In the 79th episode of Jam With Sam, Sampath Iyengar chats with Amit Jaju, a digital forensics expert and senior leader at FTI Consulting, about his fascinating career journey, the intricacies of cybersecurity, and the future of digital risk management. With a career spanning cybersecurity, digital forensics, and AI, Amit shares insights into global fraud investigations and offers practical tips for safeguarding personal data.
From Mahu to Global Forensics
Amit Jaju hails from Mahu, India’s largest military base, where he grew up amidst the disciplined ethos of the defence community. After completing his bachelor’s degree in Indore, he pursued a master’s degree in the U.S. at Virginia Tech and later earned an MBA from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in India. His decision to return to India for his MBA was driven by a deep connection to Indian culture and family, thanks to the values instilled by his grandparents.
The Path to Cybersecurity Leadership
Amit began his professional journey with Palladian Networks, where he worked on cutting-edge projects such as terrorism monitoring for the Indian Army in Jammu and Kashmir. He was part of a team that developed systems to track online activities, including encrypted communication and unauthorized document exchanges—a revolutionary achievement at the time.
From there, Amit moved to KPMG and later to EY, where he became a partner and led global forensic investigations. His work included addressing high-profile cyberattacks, managing U.S. sanctions investigations, and tracing money laundering schemes.
In 2022, Amit joined FTI Consulting, a world-leading forensic technology firm, where he focuses on helping Indian businesses navigate global compliance, cybersecurity, and regulatory challenges.
The Role of Forensic Technology in Modern Businesses
At FTI Consulting, Amit emphasizes the role of forensic technology in ensuring data integrity during investigations. From financial frauds to cybercrimes, forensic experts collect and analyze digital evidence to uncover hidden truths. Amit explained how forensic teams use technology to track financial transactions, authenticate digital records, and provide actionable insights for regulators, courts, and businesses.
Amit also highlighted how AI and machine learning are transforming fraud prevention, particularly in financial services and life sciences. These tools help organizations detect anomalies, predict fraudulent activities, and secure their digital ecosystems more effectively.
Practical Tips for Cybersecurity
Amit shared practical advice for individuals and businesses to protect their digital assets:
- Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information on Social Media: Keep personal details private to reduce the risk of identity theft.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple platforms. Use a password manager to simplify this process.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Opt for app-based authentication, like Google Authenticator, over SMS-based methods, which are prone to SIM-swapping attacks.
- Separate Financial Information: Use a dedicated email and phone number exclusively for financial activities.
- Encrypt Your Devices: Enable full-disk encryption tools like BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (Mac) to secure your data in case of theft.
Combating Cybercrime and Online Piracy
Amit is passionate about fighting online piracy and cybercrime, having witnessed its impact on industries like Bollywood. He explained how advancements in technology are helping law enforcement agencies track and shut down piracy networks. With better coordination between ISPs, regulators, and companies, Amit predicts stricter action against piracy in the near future, including real-time consequences for offenders.
The Future of Digital Forensics
Looking ahead, Amit envisions a future where AI-driven fraud detection plays a central role in protecting businesses. His team at FTI Consulting is already working on breakthrough projects in AI, exploring its applications in fraud prevention, life sciences, and international compliance.
Amit is also committed to animal welfare and hopes to establish an NGO dedicated to stray animal rescue. Balancing his professional expertise with personal passions, he remains focused on creating a safer digital ecosystem while giving back to society.
About Amit Jaju:
Amit Jaju is a digital forensics and cybersecurity expert with over two decades of experience. He is a senior leader at FTI Consulting, specializing in global fraud investigations, compliance, and forensic technology. With a passion for AI and cybersecurity, Amit also advocates for animal welfare and sustainable living.