Forensic Fix

Discover how digital forensics has evolved over the past decade as Claire Chennells shares insights into mobile forensics, investigator training, career development, and the future of the profession.

Digital forensics has transformed dramatically over the last decade. With increasingly sophisticated smartphones, stronger encryption, and an explosion in digital evidence, investigators face more challenges than ever before. In this episode, Claire Chennells reflects on her career, sharing valuable lessons from both policing and the private sector while exploring where digital forensics is heading next.

Finding a Career in Digital Forensics

Claire’s route into digital forensics wasn’t planned. Originally interested in IT, she discovered an opportunity to become a mobile phone examiner while working in police recruitment. That unexpected opportunity launched a career that has spanned more than 15 years.

Her advice is simple: enthusiasm and a willingness to learn can open doors that you never expected.

How Digital Forensics Has Changed

The biggest change Claire has witnessed is the extraordinary growth in data available from modern mobile devices.

Early examinations often involved relatively simple handsets with limited information. Today, investigators must contend with encrypted smartphones, cloud services, messaging applications, and an ever-growing ecosystem of digital evidence.

Success now depends on continuously adapting techniques and embracing new technologies to meet evolving investigative challenges.

Training the Next Generation of Investigators

Beyond conducting examinations, Claire has dedicated much of her career to developing others.

Training investigators requires more than teaching software or extraction techniques. It involves helping officers understand how to correctly interpret evidence while appreciating the risks of drawing incorrect conclusions.

Providing that balance between confidence and caution is one of the most important responsibilities of any digital forensic trainer.

Moving from Law Enforcement to Industry

Claire also discusses the transition from policing into the private sector.

While investigations remain technically demanding, the commercial environment often provides greater opportunity to explore problems in depth and contribute to product development and innovation.

The move highlighted how different environments can offer valuable but very different experiences for forensic professionals.

Supporting the Digital Forensics Community

Technical skills are only part of the profession.

Recognizing the emotional demands placed on investigators, Claire has helped establish corporate digital forensics working group to encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer support.

Creating an environment where professionals can openly discuss challenges helps strengthen both individuals and the wider forensic community.

Key Takeaways

Take opportunities when they appear: A single unexpected opportunity can shape an entire career.

Keep adapting: Technology changes rapidly, requiring continuous learning and new investigative approaches.

Invest in training: Building confident, knowledgeable investigators benefits the entire profession.

Support your peers: Strong professional communities improve wellbeing, resilience, and knowledge sharing.

Show Notes Links

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Guest links

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-chennells-7ab923207/

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social

ICMEC Australia -  https://icmec.org.au

Safer AI for Children Coalition - https://icmec.org.au/safer-ai

UK Online Safety Act - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/online-safety-bill

Grok AI - https://grok.ai

Rigor AI Age Assessment Tool - https://rigor.ai

Guest links

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/colm-gannon

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social

Key Topics:

Matt AKA Billy Humphries' career journey from law enforcement to crypto investigations

The parallels between mobile phone and crypto adoption in investigations

The current maturity level of cryptocurrency artifacts in digital forensics

The importance of mindset and proactive adaptation for agencies

Practical strategies for integrating crypto into investigative workflows

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social

• LinkedIn: Matt (Billy) Humphries - Matt Humphries | LinkedIn

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social

Steve Bunting's journey into digital forensics began with an internal affairs investigation.
The evolution of digital forensics has been marked by significant changes in technology and security.
Comprehensive evidence gathering is crucial in forensic investigations.
Innovative approaches, such as analyzing absence of evidence, can yield valuable insights.
Expert testimony requires translating technical evidence into understandable language for juries.
Biometrics are becoming increasingly important in accessing mobile devices.
The sheer volume of digital evidence presents challenges for forensic examiners.
Collaboration and cross-jurisdictional efforts are essential in modern forensics.
Digital forensics training is vital for law enforcement personnel.
Sharing knowledge and research within the forensic community is crucial for advancement.
• LinkedIn: Stephen Bunting - (1) Stephen Bunting | LinkedIn
• Bunting Digital Forensics, LLC: https://buntingdigitalforensics.us/
• Article: “The Art of Hunting for Nothing” (fsevents / quiet-time approach) - https://buntingdigitalforensics.us/insights/the-art-of-hunting-for-nothing/
• Author pages: EnCase Computer Forensics: The Official EnCE Study Guide and Mastering Windows Network Forensics and Investigation - Publications - Bunting Digital Forensics
 

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social

Stephen Ormston has a diverse background in management and communications within the security domain.
The Cyclops project focuses on the mental health and wellbeing of practitioners in cybercrime.
EU funding plays a crucial role in facilitating international collaboration on security initiatives.
Standardization in digital forensics can enhance efficiency but may also stifle innovation.
The For Mobile project produced significant innovations in mobile forensics and training.
Deepfakes present new challenges for law enforcement and require urgent attention.
Community engagement is essential for the success of security initiatives.
Practitioners need to be empowered to prioritize their own wellbeing.
Funding and resources are critical for sustaining long-term projects.
Building on previous foundations is key to driving future innovations.
LinkedIn: Steven Ormston
Polish Platform for Homeland Security: Home Page - Polish Platform for Homeland Security
ENLETS community: https://enlets.eu
FORMOBILE:  https://formobile-project.eu/
EU-HYBNET:  https://euhybnet.eu/
CYCLOPES: https://cyclopes-project.eu
 

Connect with MSAB on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/micro-systemation/?viewAsMember=true, Twitter (X) – https://x.com/MSAB_XRY and BlueSky - https://bsky.app/profile/msabcom.bsky.social