Libsyn Directory

Cyber Scandals And When (Not) To Trust Computers

Release Date: 04/10/2024

The DFIR Investigative Mindset: Brett Shavers On Thinking Like A Detective

Forensic Focus

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...

AI Unpacked: Magnet Forensics' New Series On AI In DFIR

Forensic Focus

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,...

Rob Fried's Award-Winning Approach To Digital Forensics

Forensic Focus

Hosts Si and Desi welcome back Robert Fried, winner of the Top Professional Investigator award. Rob discusses his new book, ‘Forensic Data Collection 2.0,’ 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...

Protecting Investigators: Dr. Michael Bourke On Building A Healthier DFIR Community

Forensic Focus

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...

DFIR In 2025 – AI, Smart Devices And Investigator Well-Being

Forensic Focus

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...

Inside The Minds Of CSAM Investigators With Prof. Patrick Brady

Forensic Focus

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...

Crypto Crime - No Such Thing?

Forensic Focus

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...

Detecting AI Fakes: Forensic Image Analysis With Cellebrite

Forensic Focus

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...

How To Solve Digital Forensics' Biggest Challenges With Oxygen Forensics

Forensic Focus

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 it’s 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...

The Impact Of AI On Video Forensics: Insights From Amped Software

Forensic Focus

Martino Jerian, CEO of Amped Software, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss AI’s 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...

More Episodes

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 – The state of the digital forensics industry

02:30 – Desi’s talk at BSides Brisbane

05:30 – Sweaty Cyber Advice and Strongman

09:40 – Companies integrating open source software

23:00 – Advertising, statistics and logical fallacies

28:00 – The Post Office scandal and computer accountability

49:00 – Security, compliance and regulations

56:00 – Closing thoughts

Show Notes

Hardly Adequate YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@hardlyadequate

Oxfordshire’s Strongman & Strongwoman - https:\oxfordshire.rocks\

CPS, Computer Records Evidence - https://www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/computer-records-evidence