Brian Morkert, president and chief consultant at Audit West IT Risk and Compliance Advisory Services in Bremerton, has earned a place among the digital forensics elite by completing advanced coursework and winning a SANS Institute Digital Forensics Challenge.

The SANS Institute “Lethal Forensicator” coin was awarded to Morkert for demonstrating exceptional talent in the digital forensics profession.

Digital forensics is the analysis of computers and other types of digital media to determine the occurrence of illegal or unauthorized activities, including attacks and breaches of organizational systems. Digital forensics involves a collection of specialized techniques, processes and procedures used to preserve, extract, analyze and present electronic evidence.

As a “Lethal Forensicator,” Morkert can detect and eradicate advanced threats. He is a defense during a system compromise or a complex digital investigation.

Morkert has been in the information security industry for more than 25 years. He holds numerous certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) and SANS Global Information Assurance Certification as a Forensic Examiner (GCFE).

“With internal and external threats growing exponentially, protecting your information assets, operational performance and reputation has never been more critical,” he said.

Audit West is an independent information security and risk management consulting firm with a mission to help clients protect themselves and their customers from information technology related risks.

With clients in small, medium and enterprise class organizations, Audit West assesses risk exposure, advises on intelligent options and ensures regulatory compliance for such industries as financial, healthcare and utilities.