://www.masterclass.com/
Raspberry Pi 400 Complete Kit - https://core-electronics.com.au/raspb...
Flipper Discord - https://discord.com/invite/flipper
Flipper Zero - https://flipperzero.one/
This Programmer Figured Out How to Play Doom on a Pregnancy Test - https://www.popularmechanics.com/scie...
Hereβs a dude playing Doom Eternal on his fridge - https://www.polygon.com/2020/10/13/21...
Doom hacker gets Doom running in Doom - https://www.pcgamer.com/doom-hacker-g...
Doom Running On A Calculator Powered By Old Potatoes - https://kotaku.com/doom-running-on-a-...
GoldenEra - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11753760/
Racing the Beam - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_...
High Score (TV series) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Sc...)
Microcontroller Courses (Udemy) - https://www.udemy.com/topic/microcont...
The story of Final Fantasy XIVβs renegade do-good modders - https://www.pcgamesn.com/final-fantas...
Logical fallacies - https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Si and Desi talk to Mackenzie Jackson, Developer Advocate at Git Guardian.
Mackenzie discusses the problem of hard-coded and leaked credentials in Git repositories, the task of scanning Git repositories for leaked credentials, and how thatβs helped by the setup of GitHub and Git.
He also looks at some public and private cases of security breaches through Git repositories and recommends tools you can use to combat attackers on Git.
Show Notes:
Toyota Suffered a Data Breach by Accidentally Exposing A Secret Key Publicly On GitHub (GitGuardian) - https://blog.gitguardian.com/toyota-a...
GitHub.com rotates its exposed private SSH key (Bleeping Computer) - https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news...
Conpago - https://www.conpago.com.au/
Source Code as a Vulnerability - A Deep Dive into the Real Security Threats From the Twitch Leak (GitGuardian) - https://blog.gitguardian.com/security...
Teenagers Leveraging Insider Threats: Lapsus$ Hacker Group (Forbes) - https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsaye...
Lapsus$: Oxford teen accused of being multi-millionaire cyber-criminal (BBC) - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology...
Dynamic Secrets (HashiCorp) - https://developer.hashicorp.com/vault...
Crappy code, crappy Copilot. GitHub Copilot is writing vulnerable code and it could be your fault (GitGuardian) - https://blog.gitguardian.com/crappy-c...
trufflesecurity/trufflehog (GitHub) - https://github.com/trufflesecurity/tr...
gitleaks/gitleaks (GitHub) - https://github.com/gitleaks/gitleaks
Git (Wikipedia) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Git
awslabs/git-secrets (GitHub) - https://github.com/awslabs/git-secrets
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Si and Desi are joined by Marco Fontani from Amped Software. Together, they delve into the world of digital image forensics and discuss the use of Amped Authenticate.
Amped Authenticate can be used to uncover the processing history of a digital image, helping to determine whether it can be used as reliable evidence in a court of law. Todayβs episode looks at the challenges involved in analysing pictures downloaded from the web or social media platforms, the impact of AI-based processing during capture on modern smartphones, and Authenticate's ability to assist with triage, allowing investigators to quickly filter through large amounts of data to find relevant evidence.
Show Notes:
Amped Authenticate (Amped Software) - https://ampedsoftware.com/authenticate
Samsungβs Moon Shots Force Us to Ask How Much AI Is Too Much (WIRED) - https://www.wired.co.uk/article/samsu...
A Leak in PRNU Based Source IdentificationβQuestioning Fingerprint Uniqueness (IEEE Xplore) - https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/...
Is PRNU Camera Identification Still Reliable? Tests on Modern Smartphones Show We May Need a New Strategy! (Amped Software) - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2020/0...
Dealing with Deepfakes (Amped Software) - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2021/0...
NVIDIA Broadcast 1.4 Adds Eye Contact and Vignette Effects With Virtual Background Enhancements (GeForce) - https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/...
The Face Deepfake Detection Challenge (MDPI) - https://www.mdpi.com/2313-433X/8/10/263
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Si and Desi recap the 18th International Conference on Cyber Warfare and Security (ICCWS).
Desi shares his top picks of the best talks, which explore a range of topics, from forensic investigations on Github breaches and blockchain forensics to deepfake technology and network forensics on submarines.
They also take a look at LockBit ransomware investigations and examine whether or not there has been a resurgence in 'script kiddies'.
Show Notes:
ICCWS 2024 program: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1u_ajyuxeZ5Hi-989nw50KxI5tTMnKPylhg47fVTp9pk
ICCWS 2023 papers (including book):Β https://papers.academic-conferences.org/index.php/iccws
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Si and Desi explore how artificial intelligence is being leveraged to uncover crucial evidence in investigations involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and examine the importance of exercising caution when implementing these tools.
