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 computers—we'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, ‘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 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

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 – 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

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

There’s 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 – 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