Digital Forensics | Davin Teo | TEDxHongKongSalon

Digital forensics involves the investigation and analysis of digital devices and data to uncover evidence of cybercrime or other illicit activities. While it may seem like a purely technical field, it intersects with social sciences in several ways. 

Firstly, understanding human behavior and motivations is crucial in digital forensics investigations. Investigators need to analyze how individuals interact with technology, including their online activities, communication patterns, and digital footprints. This understanding draws heavily from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, and criminology, helping investigators interpret the data they uncover and piece together the narrative behind a digital crime. 

Additionally, digital forensics often involves legal and ethical considerations, which are central to the social sciences. Investigators must adhere to legal standards and procedures when collecting and analyzing digital evidence, ensuring their actions uphold fairness, justice, and human rights principles. Ethical dilemmas may arise regarding privacy, consent, and the balance between security and individual liberties, requiring thoughtful consideration informed by social science perspectives. 

As for the speaker’s pathway to a career in digital forensics, he started his career off in a small accounting field accounting practice and he also did IT, he got an opportunity to work in the first national digital forensic practice in Australia. Their journey involved academic study, practical experience, and ongoing professional development, reflecting the field’s interdisciplinary nature.