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 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