They also discuss a recent murder case in which cyber experts played a vital role in securing a conviction, and explore the unique challenges associated with using digital evidence as an alibi.
In this episode of the Forensic Focus podcast, Si and Desi explore the cutting-edge technology of deepfake videos and image manipulation. In addition to discussing the latest technological developments and efforts being made to detect manipulated media, they also examine the associated legal and ethical implications.
Show notes:
Boris Johnson image - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/jan/10/spot-the-difference-boris-johnson-appears-scrubbed-from-photo-posted-by-grant-shapps
Deep Fake Neighbour Wars - https://m.imdb.com/title/tt21371376/
Stalin image - https://www.history.com/news/josef-stalin-great-purge-photo-retouching
Nvidia eye contact AI - https://www.polygon.com/23571376/nvidia-broadcast-eye-contact-ai and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl87WTDrReo
Birthday problem - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birthday_problem
Same frightening woman in AI images - https://petapixel.com/2022/09/09/the-same-frightening-woman-keeps-appearing-in-ai-generated-images/
Inherent mysogeny of AI portraits - https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/dec/09/lensa-ai-portraits-misogyny
Midjourney - https://www.midjourney.org/
Deepfake porn legality - https://www.theverge.com/2022/11/25/23477548/uk-deepfake-porn-illegal-offence-online-safety-bill-proposal and https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/02/12/1018222/deepfake-revenge-porn-coming-ban/
AIATSIS - https://aiatsis.gov.au/cultural-sensitivity
Fake tiger porn story - https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/tiger-porn-britain-law/
Group photo with no blinking - https://www.countrylife.co.uk/comment-opinion/curious-questions-group-photo-179102
Emma Watson deefake audio - https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ai-4chan-emma-watson-mein-kampf-elevenlabs-9wghsmt9c
Domestika - https://www.domestika.org/en/courses/981-introduction-to-interviewing-the-art-of-conversation
Investigative Interviewing - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0199681899?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Forensic Focus events calendar - https://www.forensicfocus.com/events/
Si Twitter - https://twitter.com/si_biles
In this episode, Si and Desi talk to Matt Suiche from Magnet Forensics on the rise of e-crime and info stealers. They also discuss the new and exciting ChatGPT, a chatbot launched by OpenAI in November last year.
"Once upon a time, not long ago in the Land of Forensics, there was a show called the Forensic Focus Podcast. You know, where they talk about all forensics. Oh ho, the host of this showβ¦β Oh no, they say I was the host. βIt was smart and funny. Never once did they chat about boring things, oh no, not that. His guests were experts" - Bad ChatGPT
Show notes:
dumpIT - http://www.toolwar.com/2014/01/dumpit-memory-dump-tools.html
comae - https://www.comae.com/dumpit/
Mattβs wiki - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Suiche
VMWare acquires CloudVolumes - https://blogs.vmware.com/euc/2014/08/cloudvolumes.html
Vitali Kremex - https://twitter.com/vk_intel?lang=en
ChatGPT - https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/
Magnet Virtual Summit - https://magnetvirtualsummit.com/
Magnet User Summit - https://magnetusersummit.com/
Just like your current holiday shopping for last minute presents a lot of the good stuff has gone off the shelves already. You reach to the back and find the toy nobody really wanted but itβs the thought that counts, you stare down at Si and Desiβs Holiday Special 2022 podcast.
Please join these two as they lament over the year that was, discuss all the things they didnβt do but promise they will do them next year, query whether putting a NAS in the storage of a roller door is a good idea, and finally arrive at what theyβre looking forward to bringing you in the new year.
Show Notes:
Arduino PLC IDE - https://docs.arduino.cc/software/plc-ide
Mycroft Mark II (open source Alexa) - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aiforeveryone/mycroft-mark-ii-the-open-voice-assistant
Christaβs new blog - https://christammiller.com/
Siβs holiday reading - https://amzn.to/3iJyGrR
Desiβs holiday reading - https://inteltechniques.com/
Strange event for the end of the year - https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/25-suspected-members-german-far-right-group-arrested-raids-prosecutors-office-2022-12-07/
Siβs wishful thinking - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXnRgXclLd0
Siβs list to do before the EOY - https://intrepidcamera.co.uk/products/intrepid-4x5-camera
Desiβs list to do before EOY - https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-reset-your-phone-before-you-sell-it/
βCleaning your officeβ - https://www.manfrotto.com/uk-en/vintage-collapsible-1-5-x-2-1m-ink-sage-ll-lb5720/
Conference recorder - https://amzn.to/3UBmre5
Desiβs blog - https://www.hardlyadequate.com/
The investigation of child exploitation is a delicate balance between rescuing children, ensuring perpetrators are correctly identified, and safeguarding investigator mental health. This week on the Forensic Focus podcast, Christa and Si are with Cyacomb, talking digital forensics with: Jeffrey Bell, Customer Success Manager; Alan McConnell, Head of Customer Success; and Brandon Gardner, Program Manager.
