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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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Guest links

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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

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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

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

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