Full Access to Shannon Krieger
Episode 22
After his tenure as a U.S. Army Ranger and Special Operator, Shannon Krieger was introduced to the field of Digital Forensics through the USSOCOM Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition).
In this conversation with Shannon, we talk about the creation of the Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program, how Shannon became involved in combating child exploitation, and his experience during the last nine years as a Computer Forensic Analyst.
[1:42] Profile of this episode’s Guest: Shannon Krieger
- Shannon is a Computer Forensics Analyst with Homeland Security Investigations working on child exploitation investigations
- After graduating from Florida State University, Shannon enlisted and became a U.S. Army Ranger and led an advanced career in Special Ops.
- Shannon was injured in a helicopter crash and after continuous issues with his health, medically retired in 2005.
- Shannon became involved in the tactical canine program and stayed with the Command until 2011.
[8:15] The USSOCOM Warrior Care Program (Care Coalition) introduced Shannon to digital forensics.
- Shannon shares more about how the Human Exploitation Rescue Operation (HERO) Child-Rescue Corps Program was created.
- He explains why Homeland Security picks up more child exploitation cases than any other agency.
- Shannon was one of the first veterans recruited to the internship program.
[13:08] Shannon explains the type of training he received and the tools they used in the HERO program.
- Shannon received 10 weeks of intense forensic training.
- He was sent to an HSI laboratory where he was assigned a mentor.
- Shannon requested a placement in New Orleans, where he was from.
[17:14] Shannon’s tenure with the HSI after being hired to be a Digital Forensic Analyst.
- After an unpaid internship with the HERO program, Shannon became a full-time Digital Forensic Analyst in New Orleans and eventually landed in Wilmington, NC.
- Shannon talks about the collaborative nature of the digital forensics community.
- Shannon covers 23 counties in North Carolina and works for any law enforcement agency that asks, prosecuting numerous types of cases.
[26:23] The trends that Shannon is seeing in the digital forensics space.
- Advanced mobile extraction skills are a necessity and so are advanced tools such as GrayKey.
- Shannon talks about the necessity of gaining access to passwords for devices to get the data they need to extract.
- Shannon sees the continued use of digital forensic canines to assist in investigations.
[32:03] Shannon dissects the future applications of GrayKey and the new analysis tool.
- He shares his experience using our tools to quickly extract data.
- The possibilities that Shannon sees using GrayKey in the field to quickly extract data to use in suspect interviews.
- Shannon discusses determining what work to prioritize when he doesn’t say “no” to anyone.
[38:49] Why Shannon went back to school to get a Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics.
- Shannon wanted to learn more to improve his skills, stay current on technology, and be more effective in his field.
- He shares the importance of advanced education and certifications.
- Technology is constantly changing, so you must keep learning to stay in digital forensics.
[43:46] The most notable and impactful case that Shannon has been involved in.
- Shannon shares the impact of identifying and rescuing children who have been trafficked for years.
- Shannon notes that “The very first day that you start work [at the HERO program], you are changing the life of a child.”
- Shannon wanted to do something important that mattered and the HERO program allowed him to stay in the fight.
[50:07] Shannon’s advice for those getting started in digital forensics.
- No matter what the crime, a cell phone, tablet, or digital device will be involved—so keep learning new technologies.
- To do well in digital forensics, you must remain curious and continue to use your skills.
- You have to be able to say “I don’t know” and move on when there is no evidence to be found.
[54:35] How veterans can apply for and be involved in The HERO Program.
- Go to http://herocorps.net/ to learn more about the HERO program.
- Job announcements for the FY 2023 HERO Program started on January 23, 2023.
- Shannon shares how to compete with the 300–900 people who apply for the positions.
- Reach out to Shannon on LinkedIn
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