“Organisations falling victim to cyber crime are subject to incalculable reputational and operational damage. The biggest risk is not being prepared.”
Brendan Read
About
With two decades of expertise in forensic technology and investigations—including ten years with the Queensland Police Service—Brendan co-founded the High-Tech Crime Investigation Unit. He partnered with state, federal and international agencies, including the US Secret Service, to coordinate multi-jurisdictional probes into fraud and cybercrime.
Brendan has led sophisticated cyber-incident responses for both corporate organisations and government bodies. He’s presented critical digital evidence in District and Magistrates courts, as well as in civil and criminal proceedings, where his testimony has often been pivotal to the outcome.
He brings deep experience in preparing expert reports and affidavits, and in delivering compelling oral testimony.
Beyond his professional practice, Brendan is a committee member of the Brisbane chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
Expertise
- Digital forensic and incident response investigations (DFIR)
- Fraud investigation and Interviewing
- Forensic discovery
Education and accreditations
- Masters of Information Technology, QUT
- RelativityOne Certification
- Essential Forensic Techniques I – BlackBag Technologies
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) Boot Camp
- EnCase Computer Forensics II, Guidance Software Corporation
- Network Investigators Course (Conducted by the Hong Kong Police)
Significant Engagements
- Engaged by a corporate client to investigate a significant data hack and ransomware attack against its Australian and overseas based parent company
- Engaged by law firm to act as an independent computer forensic expert in the investigation of a cyber incident involving a property investment firm
- Engaged by a corporate client to assist in an investigation of a large data breach involving an exposure period of a number of years which related to high confidential data
- Engaged by a corporate client based in New Zealand to investigate a cyber incident involving their network administrator
- Engaged by the State of Queensland to assist with the collection and management of electronic evidence for the largest environmental investigation undertaken by the Queensland Government
