Arkansas Attorney General’s Office Visits UA Little Rock Cybersecurity Club

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock Cybersecurity Club hosted a special meeting on Feb. 25 featuring industry experts from the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, giving students an inside look at the intersection of cybersecurity, digital forensics, and law enforcement.

With cybersecurity threats evolving rapidly, UA Little Rock’s Cybersecurity Club remains committed to preparing students for careers in digital defense with talks from experienced industry experts.

The meeting, held in the Engineering and Information Technology Building, featured a panel of guests, including Walter Mahone, deputy chief of the Special Investigations Division and director of the Cyber Crimes Unit; Amber Kalmer, director of digital forensics; Jessica Middleton, cybersecurity analyst; and Lucy, a K9 specially trained in electronic storage detection (ESD).

Students heard firsthand how professionals in digital forensics and cybersecurity uncover hidden digital evidence, investigate cybercrimes, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies. The speakers also shared insights on career paths in the growing cybersecurity field.

Mahone, who initially had no plans to work in cybersecurity, described how he transitioned into the field.

“I wasn’t the computer guy,” he admitted. “I wanted to work on big terrorism cases, but everything now involves a cell phone or a computer. One burglary case we solved came down to a cell phone tower dump, and that got me thinking. I wanted to be part of this.”

Middleton, who holds a master’s degree in sociology, also took an unconventional path into cybersecurity.

“I started as a crime analyst with the Little Rock Police Department, working with intelligence and studying threats,” she said. “That background helps in cybersecurity because I think about how an adversary might act and how to counter them.”

The panelists emphasized the increasing demand for digital forensic specialists in the cybersecurity job market.

“I see a lot more forensics jobs open,” Mahone said. “Cybersecurity is a hot field, but forensics remains critical. If you’re looking for a career, don’t overlook forensics. It’s where a lot of opportunities are right now.”

Lessons from the Field

Kalmer, who oversees digital forensics at the AG’s office, introduced students to Lucy, a specially trained dog that can detect hidden electronic storage devices. ESD K9s are trained to detect the presence of electronic media storage or other digital evidence, such as hard drives, USB drives, and cell phones. 

“Lucy goes on our search warrants and can find hidden cell phones, USBs, and microSD cards,” Kalmer said. “She’s an invaluable part of our team, and when she’s not working cases, she also serves as a therapy dog for victims.”

She shared a famous case where an ESD dog helped law enforcement locate hidden storage devices inside drywall, leading to a major conviction. ESD K9s like Lucy came to prominence when another ESD K9 Bear detected key evidence in the home of Jared Fogle, former Subway spokesman, who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his crimes.

“The same trainer who trained that dog trained Lucy,” she noted. “There are only about 147 of these dogs in the world.”

Career Advice for Future Cybersecurity Professionals

The panelists encouraged students to be proactive in networking and skill development.

“As a student, you have a powerful advantage,” Middleton said. “You can reach out to professionals on LinkedIn and ask for five minutes of their time. Take classes in different areas. You never know where it might lead.”

Mahone stressed the value of government experience for new graduates.

“The best thing about government jobs is they offer training, security clearances, and real-world experience,” he said. “You’ll see and learn things that private sector professionals might not. That experience can set you up for higher-paying jobs later.”

The speakers also recommended industry certifications such as those from Magnet and Cellebrite, as well as free training resources from the National White Collar Crime Center and Codeacademy.

“Certifications show initiative,” Mahone said. “As someone who looks at resumes, they stand out.”

UA Little Rock cybersecurity students found the presentation valuable and insightful.

“It was great and really informative,” said Isaac Ceja, a cybersecurity major. “I found the distinction between forensics and cybersecurity to be really useful, but I also enjoyed learning how they all work together with law enforcement to be successful.”

Patrick Roberts, a sophomore cybersecurity major interested in Blue Team operations, appreciated the panel’s practical career advice.

“The presentation was very informative,” he said. “I liked learning that you don’t have to be a tech expert to get into these positions. Also, seeing Lucy the K9 in action was awesome.”