As digital forensics decentralizes, shifting more responsibilities from lab to field personnel, tools that can manage the evidence from different user groups are ever more important. In this episode, Christa and Si talk with Andrew Lister, Managing Director at Detego Global, about interoperability between field and lab. They discuss Detegoβs significant post-pandemic growth, what it is about interoperable frontline and lab tools that other solutions miss, and the biggest challenges when adapting a military field tool to more regulated environments.
To read Andy's previous interview with us, visit https://www.forensicfocus.com/interviews/andy-lister-global-business-development-director-detego.
This week, Christa and Si talk with Cyacomb's Graham Little and Mike Burridge about the technology it takes to identify child sexual abuse and terrorist imagery, on both devices and the online world. The balance between public safety and privacy is discussed, along with challenges faced by both social media providers preventing imagery from being shared, and law enforcement investigating the perpetrators. Also described: technological challenges and what they mean for investigations and prosecutions, including the need for training and education of users; and new developments coming from Cyacomb.
This week, Christa and Si talk with Cyacomb's Graham Little and Mike Burridge about the technology it takes to identify child sexual abuse and terrorist imagery, on both devices and the online world. The balance between public safety and privacy is discussed, along with challenges faced by both social media providers preventing imagery from being shared, and law enforcement investigating the perpetrators. Also described: technological challenges and what they mean for investigations and prosecutions, including the need for training and education of users; and new developments coming from Cyacomb.
In this episode, Detective Lee Bieber of the Plantation Florida Police Department and the FBI's Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force in Miami talks with podcast host Christa Miller about his background, the trends he's noticed in criminal use of digital technology, and the artifacts that make up the elements of a statutory crime. Also discussed: putting digital artifacts together into a picture using various forensic tools, and the tool that helps him most in his investigations.
You canβt put a price on bants! Friends and enemies welcome as this week Christa, Si, and Desi recap HTCIA and DFRWS. Deep dive into ticket prices and accessibility. Wonder whether there is innovation in the vendor space. Consider running their own virtual Forensic Focus conference in 2023. They briefly touch on neurodiversity, potential guests, and we all get treated to Siβs long preamble and and slightly shorter outro.
Show Notes:
DFRWS APAC 2022 Program - https://dfrws.org/apac-2022-program/
BSides AUS - https://www.bsidesau.com.au/
BSides UK - https://www.securitybsides.org.uk/#
HTCIA - https://htcia.org/
Heather Mahalikβs talk on verifying evidence
CYACOMB Prioritizing time sensitive investigations with Rapid Digital Triage - Alan McConnell
Hansken Forensics - https://www.hansken.nl/
Velociraptor - https://www.rapid7.com/products/velociraptor/
Sydney Declaration IAFS 2023 - https://iafs2023.com.au/sydney-declaration/
You canβt put a price on bants! Friends and enemies welcome as this week Christa, Si, and Desi recap HTCIA and DFRWS. Deep dive into ticket prices and accessibility. Wonder whether there is innovation in the vendor space. Consider running their own virtual Forensic Focus conference in 2023. They briefly touch on neurodiversity, potential guests, and we all get treated to Siβs long preamble and and slightly shorter outro.
Show Notes:
DFRWS APAC 2022 Program - https://dfrws.org/apac-2022-program/
BSides AUS - https://www.bsidesau.com.au/
BSides UK - https://www.securitybsides.org.uk/#
HTCIA - https://htcia.org/
Heather Mahalikβs talk on verifying evidence
CYACOMB Prioritizing time sensitive investigations with Rapid Digital Triage - Alan McConnell
Hansken Forensics - https://www.hansken.nl/
Velociraptor - https://www.rapid7.com/products/velociraptor/
Sydney Declaration IAFS 2023 - https://iafs2023.com.au/sydney-declaration/
This week, Si and Christa talk with James Eichbaum, global training manager at MSAB, about:
- The technical and procedural challenges that students bring to class that inform R&D and, in turn, training.
- The importance of training to thorough, forensically sound examinations, as well as to educating managers and other stakeholders on why thoroughness is important.
- As well, the need and ability for examiners to be able to articulate their own processes in a rapidly changing field.
