Women in Forensic Computing USA 2024

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About

Welcome to the Women in Forensic Computing (WinFC) workshop! It is the first time we are hosting this event in the United States. Our event is co-located with DFRWS USA and aims to host a friendly environment with great food and exciting opportunities for women who study, participate in, and work with forensic computing and adjacent fields to meet, collaborate, and learn with each other. For a whole day, we provide several opportunities for a select few to develop new skills, network, share their stories, and find a community with their peers. Our goal is to allow academics, students, and industry professionals to come together can empower practitioners and help enhance diversity.

Event Information

Overview

Location: Will be emailed to participants the week prior to the event.
Date and Time: Monday July 8th, 2024 from 8-5p
Food: We will provide breakfast, lunch and coffee/snacks throughout the day.
Contact: Raphaela Mettig - raphaela@dfrws.org
 

Schedule

8am: Event registration + coffee
9am: Introductions + Keynote -- Kat Hedley: Navigating the DFIR Landscape: A Beginner’s Guide
10am: Training -- Stephen Villere: An Introduction to Mobile Event Log Analysis
1230pm: Lunch break
130pm: Talk 1 - Dominique Calder: Parallels: A Journey Through Digital Forensics in Academia and Industry
215pm: Talk 2 - Megan and Nikilia: The FBI and Cybersecurity
3pm: Coffee break
330pm: Talk 3 - Jessica Hyde: Truth in Data and Why it Matters
415pm: Speaker Panel
5pm: Closing ceremony + remarks

 

Talks

  • Keynote: Kathryn Hedley - Navigating the DFIR Landscape: A Beginner’s Guide

Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) is a dynamic field that plays a critical role in investigating cyber incidents, identifying security breaches, and preserving digital evidence. As more organizations rely on technology, the demand for skilled DFIR professionals continues to grow. In this talk, we explore the essentials for beginners entering the DFIR domain and discuss the current state of the industry.

Bio: Kathryn is a Director and Digital Forensic Specialist for Khyrenz Ltd., is a SANS Instructor and has served as a digital forensic technical lead and Subject Matter Expert (SME) working in forensic acquisition, and investigation, system assurance and evaluation, research, and host-based malware intrusion investigation, for both the public and private sectors for over 15 years.

 

  • Talk 1: Dominique Calder - Parallels: A Journey Through Digital Forensics in Academia and Industry

Dominique is an academic and active practitioner in the field of Digital Forensics. She has navigated through her career starting in Information Technology (IT), then Cybersecurity and Incident Response, which led her to Digital Forensics. While her path hasn’t been traditional, it has enhanced her academic career as a PhD Candidate. While many tend to choose academia or industry, she has used her experience to catalyze thought leadership in the spaces she has been welcomed into. This session will include anecdotes, case studies, and transparent conversations for individuals looking to excel in Digital Forensics through industry and academia.

Bio: Dominique Calder, PhD Candidate and Co-founder of Novus, is a Virginia Beach native and two-time graduate of Norfolk State University, where she studied Computer Science. She has over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, and during her tenure she was challenged to lead projects in the government contracting space through Lockheed Martin, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Deloitte. Her knowledge and expertise eventually led Dominique to become a founding member of the Digital Forensics and eDiscovery team at TikTok. Dominique has been recognized as an inaugural recipient of the George Mason College of Engineering Computing Trailblazer award for her research and advancement of the university’s mission in socially conscious engineering. Her contributions also received the honorable mention award for the National Center for Women in Technology (NCWIT). Dominique has been invited to teach internationally, recently presenting on topics in Digital Forensics in Germany, Spain, and Lesotho, Southern Africa. In 2022, Dominique and her co-founder Emanuel Perez were recognized as Black Ambition Prize winners for their established startup, Novus by Pharrell Williams and Felicia Hatcher. Since then, Novus has developed two security products that automatically detect scams within browsers and email.

 

  • Talk 2: Megan and Nikilia - The FBI and Cybersecurity

A discussion of a case study example of how digital forensics were utilized in a real FBI case as well as an overview of the role special agents play in law enforcement for cyber cases and what you can do to help.

Bios: Nikilia has been a Digital Forensic Examiner with the FBI since 2016. Prior to the FBI, she worked as a Web Applications Developer for the Department of Defense. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from the University of New Orleans. 

Megan has been a Special Agent with the FBI since 2023. Prior to the FBI, she had a career in IT consulting.

 

  • Talk 3: Jessica Hyde - Truth in Data and Why it Matters

In an era where digital information is pervasive, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data is paramount, especially within the realm of digital forensics. This talk looks at the critical importance of maintaining the authenticity and reliability of digital evidence. It explores the methodologies and technologies used to test and validate the meaning of data, the challenges faced by forensic investigators, and the implications of compromised data on legal outcomes and organizational trust. By examining real-world case studies and emerging trends, this presentation underscores the necessity of rigorous data validation processes to uphold the truth and ensure justice in a digital age.

Bio: Jessica Hyde is a renowned expert in the field of digital forensics, with over a decade of experience unraveling complex cyber investigations. As a prominent figure in the industry, Jessica has contributed extensively to the development of advanced forensic techniques and tools. She is the founder of Hexordia, a digital forensics consultancy, and frequently collaborates with law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and corporations to uncover digital evidence and ensure data integrity. Jessica is also a sought-after speaker and educator, dedicated to sharing her knowledge and advancing the field through workshops, conferences, and academic contributions.  

 

Training

  • Training: Stephen Villere - Just Some Basics of Mobile Logs📱🪵

Come take a journey with me to explorer Android and iOS logs. Where we might locate them. How/When we would like to collect them. Interpreting them for value.

Bio: Stephen is a Senior Trainer Developer with Cellebrite and an experienced Forensic Analyst with a demonstrated history of working in the law enforcement industry.

 

Committee