Summary

Rob Fried, Senior Vice President of Forensics at Sandline Global, shares his journey into forensics and the importance of active listening in investigations. He emphasizes the need for documentation and chain of custody in digital forensics, as well as the evolution of technology and its impact on investigations. Rob also discusses the second edition of his book, 'Forensic Data Collections 2.0,' which covers the soft skills required in the field. 

The conversation covers topics such as building trust with clients, the importance of listening and understanding their concerns, the psychological component of digital forensics, and the need for context in investigations. It emphasizes the importance of interpreting data and telling a story, rather than just presenting information. Overall, the conversation highlights the importance of continuous education, maintaining connections, and sharing knowledge within the digital forensics community.

Takeaways

• Active listening is a crucial skill for investigators, as it allows them to understand their clients' needs and concerns.
• Documentation and chain of custody are fundamental in digital forensics to maintain the integrity of evidence and ensure its admissibility in court.
• The evolution of technology has had a significant impact on investigations, requiring investigators to stay updated and adapt to new challenges.
• Rob Fried's book, 'Forensic Data Collections 2.0,' focuses on the importance of soft skills in the field, such as communication and report writing.
• Investigators should prioritize active listening, documentation, and continuous learning to excel in the field of forensics. Building trust with clients is crucial in digital forensics
• The psychological component of digital forensics should be considered
• Context is important in investigations
• Interpreting data and telling a story is key
• Portable cases may lead to a loss of context
• Continuous education and maintaining connections are important in the field

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Rob’s Journey into Forensics

09:18 The Genesis of 'Forensic Data Collections 2.0'

30:43 Building Rapport and Listening

37:25 Filtering and Interpreting Data

44:14 The Role of the Examiner

56:11 Maintaining Context and Understanding the Bigger Picture

01:05:30 Continued Education and Industry Connections