Manes has years of research in the educational and government sectors of digital forensics. Since its inception in 2000, he has mentored and worked closely with the Tulsa Police Department Cyber Crimes Unit. Manes has also worked with several federal, state and local agencies keeping them up to date with the latest digital forensics technologies and techniques. Manes was key player in the creation of the Tulsa Digital Forensics Center which includes agencies such as the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Defense, and many offices of inspector generals.
Manes is actively involved in the High Tech Crime Investigation Association, InfraGard, International Systems Security Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Academy of Computing Machinery, and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. In addition, Manes developed national curricula and research agendas for computer and network forensics education during his role as founding member in the Digital Forensics Working Group and the International Federation for Information Processing Working Group 11.9 on Digital Forensics.
Manes led the development of one of the nation’s leading academic telecommunications security research programs, which explores critical infrastructure protection issues in the telecom sector. The centerpiece of the program is a Public Switched Telephone Network test bed incorporating signaling, transport and monitoring. The program is capable of modeling both current and future technologies in multi-city networks. His reports have been presented before several government and industry agencies, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Information Security Research Council, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Interoperability and Network Centric Warfare at the Pentagon, Department of Homeland Security and the National Security Council at the White House.
In 2004, Manes and a colleague were awarded a patent for a software-based method to prevent illegal downloading of music over the Internet. U.S. Patent 6,732,180 combats copyright infringement on peer-to-peer networks, such as Gnutella, BitTorrent and Kazaa, by systematically injecting decoy media into file sharing networks. These networks are then essentially flooded with alternative content that appears authentic.
In his academic pursuits, Manes has taught both introductory and advanced digital forensics and telecommunication security courses for more than five years. His position has allowed him to train members of industry, government, and students in all aspects of information assurance.
Currently, Manes is spearheading a new program to conduct classified government research at TU. Housed in a newly renovated 7,500 square foot facility, the Industrial Security Program supports highly sensitive communication and safeguards requirements for this type of work. This program not only facilitates year-round research, but also allows Cyber Corps students to continue work during the school year in an appropriate, secure environment. The Defense Security Service reviewed the program and gave it the highest possible rating.
In his business pursuits, Manes recently founded Oklahoma Digital Forensics Professionals Inc., a cutting-edge digital forensics company. Composed of a group of university and industry-trained professionals, OKDFP is leading the way in providing the most current and effective digital forensic services to the legal and business communities.
Manes is licensed by the State of Oklahoma and provides expert testimony and consulting services. Working with OKDFP and TU, Manes has filed for several U.S. Patents in the area of digital forensics; most recently including “Redaction Of Digital Information From An Electronic Device” and “Method for Gathering and Storing Digital Information Related to an Individual.