DataFocus 2025 once again proved to be a premier gathering for law enforcement investigators, prosecutors, judges, and forensic experts
Goran Oparnica, Esther George and Mislav Togonal
dedicated to the complexities of digital evidence and forensic investigations. Organized annually since 2012, this conference continues to foster invaluable discussions, share best practices, and explore cutting-edge developments in the field. With over 200 attendees each year, the event remains a vital forum for exchanging experiences and insights—free of charge and rich in expertise.
A Deep Dive into Digital Forensics
The opening ceremony set an authoritative tone, with addresses from Goran Oparnica, Director of INsig2, and PhD. Davor Božinović, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior of Croatia. The keynote lectures provided a thought-provoking start, including PhD. Stjepan Picek’s presentation on the security risks of deep learning, as well as Anders Persson’s talk on uncovering hidden data within RAM. The day then unfolded into specialized sections, covering investigations, legal considerations, technical advancements, and interactive workshops led by experts and industry leaders.
Given my focus on legal and policy implications in cybercrime, I spent my time in the Legal Section, where Emilijo Kalabrić gave an insightful talk on the intellectual property risks posed by generative AI, sparking discussions about its legal ramifications. Bruno Moslavac’s session on homomorphic encryption highlighted its potential for securing data even in cloud environments—though we had an interesting debate during the break on whether this technology could withstand the rise of quantum computing. Goran Supančić’s talk on AI in pre-trial investigations was particularly relevant, as it showcased AI’s emerging role in analysing economic crime data. Ivan Glavić then provided a fascinating breakdown of international legal frameworks for suppressing illegal online content.
Throughout the day, attendees also had the opportunity to engage with technical demonstrations, including hands-on forensic tools designed for investigating encrypted devices. Zlatan Morić led a practical session on real-time forensic analysis, showcasing the latest methodologies for extracting data from compromised networks. Meanwhile, Mariam Salukvadze’s session on balancing law enforcement access to encrypted data with privacy rights sparked critical discussions on how to navigate these competing interests.
My Contribution: The Future of Cyber Threats
As part of the conference, I delivered a well-received talk on Emerging Cyber Threats: AI and Quantum Computing. My presentation explored the dual role of AI—both as a tool for cybercriminals and as a defensive mechanism for law enforcement. I also examined the looming risks of quantum computing, which could render current encryption obsolete and revolutionize cybercrime as we know it. The urgent need for quantum-resistant cryptography and AI-driven security strategies was a key takeaway, underscoring the importance of proactive regulation and cross-sector collaboration.
Lawrence McEwen, Esther George and Kornelija Ivanusic
I was pleased that the attendees took on board the concern over the rapid pace of technological advancements outstripping legal and regulatory responses. One recurring theme was the challenge of international cooperation, particularly in tracking cybercriminals who exploit jurisdictional gaps. I had the opportunity to discuss these issues further with fellow speakers who provided valuable insights into the intersection of law and technology.
Conclusion: A Gathering of Minds and Innovations
DataFocus 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to engage with experts, exchange ideas, and deepen my understanding of the latest trends in digital evidence. The combination of high-level presentations and interactive discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration between legal professionals, law enforcement, and technical experts in tackling emerging cyber threats.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was connecting with professionals from diverse backgrounds—investigators, policymakers, and cybersecurity specialists—all united by a shared goal of strengthening digital forensic capabilities. The networking sessions were particularly fruitful, as they allowed for in-depth conversations on practical solutions and potential future collaborations. Erik Decker’s insights on the role of healthcare cybersecurity underscored the growing interdependence between digital forensics and critical infrastructure protection.
For those who missed the event, presentations are available on the DataFocus 2025 website. I look forward to continuing these conversations and seeing how these discussions shape the future of digital forensic investigations!