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

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