EdelsonProfile-BrianSemrau

Hello! I'm Brian

Digital Forensic Investigator and SMB Information Security Specialist

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About Me

I am the Director of IT and a Sr. Digital Forensic Investigator at Edelson PC, as well as an independent Information Security Consultant.  My practice at Edelson PC focuses on a variety of security and privacy related investigations on our tech-related cases.  As an Information Security Consultant, I focus on reducing risk for small to medium sized businesses through defense in depth.

As a small business owner myself, I have a passion for protecting small businesses while ensuring that business needs are met at the same time.  I advocate for privacy and security legislation which I do not believe will have an unnecessary strain or difficulty for small businesses.

Experience

Present
Oct 2018 - Present
Edelson PC
Director of IT/Sr. Digital Forensic Investigator
Chicago, IL
Jul 2007 - Present
Infosec Chicago
(Previously known as Brian Semrau Computer Consulting)
CEO
Chicagoland Area
May 2015 - Oct 2018
Great Lakes Dredge & Dock
Security Engineer
Oakbrook, IL
Nov 2014 - Dec 2015
WIIT 88.9 FM Chicago
Technical Director
Chicago, IL
Aug 2013 - Mar 2015
TigerDirect
Lead Technician
Naperville, IL
July, 2007

Skills & Hobbies

I have over 10 years of experience in Information Technology focusing on information security and forensics.  I have a passion for solving tough problems when it comes to technology; and also I enjoy helping people and staying up to date with the latest information security threats and building defenses against them.  I hold a masters degree in Cyber Forensics and Security from Illinois Institute of Technology, and I actively research the latest security threats, while also looking for new 0-days.

When I’m not working, you might find me working on developing my latest side-project, or shooting photos.  I also enjoy audio-visual production, and take every chance I can get to work front of house, or design new stage lighting designs.

Digital Forensics
Security Consulting
DFIR
Online Privacy

Education & Certifications

2022
2018 - 2021
Illinois Institute of Technology
Master of Cyber Forensics and Security
Chicago, IL
March 2019
Board Certified Expert in Cyber Investigations (CECI)
Redmond, WA, USA
September 2017
Board Certified Forensic HiTech Investigator (CFHI)
Redmond, WA, USA
June 2017
OSForensics Certified Examiner (OSFCE)
Credential ID 90301-4
Redmond, WA, USA
June 2017
OSForensics Triage Certification (OSFTC)
Credential ID 90301-5
Redmond, WA, USA
2014 - 2017
Illinois Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Applied Science (BASc), Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
Chicago, IL
2014

Public Speaking and Notable Publications

2021
December 2022
Guest Lecturer
Working in Digital Forensics
University of Washington
October 2021
Guest Lecturer
The business of digital forensics
University of Washington
March 2021
Panelist: How to Operationalize an Integrated Cybersecurity and Data Protection Stack
Acronis #CyberFit MSP Rapid Fire Panel Chat Acronis #CyberFit MSP Rapid Fire Panel Chat
March 2021
Panelist
For Mature Audiences Only: Ransomware's Impact on Businesses Today
December 2020
When Privacy Law Goes "Bump in the Night"
Chicago, IL
April 10 2020
October 2019
August 2019
Cyber Security for the Whole Family
April 2019
Hands-on Live Malware Analysis 101
ITO Compass Conference 2019
Chicago, IL
January 2019
The Archaic Traditions of Security
Chicago, IL
August 2018
Masochism Meets Technology - A.K.A. Working in Cyber Forensics
ITO Compass Conference 2018
Chicago, IL
July 2018
A Tech's Guide to Evaluating Endpoint Security
Chicago, IL
April 2017
2017

Contact Me