Thinking beyond tools: Elevate your DFIR skills with an investigative mindset

In digital forensics, tools are only as effective as the investigative mindset behind them. In this session from our 2025 Magnet Virtual Summit, Brett Shavers introduces a suspect-centered approach to digital forensics that moves beyond mere data recovery to uncover the actions, motives, and intentions within digital evidence. Using field-tested techniques, forensic tools, and real-world case studies, Brett will guide attendees in analyzing artifacts within a broader narrative and identifying behavioral patterns that lead directly to actionable evidence. Attendees will leave with practical skills to “read between the lines” of digital data, approaching every clue with an investigative mindset that uncovers the deeper “why” behind the data. You’ll find value in this session whether you’re working on criminal or civil cases, internal investigations, or supporting incident response.