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Ibrahim Baggili, Ph.D., is passionate about cybersecurity and digital forensics education – for both his students and for professionals around the globe. He was determined not to let the coronavirus pandemic prevent the University of New Haven from hosting a conference that would educate digital forensics practitioners about the latest developments in the field.

Last year, the (INTERPOL), an international organization that facilitates worldwide police cooperation and crime control, asked the University and the – a nonprofit organization that manages federally funded research and development centers supporting several U.S. government agencies – to host its Digital Forensics Expert Group (DFEG) conference.

"Our goal is to position the state of Connecticut as a worldwide hub, known for its thought leadership in cybersecurity and forensics."Prof. Ibrahim Baggili, Ph.D.

It would've been the first time the event was held in the United States, and Dr. Baggili and his co-chair, Cory Hall, principal cybersecurity engineer at MITRE, planned to host the event at the University.

Amid the impact of the coronavirus global pandemic, they are now taking the event online, and Dr. Baggili says the current crisis suggests their mission is more important than ever.

“Cyber criminals will always take advantage of people, and how we investigate these crimes is of the utmost importance,” said Dr. Baggili, Elder Family Chair and director of the University's Connecticut Institute of Technology. “From what we have learned from COVID-19, our livelihood, at this point, depends on technology.”

The University has a longstanding relationship with the MITRE Corporation. Last year, the organization was inducted into the University’s Tagliatela College of Engineering Hall of Fame as an exemplary partner. The organization has hired graduates of the University and provided many more with internships.

“Digital forensics experts worldwide still require updates on new tradecraft and a place to connect and learn from one another,” said Hall. “This is a great example of collaboration across academia, nonprofits, and international law enforcement. It shows that our human spirit will prevail against this pandemic.”

The virtual conference will take place on four days over two weeks, bringing together professionals in the field from around the globe for a webinar that will take place via Zoom. Attendees will be able to listen to expert speakers, learn from each other, and take part in training workshops.

"This is a great example of collaboration across academia, nonprofits, and international law enforcement. It shows that our human spirit will prevail against this pandemic."Cory Hall, DFEG 2020 co-chair

The event will, for the first time, include a digital forensics challenge. Hosted by the University through its National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security-funded , the challenge will give participants one week to provide solutions to a proposed scenario. The project is being funded through federal grants for training digital forensics practitioners.

Open to members of the law enforcement community and employees of government agencies, the conference will also include invited professionals from digital forensics companies and academic institutions. Nearly 200 people from government agencies worldwide - representing 60 countries - are expected to participate in the event. Dr. Baggili hopes the program will provide a meaningful way for attendees to learn about the latest updates in the field – as well as the important work taking place at the University of New Haven.

“This is another way to introduce the Connecticut Institute of Technology to the world,” he said. “Our goal is to position the state of Connecticut as a worldwide hub, known for its thought leadership in cybersecurity and forensics.”

To register for the conference, please visit the .