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An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making

https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C

Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study

https://www.forensicfocus.com/survey

Carol Brooks, a cyber and organisational psychologist and leadership consultant, joins the Forensic Focus Podcast to discuss her PhD research into covert cyber investigators and the psychological factors that shape their resilience and investigative decision-making. She explains what it really means to work "covertly" online and why inconsistent job titles across law enforcement, cybersecurity and the private sector make it difficult even to define the workforce she is studying.

The conversation explores the significant challenges involved in recruiting participants — from suspicion and cultural barriers to the difficulties of engaging freelancers and small teams — and highlights why anonymity and ethical oversight are critical to building trust. It also examines the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry if research is to have real-world impact, before concluding with a call for covert cyber investigators worldwide to take part in the study and help give this hidden workforce a much-needed voice.

#DigitalForensics #DFIR #CyberPsychology #InvestigatorWellbeing #CovertInvestigations #mentalhealth

00:00 Introducing Carol Brooks

02:05 Carol's PhD Journey and Research Focus

06:49 Understanding Covert Cyber Investigators

13:11 Challenges in Recruiting Participants

27:18 Psychological Factors in Cyber Investigations

29:54 Setting PhD Goals and Challenges

31:02 Connecting with Covert Investigators

32:25 Overcoming Suspicion and Misconceptions

33:26 Strategies for Accessing Networks

36:37 Supporting Investigator Wellbeing

46:55 Bridging Academia and Industry

52:50 Balancing PhD and Personal Life

58:36 Call to Action for Covert Investigators

👉 Visit Forensic Focus: https://www.forensicfocus.com

🎧 Video/Transcript: https://www.forensicfocus.com/podcast/covert-cyber-investigator-well-being-with-carol-brooks/

📝 Show Notes

An Exploratory Study of Covert Cyber Investigators and the Psychological Factors Impacting on Personal Resilience and Investigative Decision-Making - https://hud.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gwyXAR281cY12C

British Psychological Society Cyber Psychology Section – https://www.bps.org.uk

Forensic Focus International Well-Being Study - https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/northumbria/forensic-focus-wellbeing-survey

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