Tag: Social Media

CSI Linux Certified Social Media Investigator (CSIL-CSMI) – Instructor-led Evenings Course – 04212025

Become a Social Media Investigator with the CSIL-CSMI!

Are you ready to master the art of digital investigations through social media? The CSI Linux Certified Social Media Investigator (CSIL-CSMI) course is designed for professionals who want to uncover, analyze, and track online activity with precision, all while balancing a busy schedule.  In just four intensive weeks, meeting twice weekly, you’ll learn to identify digital footprints, analyze online behaviors, and extract valuable intelligence from social media platforms. You’ll gain hands-on experience using CSI Linux as your investigative workstation, equipping you with the tools and methodologies used by top cyber investigators. This course prepares you to conduct deep social media investigations effectively, from profiling subjects and tracking connections to collecting and preserving online evidence. This instructor-led course meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings, starting April 21st, 2025, providing a flexible schedule that allows you to advance your investigative skills without disrupting your daily routine.

Once you’ve registered, simply email training@csilinux.com with your order number and desired start date. From there, you’ll be on the fast track to mastering online investigations, passing the CSIL-CSMI exam with confidence, and standing out as a top-tier social media investigator.

This is your chance to enhance your investigative skills, expand your digital forensics expertise, and become an expert in tracking digital footprints. Enroll today and start uncovering the online evidence that only the best investigators can find! 🕵️‍♂️🔍💻

About Your Instructor:

Scot Bradeen: A Veteran Digital Forensics Expert
CSIL-CINST, CSIL-COA, CSIL-CSMI, CSIL-CDWI, CSIL-CCFI, CFCE, EnCE, ACE, MCFE, CPCE, etc…

With over 25 years of experience in digital forensics and 19 years in law enforcement, Scot Bradeen is a highly respected investigator, forensic examiner, and instructor in the cybersecurity and law enforcement communities. As the owner of Bradeen Digital Forensics, he has provided expert forensic services to law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and private organizations, handling complex cybercrime investigations and large-scale incident response cases.

Scot’s career has taken him from patrolling the streets as a law enforcement officer to leading high-profile forensic investigations, including United States v. James Cameron (2010, Southern Maine District). His deep expertise in digital evidence analysis has made him a sought-after expert witness, testifying in numerous state and federal cases. Since 2006, Scot has served as a contract instructor for the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, training international law enforcement agencies in digital forensics, cyber investigations, and lab management. His work has taken him across the globe, delivering over 100 courses to specialists in the field. With expertise in computer forensics, mobile forensics, cyber threat analysis, and network intrusion investigations, Scot is an authority in uncovering and analyzing digital evidence.

Real-World Experience, Hands-On Training

Scot’s law enforcement background as a Detective and Digital Forensic Analyst means his training isn’t just theoretical—it’s based on real-world investigative experience. He has conducted forensic investigations for municipal, county, state, and federal agencies, handling everything from corporate cyber intrusions to criminal digital evidence analysis.

Why Learn from Scot?

  • Global Experience – Trained international law enforcement agencies under the U.S. Department of State
  • Expert Witness – Provided testimony in high-profile digital forensics cases
  • Hands-On Learning – Combines technical expertise with practical applications
  • Cutting-Edge Knowledge – Constantly updates training to include the latest forensic tools and methodologies

With Scot as your instructor, you’ll gain real-world skills, insider knowledge, and the expertise needed to excel in digital forensics and cyber investigations. Get ready to learn from one of the best in the field!

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A Simplified Guide to Accessing Facebook and Instagram Data for Law Enforcement and Investigators

In the realm of law enforcement and investigations, understanding how to legally access data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram is crucial. Given the non-technical backgrounds of many in this field, it’s essential to break down the process into understandable terms. Here’s a straightforward look at what kinds of data can be accessed, the legal pathways to obtain it, and its importance for investigations, all without the technical jargon.

The Types of Data Available

When conducting investigations, the data from social media platforms can be a goldmine of information. Here’s what can typically be accessed with legal authority:

      • Personal Details: Names, birth dates, contact information—all the basics that users provide when setting up their profiles.

      • Location History: If users have location settings enabled, you can see where they’ve been checking in or posting from.

      • Communications: Information on who users have been messaging, when, and sometimes, depending on the legal documentation, the content of those messages.

      • Online Activities: Logs of when users were active, the devices they used, and their internet addresses.

      • Photos and Videos: Visual content posted by the user can often be retrieved.

      • Financial Transactions: Records of any purchases made through these platforms.

    Legal Requirements for Data Access

    Accessing user data isn’t as simple as asking for it; there are specific legal channels that must be followed:

        • Emergency Situations: In cases where there’s an immediate risk to someone’s safety, platforms can provide information more rapidly to help prevent harm.

        • Court Orders and Search Warrants: For most investigation purposes, authorities need to obtain either a court order or a more specific search warrant, explaining why the information is necessary for the investigation.

      Why It Matters

      For law enforcement and investigators, accessing this data can be critical for:

          • Solving Crimes: Digital evidence can provide leads that aren’t available elsewhere.

          • Finding Missing Persons: Location data and communication logs can offer clues to a person’s last known whereabouts.

          • Supporting Legal Cases: Evidence gathered from these platforms can be used in court to support legal arguments.

        Privacy and Legal Compliance

        It’s important to remember that these platforms have strict policies and legal obligations to protect users’ privacy. They only release data in compliance with the law and often report on how often and why they’ve shared data with law enforcement. This transparency is key to maintaining user trust while supporting legal and investigative processes.

        Meta Platforms, Inc. 
        1 Meta Way
        Menlo Park, CA 94025

        Meta Platforms, Inc. is the new name for the parent company for Facebook and Instagram. It is important to note that Meta Platforms, Inc. does not process legal preservation and records requests through email or fax. Instead, all such legal procedures must be channeled through thier dedicated Law Enforcement (LE) Portal available at: https://www.facebook.com/records. This portal serves as the central point for managing both urgent requests and all other legal formalities.

        For law enforcement officials requesting records, choosing the option “CHILD EXPLOITATION – POTENTIAL HARM” ensures that the account holder is not alerted, and there is no need for a Non Disclosure Order.For detailed guidelines, the Meta Platforms LE Guide, which includes the address mentioned above, can be found here: https://about.meta.com/actions/safety/audiences/law/guidelines/.

        Additionally, legal requests concerning Facebook and Instagram users within your jurisdiction should correctly identify Meta Platforms, Inc. as the service provider to ensure the requests are directed to the appropriate legal entity. Guidelines specific to law enforcement for Instagram can be accessed through: https://help.instagram.com/494561080557017/.

        For queries regarding the legal process, Meta provides a dedicated contact for law enforcement officials only: evacher@meta.com.

        Simplifying the Complex

        For those in law enforcement and investigations, knowing how to navigate the legalities of accessing data from platforms like Facebook and Instagram is crucial. While the process may seem daunting, understanding the basics of what data can be accessed, how to legally obtain it, and why it’s important can demystify the task. This knowledge ensures that investigations can proceed effectively, respecting both the legal process and individual privacy rights.

        Remember, this is a simplified overview designed to make the process as clear as possible for those without a technical background. The key is always to work closely with legal teams to ensure that all requests for data comply with the law, ensuring the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of all involved.

        Resources:

        Search.org
        CSI Linux Academy
        The CSI Linux Certified Social Media Investigator (CSIL-CSMI) 
        The CSI Linux Certified – OSINT Analyst (CSIL-COA)