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

Bob’s Discount Furniture Offline; Chain Blames ‘Unforeseen Technical Difficulties'
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed during an Sept. 28 WPVI-TV (6-abc) segment about a network disruption at Bob’s Discount Furniture and how to protect yourself against malware attacks.
Disruptions From Global Technology Outage
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed during a July 19 WPVI-TV (6-abc) news segment about a worldwide technology outage stemming from a flawed cybersecurity software update that affected companies using Microsoft Windows.
Pennsylvania School District Says Students Impersonated Teachers With Fake TikTok Accounts
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed during a July 8 KYW-TV (CBS-3) news segment about fake online accounts and how authorities can track down those users with intent to harass or intimidate.
Beheading Video Posted on YouTube Prompts Response From Social Media Platform
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed during a Feb. 2 KYW-TV (CBS-3) news segment about using AI to moderate criminal content on online platforms like YouTube.
Capital Health Officials Say Network Outages May Be Caused by Cybersecurity Incident
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed during a Nov. 29 WPVI-TV (6-abc) segment about a suspected cyberattack on Capital Health medical systems.
ADL Warning Parents About Harassment From Hate Groups on Gaming Platforms
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interview during an April 5 WTXF-TV (FOX-29) “Good Day Philadelphia” segment about online safety tips for parents amid reports that hate groups are recruiting children on gaming platforms.
Cybersecurity Expert Urges Parents to Talk With Kids About Online Safety Ahead of School Year
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted in an Aug. 19 KYW-TV (CBS-3) story about parents needing to talk with their kids ahead of the school year about online safety.
Troubleshooters: Know the Dangers of Cell Phone SIM Swapping and How To Protect Yourself
Robert D'Ovidio, PhD, an associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, was interviewed for an Aug. 11 WPVI-TV (6-abc) segment about the dangers of cell phone SIM swapping and how to protect against it.

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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.