Robert D'Ovidio, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Criminology and Justice Studies
Expertise Criminal Justice

D'Ovidio researches the intersection of computer technology, crime and the criminal justice system. He directs Drexel's research program in computer crime and digital forensics. In the past, he has worked with the New York City Police Department and Philadelphia Police Department on research projects involving computer crime. His work with the law enforcement community also includes training investigators on techniques to trace Internet communication and seize electronic evidence and cell phones.

He is a member of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists, the American Society of Criminology, and the United States Secret Service Philadelphia- Area Electronic Crimes Task Force. D'Ovidio sits on the National Governors Association's Strategic Policy Council on Cyber and Electronic Crime. He serves as an advisor to the Pennsylvania State Treasurer on identity theft and is a consultant to BK Forensics, assisting with law enforcement outreach and the development of training curriculum. He provides regular commentary for media outlets on news stories pertaining to computer crime, Internet safety, identity theft and surveillance.

In The News

ChatGPT Health Wants You To Upload Your Medical Records — Cybersecurity Experts Are Begging You Not To Do That
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Science, was interviewed for a Jan. 16 HuffPost story about the risks of uploading your medical records to ChatGPT.
Fake Posts on Facebook Claim Death of Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders  
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed for a Jan. 9 KYW-TV (CBS-3) story about posts circulating on Facebook falsely claiming that a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader had died.
'No One Verified the Evidence': Woman Says AI-generated Deepfake Text Sent Her to Jail
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Science, was interviewed for a Jan. 8 WPVI-TV (6-abc) investigative report about AI-generated deepfakes being used in courtrooms.
Radnor High School Alerts Families to 'Inappropriate' AI Video Depicting Students
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed in a Dec. 9 WPVI-TV (6-abc) segment about generative AI programs used to create fake videos, in relation to a recent incident at Radnor High School.
Her Pickpocketed Phone Ended up in China. Philly Concertgoers Say Similar Thefts are Rampant this Year.
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Science, was interviewed in a Nov. 9 Philadelphia Inquirer story about how stolen phones are ending up in China.
How is AI being used to create disturbing images of children? A Philadelphia professor explains.
Rob D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Science, was interviewed for an Oct. 16 KYW-TV investigative report about how AI being used to create disturbing images of children.
Swatting Group ‘Likely Responsible’ for Campus Shooter Hoaxes at Villanova and Others: Report
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in an Aug. 27 WPVI-TV (6-abc) story about the swatting group that made false emergency reports targeting at least 10 universities, including locally at Villanova University, and how these swatting calls are done.
Hacker Turns New Jersey Woman’s Facebook Account Against Her, Tries to Scam Her Friends
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in a May 9 KYW-TV (CBS-3) segment about a spearfishing hacking scheme on Facebook.

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holiday stress Drexel Faculty Experts Explain How to Survive and Thrive During The Holidays
It’s that time of year again. The physical, emotional, financial and gastrointestinal strains posed by the holiday season can make it feel like more of a slog than a restorative hiatus. So, as an early gift from the Drexel media relations team, we’ve sifted through the University’s stable of experts to find those best suited to provide some advice on how to make this season a joyous one.
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DrexelNow recently chatted with Rob D’Ovidio, associate professor of criminal justice and director of Drexel’s program in computer crime and digital forensics.
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During the holiday season, Drexel University experts are available to help news media with a variety of stories.