Rising Stars: Meet Derick Downs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Derick Downs.

Hi Derick, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Long story short, my life story is a Netflix show waiting to happen. Growing up, I had no intention of being a tech dork. In 1999, I learned about this new exciting thing called “The Internet.” Little did I know that it would be my hobby, my obsession, and turn into my career years later.

For the past 15+ years, I’ve owned Downs Agency, a digital marketing agency that focuses on website development, Search Engine Optimization, and Search Engine Marketing. I’ve built tons of websites for various businesses over the years. One day an interesting client hired me to re-design their website & start running google ads for them. Quickly we increased profits, calls, and even hired a sales team. After about 8-9 months into the contract, I started working more with various private investigators who wanted to start offering remote forensic services. I had them run a background check on the owner. Come to find out the guy is probably one of the worst and most hated humans on earth. So I hired their key employees and started Octo Digital Forensics almost overnight. I had to pay Cellebrite a ton of money for the license, and all the classes to become qualified & understand the digital forensics world.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth. The beginning was a total disaster all around. Now nonetheless, the challenges we face seem to be working out much better presently now that we know exactly what we are doing.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Digital forensics is a branch of forensic science that focuses on identifying, acquiring, processing, analyzing, and reporting data stored electronically. Electronic evidence is a component of almost all criminal activities and digital forensics support is crucial for law enforcement investigations. I help law firms, private investigators, and corporate entities find evidence on devices, apps, and networks that can help them win their cases or get acquittals with factual evidence collected. Our cyber-security team focuses on defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and more from malicious attacks or spyware.

We find that about 50% of our business comes from spouses who are fighting in divorce cases. Many times they need text messages to be authenticated by a neutral 3rd party.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Networking is huge. It’s a little different since Covid happened, but social media makes it easy to connect with almost anybody.

Pricing:

• Remote cell phone extractions $2000+
• Spyware installation or removal $500+
• Cloning computers $1500+
• Data recovery extractions $2000+
• Digital Investigation Services $100+
• Private Investigation Services $200+
• Comprehensive Background Reports $300+
• Cyber security & hacking services $500+
• Corporate investigation Services $2500+
• “Octo PI” Computers $2500+

Contact Info:

• Email: info@octodigitalforensics.com
• Website: https://www.octodigitalforensics.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/octodf
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/octodf
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/octodf
• YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC2M_H_1kWfEyUzBH6rzO0Gg
• Yelp: https://m.yelp.com/biz/octo-digital-forensics-san-diego

Image Credits
Images – Derick Downs