- Training for different levels of personnel, from frontline officers all the way up to the lab.
- How the COVID-19 pandemic affected training course design and delivery.
- Some of the new things to look out for in both products and training from MSAB.
Show Notes:
Our previous interview with James: https://www.forensicfocus.com/interviews/james-eichbaum-global-training-manager-msab/
Our interview with Matthew Sorell on mobile device forensics: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/university-of-adelaides-dr-matthew-sorell-on-evidentiary-health-data-at-dfrws-apac-2022/
The FORMOBILE project: https://www.formobile-project.eu/
MSAB training: https://www.msab.com/training-overview/
This week, Si and Christa talk with James Eichbaum, global training manager at MSAB, about:
- The technical and procedural challenges that students bring to class that inform R&D and, in turn, training.
- The importance of training to thorough, forensically sound examinations, as well as to educating managers and other stakeholders on why thoroughness is important.
- As well, the need and ability for examiners to be able to articulate their own processes in a rapidly changing field.
- Training for different levels of personnel, from frontline officers all the way up to the lab.
- How the COVID-19 pandemic affected training course design and delivery.
- Some of the new things to look out for in both products and training from MSAB.
Show Notes:
Our previous interview with James: https://www.forensicfocus.com/interviews/james-eichbaum-global-training-manager-msab/
Our interview with Matthew Sorell on mobile device forensics: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/university-of-adelaides-dr-matthew-sorell-on-evidentiary-health-data-at-dfrws-apac-2022/
The FORMOBILE project: https://www.formobile-project.eu/
MSAB training: https://www.msab.com/training-overview/
In this episode, Desi and Si talk with Alex Tilley, who's part of the counter threat unit at Secureworks, as a followup to Alex's presentation on the history of financial cybercrime.
Show Notes:
The business club writeup from 00:18:25
https://www.secureworks.com/research/evolution-of-the-gold-evergreen-threat-group
Fast-flux and round robin DNS
Anti-money laundering legislation
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/other-legislation/anti-money-laundering#:~:text=The%20Anti%2DMoney%20Laundering%20and,sector%2C%20gambling%20sector%2C%20remittance%20(
Operation Tovar
https://www.secureworks.com/blog/operation-tovar-dell-secureworks-contributes-to-efforts-targeting-gameover-zeus-and-cryptolocker
SMBiT Pro - Presenting Gold Coast end of October
https://www.smbitpro.org/
ISACA - CBR Conference
https://engage.isaca.org/canberrachapter/events/eventdescription?CalendarEventKey=29ea5d1c-5ee0-4bd7-b4ce-e591603ba8b3&CommunityKey=43346d1e-8e11-443a-bfa6-93582a92ad0f&Home=%2Fmelbournechapter%2Fevents%2Fcalendar
In this episode, Desi and Si talk with Alex Tilley, who's part of the counter threat unit at Secureworks, as a followup to Alex's presentation on the history of financial cybercrime.
Show Notes:
The business club writeup from 00:18:25
https://www.secureworks.com/research/evolution-of-the-gold-evergreen-threat-group
Fast-flux and round robin DNS
Anti-money laundering legislation
https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/other-legislation/anti-money-laundering#:~:text=The%20Anti%2DMoney%20Laundering%20and,sector%2C%20gambling%20sector%2C%20remittance%20(
Operation Tovar
https://www.secureworks.com/blog/operation-tovar-dell-secureworks-contributes-to-efforts-targeting-gameover-zeus-and-cryptolocker
SMBiT Pro - Presenting Gold Coast end of October
https://www.smbitpro.org/
ISACA - CBR Conference
https://engage.isaca.org/canberrachapter/events/eventdescription?CalendarEventKey=29ea5d1c-5ee0-4bd7-b4ce-e591603ba8b3&CommunityKey=43346d1e-8e11-443a-bfa6-93582a92ad0f&Home=%2Fmelbournechapter%2Fevents%2Fcalendar
In this episode, Steve Slater, Head of Digital Forensics at Devon and Cornwall Police in the United Kingdom, gives Christa and Si an overview of implementation the new Rape and Serious Sexual Offence protocol:
- How digital forensics technology supplements a victim-centred, team approach
- Differences between victim and suspect acquisition processes
- What goes into balancing victim care with a forensically sound data collection
- How the protocol continues to adapt to the times: not just in terms of technology, but also in recruiting representative personnel and supporting their mental health
- Pandemic-era processes and procedures
Further reading:
https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/metropolitan-police-service-and-crown-prosecution-publish-review-r-v-allan
https://ico.org.uk/
In this episode, Steve Slater, Head of Digital Forensics at Devon and Cornwall Police in the United Kingdom, gives Christa and Si an overview of implementation the new Rape and Serious Sexual Offence protocol:
- How digital forensics technology supplements a victim-centred, team approach
