Inside the Homeland Security Investigations Computer Forensics Lab

Si and Desi interview Emi Polito from Amped about how to become an Amped FIVE Certified Examiner (AFCE). They discuss the exam requirements, format, timeline for certification, and Amped’s future plans. Emi explains that the certification is aimed at demonstrating competency with the Amped FIVE video analysis software after completing training. The exam consists of multiple choice questions on theory and practical exercises using the software. Emi talks about the online exam format and process for passing or failing.

Emi also discusses the broader challenges many organizations face with validation and accreditation. He emphasizes Amped's commitment to developing tools that facilitate that process. The hosts reflect on the confusing accreditation landscape and Amped’s passion for improving training and certification in forensics. This episode provides an overview of Amped's new certification and perspective on challenges in the field of video forensics.

Show Notes:

Introducing The AFCE Certification (Amped FIVE Certified Examiner) - https://www.forensicfocus.com/news/introducing-the-afce-certification-amped-five-certified-examiner/

Video Evidence Principles With Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/video-evidence-principles-with-amped-software/

Digital Image Authenticity And Integrity With Amped Authenticate - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/digital-image-authenticity-and-integrity-with-amped-authenticate/

File Analysis And DVR Conversion Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/file-analysis-and-dvr-conversion-training-from-amped-software/

Amped FIVE Speed Estimation 2d Filter And Training From Amped Software - https://www.forensicfocus.com/reviews/amped-five-speed-estimation-2d-filter-and-training-from-amped-software/

Amped Software’s Martino Jerian on Key Challenges and Opportunities for Video Evidence - https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/amped-softwares-martino-jerian-on-key-challenges-and-opportunities-for-video-evidence/

LEVA 2023 Training Symposium - https://www.leva.org/

Forensic Collision Investigation & Reconstruction Ltd - https://www.fcir.co.uk/

Amped FIVE Certified Examiner - https://ampedsoftware.com/afce-certification

Introducing the Amped FIVE Certification Program - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2023/10/04/introducing-the-amped-five-certification-program

Amped Software YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/ampedsoftware
How to Use the Validation Tool in Amped FIVE - https://blog.ampedsoftware.com/2023/03/29/how-to-use-the-validation-tool-in-amped-five

Subscribe to the Forensic Focus Podcast: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/

Si and Desi are joined by Brittany and Ailsa from digital forensics software company ADF Solutions. They discuss how ADF is addressing key challenges for digital forensics practitioners, including handling the massive volumes of data from mobile devices and the cloud.

The guests outline ADF's focus on developing their software as an easy-to-use onsite triage tool that can help quickly identify pertinent evidence. Key features include advanced handling of video files, AI-assisted classification of images, and new screen recording capabilities for mobile devices that allow suspects to safely share relevant data.

The hosts and guests also explore ADF's ongoing research into areas like facial recognition, handling new device types like games consoles and smart watches, and identifying deepfake media.

00:00 – Introduction to Ailsa and Brittany
03:00 – The challenge of vast amounts of data
05:50 – Recovering data from Chromebooks
08:50 – Triaging using ADF tools
12:30 – Benefits of using ADF Solutions’ tools
15:50 – Limitations in types of apps
17:20 – Keeping up with technological advancements
19:15 – ADF customer base
21:00 - Artificial intelligence in classifying images
30:00 – ADF Solutions’ triaging kit
37:00 – Training with ADF
40:00 – Target user
44:50 – Roadmap of future devices to examine
51:30 – Main focus for ADF Solutions going forwards

Show Notes:
AI-generated CSAM article on Sky News - https://news.sky.com/story/thousands-of-ai-generated-child-abuse-images-being-shared-online-research-finds-12991727

Si and Desi talk to Gavin Prue and Selim Kang about their non-traditional paths into cybersecurity careers. They share their diverse educational backgrounds, from vocational college courses to returning to school later in life, and the hands-on training that helped prepare them for incident response roles.

Gavin and Selim provide advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals on the importance of networking, asking questions, having a positive attitude, and being willing to put in extra time learning new skills. They discuss the value of university degrees versus certifications, the pros and cons of accredited cybersecurity programs, and the need for continued education in this rapidly evolving field. Whether starting from scratch or changing careers, their stories demonstrate that resilience and motivation can overcome lack of formal qualifications.