On Thursday 13 February 2025, Keith Cottenden, Director of Operations – Digital Forensics and Incident Response – at 3B Data Security, delivered a guest talk for the University of Kent’s students attending the module COMP8230 “Introduction to Digital Forensics” at our campus in Canterbury. The title of the talk was “How do you become ‘Forensically Ready’?”
On Tuesday 1 April 2025, Robert Brady, Technical Lead – Head of DFIR Team at Deloitte UK, delivered a second guest talk remotely for the University of Kent’s students attending the module COMP8920 “Advanced Network Security”. The title of the talk was “Malware Analysis: Tips and Tools”.
Dr Virginia Franqueira, a lecturer of both modules who invited the guest lecturers and Deputy Director (Education) of the University’s Institute of Cyber Security for Society (iCSS), said: “I am so grateful to both speakers to take their time to prepare and deliver very interesting and inspiring talks to our master students in the spring semester. Keith Cottenden covered a range of topics related to digital forensics and cyber security in practice such as career paths, skills in demand, evolution and challenges of digital forensic practitioners’ work, and advice on getting affordable certifications to supplement the students’ degree to stand out in the job market. Robert Brady focused on malware analysis, including preparation of a secure analysis environment, stages of analysis, useful techniques, and relevant open source tools illustrated by examples. Open source tools allow students to improve their skills and this was the underlying aim. Students enjoyed the talks – thank you both!”
Keith Cottenden said: “Giving a talk to students about digital forensics is an opportunity to spark curiosity about how technology, investigation, and justice intersect in uncovering digital evidence.”
Robert Brady said: “The threat posed by cyber criminals, nation-state actors and advanced threat groups continues to be a key feature of the IT and business landscape. There is no indication that these groups will do anything other than continue to improve their capabilities and conduct attacks that blight and harm organisations and individuals alike, so it is vital to ensure that we continue to invest in and develop the skills of the next generation of Cyber Defenders. It is both an honour and a privilege to have had the opportunity to share some of my knowledge and experiences with this year’s masters cohort, and I wish them the best of luck as they find their places in industry or academia.”