- Differences between victim and suspect acquisition processes
- What goes into balancing victim care with a forensically sound data collection
- How the protocol continues to adapt to the times: not just in terms of technology, but also in recruiting representative personnel and supporting their mental health
- Pandemic-era processes and procedures
Further reading:
https://www.cps.gov.uk/cps/news/metropolitan-police-service-and-crown-prosecution-publish-review-r-v-allan
https://ico.org.uk/
Following on their "unsupervised" discussion, this week Si and Desi focus on training and certification, including:
- Steps and missteps in commercial and government efforts to close the cyber skills gap through training and professional development
- The value of perspectives from different fields to digital forensics and incident response
- The shortcomings of certifications as measures of proficiency, and the need to teach a foundation of how to learn, not just pass certification exams
- Alternatives to certifications, such as chartered professionals, CTFs and coursework with practical elements
- The need for mentors to help develop professionals
CyberCX Academy announcement:
https://news-events.cybercx.com.au/cybercx-academy-launched-to-help-solve-cyber-skills-crisis
Marketing fail: UK government criticised for βcrassβ ad advising ballerina to retrain in IT:
https://www.netimperative.com/2020/10/13/marketing-fail-uk-government-criticised-for-crass-ad-advising-ballerina-to-retrain-in-it/
Distant Traces and Their Use in Crime Scene Investigation:
https://www.forensicfocus.com/webinars/distant-traces-and-their-use-in-crime-scene-investigation/
Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre:
https://www.cybercollaboration.org.au/
dfrws.org
Following on their "unsupervised" discussion, this week Si and Desi focus on training and certification, including:
- Steps and missteps in commercial and government efforts to close the cyber skills gap through training and professional development
- The value of perspectives from different fields to digital forensics and incident response
- The shortcomings of certifications as measures of proficiency, and the need to teach a foundation of how to learn, not just pass certification exams
- Alternatives to certifications, such as chartered professionals, CTFs and coursework with practical elements
- The need for mentors to help develop professionals
CyberCX Academy announcement:
https://news-events.cybercx.com.au/cybercx-academy-launched-to-help-solve-cyber-skills-crisis
Marketing fail: UK government criticised for βcrassβ ad advising ballerina to retrain in IT:
https://www.netimperative.com/2020/10/13/marketing-fail-uk-government-criticised-for-crass-ad-advising-ballerina-to-retrain-in-it/
Distant Traces and Their Use in Crime Scene Investigation:
https://www.forensicfocus.com/webinars/distant-traces-and-their-use-in-crime-scene-investigation/
Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre:
https://www.cybercollaboration.org.au/
dfrws.org
In this episode, Si and Christa talk with Martino Jerian, founder and CEO of Amped Software, about:
- Some of the misunderstandings around digital video and image evidence and how this can affect justice proceedings
- Technical challenges associated with evidentiary integrity and authenticity of data which is based on complex mathematics
- The need for better trained, qualified analysts in multiple dimensions of multimedia forensics, including file formats, processing, and metrology specialisms
- As well, the need for awareness-building among nontechnical stakeholders in policymaking
In this episode, Si and Christa talk with Martino Jerian, founder and CEO of Amped Software, about:
- Some of the misunderstandings around digital video and image evidence and how this can affect justice proceedings
- Technical challenges associated with evidentiary integrity and authenticity of data which is based on complex mathematics
- The need for better trained, qualified analysts in multiple dimensions of multimedia forensics, including file formats, processing, and metrology specialisms
- As well, the need for awareness-building among nontechnical stakeholders in policymaking
In this episode recorded in July, Si and Desi take advantage of Christa's absence to pepper up their speech (but only just a bit). Content warnings aside, this week their free-form conversation discusses:
- Public speaking, whether giving evidence on the stand, presenting to stakeholders following an incident response, or delivering training materials
- The relative benefits of unscripted interactions vs. scripted material, depending on audience
- How pandemic-driven modalities affected speaking delivery (and even job interviews) in terms of nonverbal (body) language, with and without cameras
- Presentation material creation tools
- The need for, and difficulty of, getting good feedback
There's also a preview of their upcoming conversation on training and certification.
