Scottish Government, Police Scotland and digital forensic analysts are among those invited to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) for the first Digital Forensic Student Conference on Wednesday, March 26.
Digital forensics, a branch of forensic science which encompasses recovery and investigation of material found in digital devices, is evidence that can be used against terrorists, paedophiles, fraudsters and hackers. The work of the enforcement agencies, analysts and cyber security figures will be the focus of the one-day conference to address the challenges and methods used to track, monitor and investigate those who exploit cyber space, using the latest in digital forensics.
Dr Michelle Govan, Senior Lecturer in Digital Forensics and Security at the School of Engineering and Built Environment, runs the University’s Digital Security, Forensics and Ethical Hacking programmes and is behind the inaugural student conference. More about the speakers on this link to the GCU website.
They include the former policeman Keith McDevitt, now of the Scottish Government’s Cyber Security Resilience Unit; Keith Cottenden, the former Royal Air Force Police man now head of the Investigations Team at CY4OR; and Jelle Niemantsverdriet, an Assistant Director in the Forensic Technology team at the audit firm Deloitte, responsible for the auditor’s Cyber Incident Response service.
Dr Govan said: “The growth in cyberspace and the diverse use of technology has provided unintended opportunities which are inevitably exploited by criminals and fraudsters. Fortunately, digital devices store personal data and are highly significant and provide evidentiary material to counteract malicious behaviour.”
Growth of digital has reshaped the technological landscape and as such, says the uni, there is a demand for skilled graduates to address the 20-year skills gap, identified by the National Audit office.
Dr Govan added: “Digital forensics faces its greatest challenge in dealing with technological innovation. This conference will address some of these challenges and will seek to inspire the next generation of forensic specialists to combat the threats posed against cyber security.”
Students will hear presentations by Keith McDevitt, the Scottish Government’s Cyber Security Resilience Unit; Ollie Whitehouse, NCC Group; Eamonn Keane, Police Scotland; Steve Watson, Intel; David Stubley, 7Element; and Jelle Niemantsverdriet, Deloitte; Keith Cottenden, CY4OR Legal Limited; and James Lyne, Sophos.
The School of Engineering and Built Environment is holding the Digital Forensic Student Conference on Wednesday, March 26, from 10.15am to 5pm, in M323 in the George Moore building. Visit: www.gcu.ac.uk
