Si and Desi kick off 2025 with a deep dive into critical trends shaping digital forensics. They tackle pressing challenges such as AI-driven threats, including deepfakes and AI-generated images, and examine the security risks associated with connected devices. The discussion also explores the ongoing impact of the pandemic on mental health, remote work, and the forensic community's well-being.

With a focus on practical insights and support for forensic professionals, they cover evolving threats, emerging technologies, and the importance of mental resilience in the field. Stay tuned for updates on future podcast guests, conferences, and new tech developments.

Don't forget to check the show notes for resources, including mental health support services and recommended reading.

00:00 Welcome to 2025

01:10 AI in Law: Conference Insights from Luxembourg

03:07 The Impact of AI on Social Media and Deepfakes

05:03 AI-Generated Images

06:51 The Future of Digital Watermarking and Cybersecurity

11:59 Advancements in AI and Desktop Supercomputers

21:37 The Rise of Smart Home Devices and Security Concerns

23:16 Privacy Issues with Medical Devices and Data Collection

31:14 Predictive Algorithms and the Dystopian Future

32:12 Apple's Siri Payout

32:35 Films Predicting 2025

34:18 US Strategic Preparation Plans

37:04 Mental Health in 2024

44:08 Impact of Remote Work

51:17 The Role of Gossip in Society

59:19 Cyber Threats and Mental Health

01:01:05 Final Thoughts and Resources

Show Notes

NVIDIA Puts Grace Blackwell on Every Desk and at Every AI Developer’s Fingertips, Nvidia News - https://nvidianews.nvidia.com/news/nvidia-puts-grace-blackwell-on-every-desk-and-at-every-ai-developers-fingertips

US man used AI to generate 13,000 child sexual abuse pictures, FBI alleges, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/technology/article/2024/may/21/child-sexual-abuse-material-artificial-intelligence-arrest

 Tasmanian jailed for possessing AI-generated child abuse material, AFP - https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/tasmanian-jailed-possessing-ai-generated-child-abuse-material

Raspberry Pi - https://www.raspberrypi.com/products/raspberry-pi-5/

Rise of killer robot fridges as experts warn kitchen appliances getting 'smarter', Daily Star - https://www.dailystar.co.uk/tech/rise-killer-robot-fridges-experts-34387400

‘I’m Possibly Alive Because It Exists:’ Why Sleep Apnea Patients Rely on a CPAP Machine Hacker, Vice - https://www.vice.com/en/article/im-possibly-alive-because-it-exists-why-sleep-apnea-patients-rely-on-a-cpap-machine-hacker/

 Raven Rock: The Story of the U.S. Government’s Secret Plan to Save Itself — While the Rest of Us Die, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25813952-raven-rock

While the Rest of Us Die: Secrets of America's Shadow Government, Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/While_the_Rest_of_Us_Die:_Secrets_of_America's_Shadow_Government

Sandy Hook Promise - https://www.sandyhookpromise.org/

The Selfish Gene, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61535.The_Selfish_Gene

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23692271-sapiens

Unexpected Privacy Risks in CPAP Machine Updates, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/unexpected-privacy-risks-cpap-machine-updates-ryan-chalupovitsch-gh2kc/

Canceling the apocalypse? What can we learn from films set in 2025, The Guardian - https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/jan/02/what-learn-movie-set-future

Forensic Focus Discord - https://discord.gg/97zKvTXHeS

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode, these organisations may be of help:

Samaritans – https://www.samaritans.org

Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk

Oscar Kilo – https://www.oscarkilo.org.uk/

Occupational health unit (OHU) – all police forces have access to an OHU providing a range of support services

Employee Assistance Scheme (EAS) – check with your employer to see what specific resources are available to you 

GP – your GP can provide access to various local resources and make referrals to psychological support services

Beyond Blue - https://www.beyondblue.org.au/