Never underestimate your value! Even without a cyber or technology background you can be amazing in this space.

To start—can you tell us a bit about yourself? How did you get into investigations, and what drives your work today?

I am the father of two sons and live in a small rural community in Ontario, Canada. My passion for safeguarding children and vulnerable persons arose from my own journey into parenthood. It was when I became a father that I felt the compulsion to protect children from harm and unsafe people and situations. I complete my first OSINT credential through Toddington Intl in 2015/2016, with my first practical experience using OSINT was providing opposition research for a Canadian federal election. I also began using OSINT to design innovative online safety sesssions for students of all ages (Kindergarten through Post Secondary) and parents and caring adults. In 2020 I was recruited by a USA based NGO to perform professional investigations on child predators and sex traffickers. Since, I have worked and collaborated with many Law Enforcement agencies (LEA) government departments, and other NGO's on international complex investigations targeting everything from child predators, human traffickers, terrorists, and violent extremist groups. My role involves direct investigative support as well as recruiting and leading "sources" who further support the mission of protecting children and the vulnerable from nefarious actors.

In your experience, what’s one skill or mindset every great analyst should have—and why?

There are many but one that sticks out to me is tenacity. OSINT investigations are conplex and require a lot of tenacity to see them through and discipline to remain focused, work within the parameters set out for civilians and not cross any lines (e.g. related to accessing or possessing CSAM) and compose actionable reports that contain sufficient detail and that are "reconstructable" where possible by LEA and legal professionals. Depending on the context of the investigation analysts I feel need to be resilient and mindful of their mental health, and able to compartmentalize the work from their daily and family lives, and recognize signs and symptoms that they may need a "pause" or break and may need support from therapists and/or peers.

What’s a trend or challenge in digital investigations that you think deserves more attention right now?

The role of AI both in its use and applications by criminal actors and its use for us an OSINT analysts in our investigations.

A lot of people in the field look up to professionals like you—what advice would you give someone just starting out in OSINT or analysis work?

I would suggest taking a recognized certification from a reputable source, investing in a few written resources (books) published by the most respected in the industry, and build your networks by connecting with people in the industry and joining OSINT networking groups and communities online. Never underestimate your value! Even without a cyber or technology background you can be amazing in this space. Many of the most talented OSINT analysts I work with come from unconventional background so do not count yourself out.

And finally—what’s something people might be surprised to learn about you? Any hobbies, passions, or routines that help you recharge outside of work?

Many are surpised at how mellow and easy going I am (despite a somewhat dark image online). When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my children, cooking scratch meals (I am a foodie), tending to my vegetable garden, and taking care of my fish and acquarium. :) 

Anything else you'd like to add or share?

Take very good care of your mental and physical health. As analysts we are often exposed to some of the worst that humanity has to offer and if we are not careful we can become vicarious victims ourselves due to the trauma incurred as a result of our work.

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