Rémon Verkerk, 8 April 2019
What would the world have looked different 10 years ago, if I had the knowledge and resources at my disposal today. Well, I am well aware of the degree of arrogance i exhibit with this statement. In reality, the world would not have looked very different; The outcome of civil and criminal investigations, however, I am afraid.
However, such arrogance is not surprising to many experts, as is the case in terms of digital forensic expertise. So many in my field described themselves as being an expert. Let’s face it, that’s also how many digibeet saw us. Time and time again, we were able to surprise tactical detectives with digital evidence, which led to a breakthrough in a stalled investigation.
Digital investigators opened doors that previously remained mostly closed. Seemingly invisible data was conjured up almost magically, passwords were cracked, intent was made plausible. Read this blog for purpose.
‘The sky was the limit’, or rather: the forensic software proved to be a limiting factor for many of these so-called experts. In an attempt to shake off the arrogance previously called upon, I too belonged to one of these ‘experts’. What didn’t help me was that the National Investigation Service then appointed me ‘Expert A’ within the Digital Expertise team. The danger of such titles is that some people tend to overestimate themselves, or at least so dangerously, that experts want to live up to the expectations of others and find it difficult to indicate that their knowledge is not sufficient. In an attempt not to cause loss of face, incorrect conclusions are occasionally drawn which can send an investigation in the wrong direction and, in any case, negatively affect the case-law.
I have been working in this field for 20 years now and i no longer describe myself as an expert. Despite the many years on the counter, countless training courses and certifications, I realize that I have a solid foundation. What makes this foundation really solid is that I know my limitations and no longer hesitate to express lack of knowledge or skills in a timely manner and to seek the assistance of a more knowledgeable professional brother.
You are only truly an expert if you are recognized by peers as such!