In this episode recorded in July, Si and Desi take advantage of Christa's absence to pepper up their speech (but only just a bit). Content warnings aside, this week their free-form conversation discusses:
- Public speaking, whether giving evidence on the stand, presenting to stakeholders following an incident response, or delivering training materials
- The relative benefits of unscripted interactions vs. scripted material, depending on audience
- How pandemic-driven modalities affected speaking delivery (and even job interviews) in terms of nonverbal (body) language, with and without cameras
- Presentation material creation tools
- The need for, and difficulty of, getting good feedback
There's also a preview of their upcoming conversation on training and certification.
Si and Christa talk with Pablo Lopez Aguilar-Beltran about Project LOCARD, its purpose, and how it all go started, including:
- Why blockchain could be the foundation for improving international cooperation while maintaining compliance with privacy and other legal requirements
- Challenges associated with standardizing any platform across borders, as well as fostering implementation and participation
- The need for better digital evidence literacy among lawyers and judges, even as the digital aspects of crime accelerate past governments' abilities to legislate and enforce laws
Si and Christa talk with Pablo Lopez Aguilar-Beltran about Project LOCARD, its purpose, and how it all go started, including:
- Why blockchain could be the foundation for improving international cooperation while maintaining compliance with privacy and other legal requirements
- Challenges associated with standardizing any platform across borders, as well as fostering implementation and participation
- The need for better digital evidence literacy among lawyers and judges, even as the digital aspects of crime accelerate past governments' abilities to legislate and enforce laws
In this episode, co-hosts Desi, Si, and Christa compare and contrast the concerns and pressures of the DFIR world vs. other industries. Starting with burnout as a function of increases in both cyber incidents and online crime, we also discuss:
- The risks of backfilling gaps in cyber without computer science fundamentals.
- More work and fewer resources leading to backlogs, which factor in burnout and resignations as well as actions like the UK barristers' strike.
- The importance of mentorship, representation, and manager training to facilitate strong team dynamics and mitigate risks.
In this episode, co-hosts Desi, Si, and Christa compare and contrast the concerns and pressures of the DFIR world vs. other industries. Starting with burnout as a function of increases in both cyber incidents and online crime, we also discuss:
- The risks of backfilling gaps in cyber without computer science fundamentals.
- More work and fewer resources leading to backlogs, which factor in burnout and resignations as well as actions like the UK barristers' strike.
- The importance of mentorship, representation, and manager training to facilitate strong team dynamics and mitigate risks.
In this episode, Desi, Si, and Christa talk with Dr. Sorell about health data as a source of evidence in criminal investigations, as well as a sneak peek of what to expect at Sorell's student-led workshop and Rodeo competition at the upcoming DFRWS-APAC conference. Some of the technical vagaries, including GPS, time zone, and Apple updates, that can affect both investigations and workshop planning are discussed, along with the importance of other disciplines (geekery) to digital forensics beyond digital forensics.
In this episode, Desi, Si, and Christa talk with Dr. Sorell about health data as a source of evidence in criminal investigations, as well as a sneak peek of what to expect at Sorell's student-led workshop and Rodeo competition at the upcoming DFRWS-APAC conference. Some of the technical vagaries, including GPS, time zone, and Apple updates, that can affect both investigations and workshop planning are discussed, along with the importance of other disciplines (geekery) to digital forensics beyond digital forensics.
Business and technical leader Cindy Vasquez joins podcast host Christa Miller to discuss some of the unique challenges to capacity building in Mexico: in particular, underresourcing of investigative agencies relative to better resourced organized crime.
We also cover the need to make systemic changes for better investigations; the value of interjurisdictional information sharing and collaboration; and some of the challenges that can arise even in supporting a growing community of investigators.
In this episode, University College Dublin's Prof. Liliana Pasquale, program director for the new Master of Science in Cybersecurity, talks with Christa Miller about how the program came to be, some of the modules and the way they're structured, and what makes this program stand out from others. Also discussed is the need for a balance between academic research and practitioner perspectives, how "soft" skills lay a foundation for more technical skills, and the program's major advantages to prospective students.
Kyle Campbell, Vice-President of Litigation Support at Frontline Managed Services, joins Christa Miller to talk through the breakdown of silos between digital forensics, e-discovery, and incident response, and the continued increases in complexity and interconnectivity of data sources as well as the impact of data privacy laws and evolving case law on preservation and collection. To collaboratively solve problems and add value and insights to clients and courts in this landscape, e-discovery and digital forensics professionals need technical and communication skills in information governance, data privacy, and data security -- and the ability to explain them clearly and simply.
Broadening our podcast horizon to include more technical and global perspective, we welcome Alex Desmond, an incident response / insider threat specialist in Australia, and Si Biles, an independent digital forensics analyst in the United Kingdom.
