Inside The Minds Of CSAM Investigators With Prof. Patrick Brady
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
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1:14:02
Crypto Crime - No Such Thing?
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
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1:03:19
Detecting AI Fakes: Forensic Image Analysis With Cellebrite
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
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55:30
How To Solve Digital Forensics' Biggest Challenges With Oxygen Forensics
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 and transparent. 00:00 – 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
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1:00:54
The Impact Of AI On Video Forensics: Insights From Amped Software
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 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 – https://ampedsoftware.com/video-evidence-principles Judge Blocks Use of AI-Enhanced Video Evidence, NBC – https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-state-judge-blocks-use-ai-enhanced-video-evidence-rcna141932 Ferrari Exec Foils Deepfake Attempt, Fortune – https://fortune.com/2024/07/27/ferrari-deepfake-attempt-scammer-security-question-ceo-benedetto-vigna-cybersecurity-ai/ Amped Blog – https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/ Martino’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinojerian/ Can AI Be Used for Forensics and Investigations? – https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/can-ai-be-used-for-forensics-and-investigations/
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