Get to know Calvin Bedros

Through his career, Calvin Bedros has developed a passion for law enforcement and computer science. His role as Senior Manager of Digital and Computer Forensics at MNP provides a perfect unison of the two fields. Read his story here:

What got you started in your digital forensics career?

It started off in the 1980s when the first affordable computers came out. I had an affinity towards computers and gaming machines and so forth. Through the years, the technology improved by leaps and bounds. I’ve always been eager to keep up to date with the technology, and I always had in the back of my mind that I wanted to, somehow, work in or with computers.

I purchased a 24/7 convenience store franchise at the age of 19. I operated that for over 3 years and then sold it. I then decided to go to university to better understand the art of operating a business. Throughout my studies, I was trying to envision a future where I could implement the use of computers in a business environment. The field was still young in those days.

What was your career trajectory before joining MNP?

After attending university, I went into the job market, but it wasn’t what I liked. I changed my career path and went to college in police technology. While I was studying, I started working as a student Canada Customs officer. As I was finishing my last year of police technology, I was hired as a full-time customs officer. Within a little more than a year working full-time as a customs officer, I succeeded in getting promoted as a criminal investigator for Canada Customs.

An aspect of myself that I discovered early in my career was a passion for law enforcement. My other passion was computers. So those two things sort of converged in 2010, after two digital forensics staff at the criminal investigations division retired and there was an opening to fill the vacancy. I applied and was accepted.

That’s it, I’m doing the two things I love to do; playing with computers and cell phones all day long, and I’m doing the second part I love which is investigating and seeking the truth. It combines both worlds, it’s interesting and a constant learning experience. To top off my journey, I just completed my master’s degree in computer forensics and cybercrime investigations. This educational experience opened my eyes to the world and piqued my curiosity as to what else exists out there.

What drew you to MNP?

I’ve worked almost 19 years as a criminal investigator and out of those 19, I spent the last 11 years working in digital forensics for the Canada Border Service Agency. I decided that I wanted to experience new challenges and maximize the utilization of my education and business acumen.

After doing my research of the business market, I only heard good things about MNP and the Forensics team. I decided to give it a shot. I think that my education and life experiences are, in a way, converging. The fact that I had my business background, my law enforcement experience and my forensics and computer training, are now coming together in my role as senior manager of digital forensics at MNP.

What advice do you give someone who wants to get into digital forensics?

Most importantly, an appreciation for computers and an interest that goes beyond just “liking” them. The materials we’re dealing with are electronics. They use ones and zeros. You have to learn to navigate in that world. You need to become something of an expert who can present scientific data and explain your scientific approach.

Besides having the passion for computers, you must have a strong attention to detail, and be willing to go the distance, all the while staying within the boundaries of the law. You don’t want to infringe on people’s rights, because we are examining their personal and corporate devices.

What trends have you observed since entering the forensics field, and what developments do you see in the future?

The computer industry and cell phone technology are just changing very rapidly. It’s just a game of catching up, learning new techniques and finding new ways to work.

Two things to have to deal with in the future are 1) Cloud storage and accessibility and 2) dealing with big data. You simply cannot rely on older technology or computers. You have to keep equipment, software and communication technology current. One subject that does look promising is quantum computing. Quantum computing could possibly shorten a computer operation that would typically take 10000 years, down to a few days.

Learn more

To learn more about how our firm can meet your digital forensics and investigation needs, contact Calvin Bedros at [email protected] or 438.469.4795.