Svein Willassen has a M.Sc in information security from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. After the studies, Willassen has worked as a consultant at Initio AS and as a special investigator at the National Computer Crime Center in Norway. Here, he has conducted investigation of computer intrusion cases as well as computer forensics in all types of criminal investigations. During the assignment at the Computer Crime Center, Willassen has also participated in international work, such as composing the Interpol Computer Crime Manual and producing guidelines for digital evidence analysis in the International Organization on Computer Evidence.
Willassen has also been employed by Ibas AS. Here, he lead the establishment of computer forensics as a business area. As investigation manager, Willassen was responsible for a large number of forensic investigations across Europe. He also established education in computer forensics for the private sector. From 2005-2008, Willassen worked with research within computer forensics in the research project Timestamps in Digital Forensics at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Willassen completed his PhD within this area in 2008. Willassen is currently operating his own business within computer forensics and digital evidence through his privately owned business Svein Willassen AS. He has regular assignments as consultant and expert witness within criminal and civil court proceedings.
Willassen is widely regarded as the foremost expert within computer forensics and digital evidence in Norway.
