“Our ability to detect, respond and adapt determines the impact”
Hedley walked the audience through the radical shifts in digital forensics over the last 20 years. “When I started, we analysed single systems, such as computers that contained just a few hundred gigabytes of data. The main cases involved credit card fraud and copyright infringement. Fast forward to today, and we’re dealing with globally distributed networks, sophisticated botnets, and cyber criminals who no longer leave behind easy-to-trace footprints.”
She highlighted the rise of ransomware, deepfakes and AI-generated cyberattacks. Attackers are leveraging encryption, anonymisation techniques and anti-forensic methods to cover their tracks. “We’ve entered an era where cyber criminals are erasing logs, manipulating timestamps, and leaving minimal forensic evidence,” she warned.
The challenge of authenticity
One of the most pressing concerns, according to Hedley, is the growing difficulty in distinguishing reality from manipulation. “Deepfake technology and AI-generated content are making it harder to verify authenticity. This is already affecting legal cases, intelligence gathering and even everyday communications,” she noted.
Hedley shared an example of AI-generated images that misrepresented the age and identity of an individual, emphasising how these tools could be weaponised. “This is not a problem for the future… it’s happening now! Cyber security professionals must develop new verification methods to counteract digital deception.”
Building resilience: a proactive approach
While the cyber security landscape is evolving rapidly, Hedley offered a structured approach to strengthening resilience. “Cyber attacks are inevitable, but our ability to detect, respond and adapt determines the impact.” She outlined 4 key strategies:
- Forensic readiness: Organisations must ensure they have the right data logging, storage and retrieval systems in place before an incident occurs.
- Continuous monitoring: Cyber security is no longer about reacting to attacks but actively hunting for threats within networks.
- AI-driven defence: While attackers leverage AI, defenders must do the same by integrating AI-driven detection and response mechanisms. However, we must continue to validate our tools to ensure precise detection of threats and minimize false positives.
- Cyber crisis simulation: Just as fire drills prepare for emergencies, companies should conduct regular cyber security simulations to refine their response strategies.
Kathryn Hedley concluded with a call for stronger collaboration across industries. “The difference between us and cyber criminals is that they operate in silos while we work together. We share intelligence and resources. That’s our advantage, and we must continue to leverage it.”
