Computer Forensics Careers and Options

Computer Forensics Careers and OptionsComputer Forensics Careers and OptionsComputer forensics is a branch of forensic science (forensics for short). As you likely know, forensics is the scientific analysis of people, places and things to collect evidence during crime investigations, that helps to prove innocence or guilt in court. Computer forensics, sometimes called digital forensics, has a like purpose. But it specializes in the scientific analysis of computer communications and the data on computer storage devices, such as disks and CD-ROMs. Typical applications of computer forensics are listed below. Investigate and uncover evidence of illegal activities conducted via computer, such as credit-card fraud, intellectual property theft, pedophilia, terrorism and computer system intrusion (hacking). Illegal activities conducted via computer are generally referred to as computer crimes or cyber crimes.Investigate and uncover evidence of crimes that werent directly committed via comput er, but for which the accused might have stored evidence on computer data storage devicesDetect and close computer system security holes through legal hacking Consequently, computer forensics experts are often called Cyber Cops, Cyber Investigators or Digital Detectives. Many are self-employed consultants. Starting a Computer Forensics Career Although relatively new, computer forensics is a growing career field. Thats because computer crimes have increased so rapidly, that theyve quickly become a fact of life. In turn, theyve caused losses in the billions of dollars annually and continue to do so. To start a computer forensics career, youll likely need a computer forensics degree or a related degree (e.g., computer science, criminal justice or engineering) with computer forensics training tacked on, such as through degree major and minor options or post-degree certification. Practical knowledge and skills ?required depend on the computer forensics career niche youre targeting. But, technical and analytical skills are typically a must for all computer forensics careers. Knowledge and skills in a broad range of computer storage devices, operating systems, programming languages, and software applicationsopen more doors. So does knowledge and skills in some to all of the following specifics. File formatsSoftware driversNetworking, routing, communication protocols, and?security.CryptologyReverse software engineeringInvestigative techniquesComputer forensics tools, such as password crackers, email converters, or the EnCase or Forensic Toolkit (FTK) software applications Real-world knowledge of the computer forensics career niche in which you are to specialize will likely open more doors too. For example, if you are to specialize in providing evidence of computer crimes to law-enforcement agencies, then knowing the legalities of search and seizure, and the approved techniques for collecting and preserving evidence will likely be mandatory if you are to specializ e in helping banks secure their computer networks, then a knowledge of the banking business and an understanding of the financial bottom line will likely further your computer forensics career. Some employers who hire career computer forensics experts are willing to accept equivalent knowledge and experience in place of education credentials or an advanced degree in place of experience. To get an idea of whats commonly required by employers, try a search for computer forensics jobs and read the job descriptions. Locating Computer Forensics Training Several colleges,universities,and technical schools offer computer forensics training curriculums that lead to Computer forensics degreesRelated degrees with computer forensics training optionsComputer forensics certificates Courses are offered online, in the classroom or both. Examples of U.S. educational institutions that showed up in a Web search for the search stringcomputer forensics trainingand variations are listed below. Calif ornia State University, FullertonComputer Forensics CertificateChamplain College, Burlington, VermontComputer and Digital Forensics AS and BS DegreesMissouri Southern State University, JoplinBS in Computer Information Science and Criminal Justice Administration, computer forensics training optionITT Technical Institute, School of Criminal JusticeCriminal Justice BS Degree with computer forensics trainingTompkins Courtland Community College, Dryden, New YorkComputer Forensics A.A.S. Degree A few educational institutions displayed in the search for other countries, too. Because computer forensics is a growing career field, more educational institutions worldwide are likely to follow suit in the near future. To find computer forensics training curriculums, check with your local educational institutions. Alternately or additionally, perform an online, educational-institution search for computer forensics training at a facilitating Web site. You might also generally search the Web forcom puter forensics trainingand variations of the search string, such ascomputer forensics education,computer forensicsdegree,andcomputer forensics course. Look for clues in the text of search listings for other relevant search strings and variations to try, such as digital forensics training. Among computer forensics certifications, the Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) is the most recognized, according to Web resources at this writing. Its offered by theInternational Information Systems Security Certification Consortiumor (ISC) 2, a nons of other computer forensics certifications are listed below. International Association of Forensic Computer ExaminersCertified Computer Examiner (CCE)Global Information Assurance Certification OrganizationCertified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)Security UniversityAdvanced Information Security (AIS) Certification(anti-hacking)Experienced Computer Forensics Examiner OrganizationExperienced Computer Forensic Examiner (ECFE) Certificati onInternational Council of E-Commerce ConsultantsFundamentals in Computer ForensicsComputer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Additionally, AccessData offerscomputer forensics training and certificationrelated to its Forensic Toolkit software, while Guidance Software offersthe samerelated to its EnCase software. There are also a variety of add-on computer forensics training courses offered by various organizations. To find more computer forensics certification and training resources, search the Web for computer forensics certificationand variations of the search string, such as computer forensics trainingandcomputer forensics course.Also,try plugging in the search stringdigital forensics. Searching for Computer Forensics Jobs Computer forensics jobs for both consultants and employees are often through law-enforcement agencies, military and government intelligence agencies, and private security and consulting companies. Employment staffing firms commonly act as recruiting agen ts. To give you an idea of the number of computer forensics jobs available at this writing, a simple search on the text string (keyphrase)computer forensicsatDice, a popular technical job bank, returned 145 jobs and consulting gigs.Monster.com, a popular job bank that lists jobs of many types, returned 199. Thats bedrngnis enough to say that computer forensics job opportunities abound. But, the number of job opportunities arent pitiful either, especially for such a specialized occupation. Computer forensics job titles varied, ranging fromComputer Forensics AnalysttoVulnerability Security Research Engineer. Many job opportunities listed required a degree and at least two years of experience. A few computer forensics job opportunities optionally required equivalent knowledge and experience in place of education or an advanced degree in place of experience. Several required asecurity clearance, for which there is no compromise. Because job titles vary, not every relevant job opportunit y will be listed as a computer forensics job when job searching. To attempt to increase the number of opportunities listed, start with the keyphrasecomputer forensicsand then scan the job descriptions for other potential keyphrases, such as digital forensics. Your best bet for finding computer forensics jobs will likely be throughcomputer,contract,and government job banks, recruiters and staffing firms. If you wish to strike out on your own as aconsultant, word-of-mouth through hobnobbing and networking will likely land more computer forensics jobs. Meanwhile, landing jobs through contract staffing firms might be the way to go, until the word spreads. It might also earn referrals for you, which will spread the word.