Curiosity in the age of digital forensics: A #DFIR Discussion with Kevin DeLong
In the latest episode of MSAB’s Forensic Fix podcast, our host, Adam Firman, sits down for an insightful and fun-packed chat with a seasoned expert in digital forensics and Cyber Social Hub founder, Kevin DeLong.
In this episode, you’re in for a treat as they traverse the landscape of digital forensics, law enforcement, digital marketing, and technology. They also talk about Cyber Social Con, offer great advice for people in the industry, and so much more.
So, sit back, relax, and prepare to be delighted and learn from another great installment of Forensic Fix!
About Kevin DeLong’s Journey
Kevin started off working as a civilian in the police department – ‘testing the waters’, before becoming a full-fledged law enforcement officer in Lima, Ohio, where he was for 25 years. Throughout his law enforcement career, he assumed various roles, ranging from patrol and narcotics to specialized divisions focused on combating cybercrimes. As his expertise grew, it wasn’t long before he moved to forensic examination and investigation. Later, his professional journey took a turn when he joined Access Data, initially as a product manager and later as the Vice President of mobile forensics. In 2016, Kevin embarked on a new entrepreneurial journey, establishing AVAIRY Solutions, a digital marketing agency. His most recent endeavor is the founding of Cyber Social Hub, an online platform tailored for digital investigators.
Cyber Social Hub: Bridging Gaps in Digital Investigation
The inception of Cyber Social Hub in January 2020 marked a pivotal moment in Kevin’s career. Fueled by a desire to create a community for digital investigators, Kevin embarked on a mission to facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing, and resource accessibility in the field of digital forensics. Cyber Social Hub serves as an online platform where professionals, whether affiliated with law enforcement or not, can come together to learn and share insights in the DFIR industry.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this thriving community is its commitment to offering free resources. With webinars, podcasts, and a rapidly expanding member base, Cyber Social Hub has become an invaluable space for both newcomers and seasoned professionals in the field. Kevin’s mission was to democratize access to information and ensure that smaller agencies, often strapped for resources, could benefit from shared knowledge.
CyberSocialCon: A Groundbreaking Virtual Conference – Secure your spot now!
In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin and his team introduced CyberSocialCon, an innovative virtual conference for digital investigators. What started as a humble initiative rapidly gained traction. In its first year, the conference welcomed over 200 attendees, a number that almost tripled in the second year.
CyberSocialCon is unique in that it remains entirely free for attendees. The 2023 edition, scheduled for December 13th and 14th, promises to be a remarkable event with an array of exceptional speakers. As Kevin candidly mentions, it’s all about making knowledge accessible and promoting professional growth.
The Evolving Challenges in Digital Forensics
Kevin believes that the core challenges have intensified due to the rapid evolution of technology. The expanding array of devices, from drones to IoT, has added layers of complexity to digital investigations. Moreover, cloud storage has become a prevalent data repository, and cross-border data retrieval has grown more intricate, subject to jurisdictional complexities.
Advice for aspiring digital forensic professionals
Kevin’s advice to those venturing into the world of digital investigation is succinct yet profound: be curious.
“What I tell examiners is Be curious. That’s really one of the most important things because I think it’s easier to teach the technology to someone than it is to teach curiosity. If you don’t have that natural curiosity, you’ll get frustrated quickly because although a lot of digital exams and investigations are similar, they’re never the same. There’s always something different you have to achieve or do. So, you have to be curious and you have to be willing to try to figure it out yourself.
To stay updated on the latest developments in the world of digital forensics, tune in to “Forensic Fix,” the podcast where visionaries like Kevin DeLong share their insights and experiences, helping to forge a stronger, more connected community of digital investigators.
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