This week, we talk about the challenges around entering and keeping up to date with a career in digital technology. Cloud systems are a particular focus, in terms of both investigations and usage, and the kinds of unanswered questions we can face as practitioners and citizens. As well, we discuss the human factors associated with cybersecurity and investigations.
Podcast host and Forensic Focus managing editor Christa Miller talks with Monica Harris, Cellebrite's Enterprise Solutions product business manager, about the overlap in e-discovery, corporate investigation, and incident response skills and tools; proportional collections in remote and hybrid work environments; some of the technological challenges with remote cloud collection and creating a 360-degree view of data, and how Cellebrite Enterprise Solutions make the process smoother.
Capacity building for digital forensics is defined as the development of new professionals and better equipped work environments, particularly as the digital forensics industry struggles to keep pace with the way technology, and the trace evidence it creates, become more ingrained in our lives. With the Forensic Focus podcast to talk about capacity building in India is Santosh Khadsare, a career cyber forensics and security expert working with Indian government and law enforcement for the past two decades.
This episode follows up our 2021 article about #DFIRfit and its #DFIRforGood fundraising efforts. We start by talking about the #Bricks4Codebreakers effort, a little of what it was like to work at Bletchley Park during World War II, and how the women and men who staffed the facility blazed a trail not only for digital forensics as a profession, but also for the industry's current-day diversity, inclusion and equity efforts.
Coauthors of a new paper discuss:
- "Expertise" as a function of trial strategy
- The necessity for practitioners to determine -- and communicate -- their own knowledge and limitations thereof
- Where "expertise" actually comes from: the work that makes it evidenceable in terms of quality more than quantity
This week we explore research showing how bias can affect decision making in digital forensics. PhD fellow Nina Sunde joins us from Norway to discuss how practitioners think about interpretation of data, mental blind spots, and error. We talk about practical implementation measures for error mitigation, including peer review. And we discuss the need for additional practice-oriented research to determine the most effective bias mitigation measures for digital forensics, how to help non-practitioners -- especially legal experts and jurors -- to understand digital forensics processes, and how viewing error as a friend could help mitigate both technical and human error.
In this episode, we answer the question: βDoes every phone need to come to the digital forensics lab?β and discuss the ongoing challenges associated with frontline forensics. Simon tells us how he consults with clients to work through their needs and offer custom network and design workflows according to multiple parameters, including regulatory ones. Finally, we discuss the balance between national security and human rights, and how frontline mobile forensics supports that balance.
In this episode, we highlight some of the hidden barriers to digital forensics professionals' ability to use their skills to help victims of stalking and domestic violence: how abuse dynamics keep victims from reporting to police, how police and courts can actually fuel the problem, and how emotionally difficult offering assistance can be. At the same time, though, the work can be deeply rewarding, and Eva offers a few resources for educating yourself on how these dynamics work.
The Forensic Focus podcast sits down with Ali Hadi, founder of Cyber5W, and Jessica Hyde, founder of Hexordia, to talk about the need for well prepared, professional digital forensics and incident response practitioners, and how the partnership between their two companies aims to bring digital forensics training to everyone who wants it at an affordable price.
Mason Toups, a DFIR analyst with Sola Security, and Emre Tinaztepe, founder and CEO of Binalyze, join host Christa Miller to talk about the essential elements of incident response, the human factors that are often at the root of a cyber incident, threat actors' own psychology, and how easier communication between responders can facilitate security operations for all.
Trufflepig Forensics Co-founders Aaron Hartel and Christian MΓΌller join us to talk about how they got started, the challenges encountered by law enforcement and other incident responders dealing with memory forensics, and how their team's Nexus software aims to solve those challenges.
University lecturer Jade James talks about her career path from digital forensics lab work into academia, including why pursuing a Master's degree has been crucial to her professional growth, some of the personal obstacles she overcame to earn it, and her current role as a lecturer teaching university students.
Dr. Steven Boyce, Director of the Magnet Forensics Digital Investigation Suite (MDIS), describes collaborative evidence review for non-technical investigators, automation, and centralized case data management -- along with the new skills needed to support them.
Covered in this episode are:
- Generalist vs. specialist DFIR pros
- The need for training and awareness across a wider pool of people -- as well as openness to a variety of backgrounds and redefining what a "good candidate" looks like
- Ways for job-hunters to optimize their LinkedIn profile and networking efforts
Solution consulting for a digital forensics vendor demands a deep knowledge, not just of digital forensics practice, but also of the people who are doing the practice. This monthβs special vendor edition of the Forensic Focus podcast brings Nuixβs Aidan Jewell, head of solution consulting in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Aidan started working in digital forensics in January 2005 with a law enforcement agency in England, coming to specialize in Apple Macintosh forensics.
