HTCIA Asia Pacific Chapter Training Conference

I'm still trying to recover from jet lag after my return from speaking at the HTCIA Asia Pacific Chapter Training Conference in Hong Kong.  The HTCIA is the High Technology Crime Investigation Association, the world's largest association of computer forensic examiners.  Though it has a decidedly law enforcement bent--to the point of forbidding its members from assisting in the defense of criminal cases--there are probably as many non-law enforcement members in the group as cops.  Accordingly, there's been a growing interest in electronic discovery among the ranks of computer forensic examiners, particularly since the local forensic examiner is often the only competent "e-discovery service provider" willing to take on smaller matters involving electronic evidence.

The expense-paid invitation was enough to cement my acceptance--I've always wanted to see Hong Kong--but the promised presence of many leaders and innovators in the forensics arena was another irrestible draw.  I was not disappointed.  There were presentations by

• Warren Kruse, co-author of the seminal "Computer Forensics: Incident Response Essentials;"
• Andy Rosen, architect of the software that's evolved to become EnCase;
• Bernhard Otupal, Assistant Director of Financial and High Tech Crime at Interpol;
• Erik Laykin, Managing Director of Duff & Phelps' Global E-Discovery & Investigations Practice;
• Nigel Carson, head of Forensic IT Practice with Ferrier Hodgson in Australia;
• Peter Mercer from Vound Software in Australia, creator of Intella;
• Clara Ho, Head of Information Security Risk for HSBC Asia Pacific;
• Kevin Mansell of Control-F Ltd in the UK;
• BJ Gleason from the University of Maryland (South Korea);
• Thomas Parenty; former NSA and author of Digital Defense
• Drew Fahey, co-creator of the Helix forensics toolset.

The well-attended first day of the event took place in Microsoft's Conference Centre in 3 Pacific Place.  I would gush about the Pacific Place complex except that, when you start talking breathtaking architecture in Hong Kong, where do you stop?  It defies superlatives. 

Days 2 and 3 were held at the Hong Kong Police Officer's Club, a Causeway Bay retreat so well-appointed with wine shop, bar, dining room, pool, tennis court, mahjong hall, gift emporium, gym, etc. that it really brought home the respected status police officers enjoy in Hong Kong compared to the U.S.

Though I imagine credit for carrying off such a fine event belongs to many, I'd be remiss not to single out HTCIA Chapter Preseident and HK Police Chief Inspector Paul Jackson for his leadership and hospitality.  Huzzahs to Paul, and best wishes to his newly-installed successor as Chapter President, Richard Kershaw.

I could write a book on Hong Kong, but James Clavell beat me to it with Noble House.  The word that crowds out all others when I try to describe the city is vibrant.  The place is hopping at all hours.  It fairly crackles with energy and movement.  Exciting and safe, you're swept up by its swift current of happy humanity.  The food is excellent, the architecture amazing and (despite its high priced rep) the prices appealing.  Getting around was especially easy and cheap, and most everyone speaks some English.  There can't be any better locale in the world to shop, and what could be wrong with any place where you can get a great 1-hour massage for under fifteen U.S. dollars?  The only downside was the smog:  Pollution blows in from the Chinese mainland that makes L.A.'s air look good.

Hong Kong is my new favorite world city (though Paris is safely ensconced emeritus as it had its jersey retired long ago).  If you get a chance to go, don't miss it...and be sure to ride atop a ding ding (streetcar) at night, the best quarter you'll ever spend!