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...
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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,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
info_outlineContent 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 – https://www.samaritans.org
Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk
Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/
Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services
Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you
GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services