In an era of profound social change, few industries find themselves at the intersection between law, technology, and social justice the way digital forensics does. This month on the Forensic Focus podcast, our vendor edition welcomes Henrik Tjernberg chairman of the board of our longtime sponsor MSAB. Having served in that role since 2002, Mr. Tjernberg has been in the unique position of seeing from a business perspective, how digital forensics has shaped and been shaped by these forces and what it all means for the industry as we enter a new decade.
The digital forensics community thrives when practitioners take the time to share their expertise. Today on the Forensic Focus podcast, we're welcoming one of our co-contributors of original content. I'm your host, Christa Miller, and with us today is Patrick Siewert, principalΒ consultant of Pro Digital Forensic Consulting, which is based in Richmond, Virginia.
Patrick started his digital forensics career in law enforcement, where over 15 years, he investigated hundreds of high tech crimes -- including some of the highest jury and plea bargain child exploitation investigations in Virginia court history. He continues to hone his digital forensic expertise in the private sector while growing his digital forensic consulting and investigation business marketed towards litigators, professional investigators and corporations -- all while keeping in touch with the public safety community as a law enforcement instructor.
This month on the Forensic Focus podcast, we have a special vendor edition featuring one of our long-time sponsors, MSAB. Mike Dickinson, the companyβs chief business development officer, is a senior business professional specializing in technology for law enforcement, military and government agencies. Heβs held numerous roles within MSAB, directing communications, training and marketing. As such, heβs built up an extensive knowledge of digital forensic solutions for public sector policing.Β
To paraphrase a popular career title: What color is your digital forensics parachute? What path are you on currently? Is it the one you want to be on? And how do you know, when the field might look very different in five years?Β
Welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast, where monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.Β
Careers in digital forensics and information security is a hot topic right now. Gaps in skills, gender, and representation from underprivileged communities are all being discussed and to some extent, even debated. With us today to talk more about that is Douglas Brush, an information security executive with over 26 years of entrepreneurship and professional technology experience.Β
When we talk about diversity in DFIR, are we referring to hiring people who look different from us, or do we also mean people who think differently? Welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast, where monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.Β
Today we're talking about diversity, though not just in terms of demographic diversity. We also want to talk about the diverse set of experiences that each practitioner brings to digital forensics, their personal and work experiences, the places they've lived, the people they've encountered, and the cultures they were born into, or maybe adopted. Our guest this month is Lodrina Cherne, Principal Security Advocate at CyberReason, and a SANS-certified instructor of Windows forensic analysis.
Christa: Hello, and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly, we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.Β
Today, we're talking with Josh Brunty, an associate professor at Marshall University, where he teaches both foundational and specialized laboratory courses within the digital forensics, information assuranc,e and forensic science graduate degree programs. A former digital forensics laboratory manager and examiner, Josh has over a decade of experience in the field of digital forensics and high tech crime investigation. He has served on several federal and state level cyber crime task forces and panels, and has participated in both national and international committees and panels focusing on the advancement of digital forensic science and digital evidence in the United States. He has authored books, book chapters, and journal publications in the field of digital forensics, mobile device forensics, and social media investigation. Josh, welcome to the show.
Today we're talking with Ryan Duquette, a partner at RSM Canada. Ryan focuses on litigation support, cyber incident response, privacy and technology risks, digital forensics and cyber fraud matters. An investigator for over 20 years, Ryan was previously a police officer focusing on cyber crime and fraud cases. He works closely with clients involved in workplace investigations and civil litigation matters including intellectual property theft, HR investigation, and data breaches.
Christa: Hello and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.Β
Today we're talking with Sarah Edwards, senior digital forensics researcher at BlackBag Technologies. Sarah works in the DC Metro area and specializes in Mac and mobile forensics. She has worked with various federal law enforcement agencies and has performed a variety of investigations including computer intrusions, criminal intelligence, and terrorism products.
Forensic Focus talks to Graeme about working in digital forensics and the new Master's programme at Teesside University.
Christa:Β Hello and welcome to the Forensic Focus podcast. Monthly we interview experts from the digital forensics and incident response community on a host of topics ranging from technical aspects to career soft skills. I'm your host, Christa Miller.
Today we're welcoming Joseph Walsh, the director of the Master's of Criminal Justice program and an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Criminal Justice at DeSales University.
Prior to joining the department of Computer Science and Mathematics at DeSales, Joe earned a Master of Science in Information Systems with a concentration in Cybersecurity; a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics; and a Bachelor of Science degree where he majored in Information Systems with a concentration in Security Administration.