TrueColor Technical

Computer Forensics

Computer forensics training is a hot field in computer services. Computer crime is one of the fastest growing areas of crime in the world. With the internet expanding its boundaries and email becoming the more prevalent way to communicate in business as well as on a personal level, personal and corporate computers have become extremely vulnerable to attack. This has created an increased need for individuals educated in computer forensics or computer forensic investigators.

What Does a Computer Forensics Investigator Do?

A Computer Forensics Investigator is trained in combating crimes ranging from crimes against children to file system recovery on computers that have been damaged or hacked. The Computer Forensics Investigator, also known as a Computer Forensics Specialist, recovers data from digital media that will be used in criminal prosecution. Digital media refers to all methods of electronic data storage and transfer devices including computers, laptops, PDAs and the images, spreadsheets and other types of files stored on these devices. Once a Computer Forensics Investigator retrieves the necessary information they will prepare very detailed and technical written reports on the collected data that will later be presented in court. Part of the Computer Forensics Investigator job description is to testify in court regarding the information they had recovered and the methods they used to recover that information.

Computer Forensics consulting firms or Freelance Computer Forensic Investigators are also hired by large corporations to test the information systems security they have in place. Computer Forensic Specialists will mimic how a malicious hacker might attempt to gain access to a corporation's computer network.

Requirements and Qualifications to Become a Computer Forensics Investigator

Being that computer forensics is such a new field there has not been a consistent range of requirements or qualifications set across agencies. Many individuals gained their training and skills in computer forensics by working in law enforcement or the military. Now that many colleges are offering computer forensics degrees and related information systems - security degrees/cyber crime degrees, an education has become a minimum requirement to stay competitive in the industry.

Computer Forensics Training

We wanted to put together a collection of the training and skills you should look for in a degree program to prepare you for a career in computer forensics. We consulted with thought leaders in the field of computer forensics and compiled their thoughts. Here's what they told us.

Individuals should study courses in incident handling, investigation, management, protection, detection and reaction. Study of internet crimes against people and children, presenting digital evidence at trial, network security intrusion and detection, personal digital device forensics and advanced file system recovery. Law and business are also critical to success in a computer forensics career. One expert also emphasized that a comprehensive knowledge of UNIX and NT is critical to retrieving deleted files and evidence of breaches in system security. We were told that advanced knowledge of networking and routing has become increasingly important with the growth of the internet and email.

All of the experts we spoke with agreed that earning a degree in computer forensics or a related degree such as information systems security or cyber crime is where individuals with a desire to become a computer forensics investigator should begin.

Information systems security and computer forensics degrees are offered as associate's, bachelor's and master's degree programs. An associate's degree along with a law enforcement internship is usually enough to be hired by a police department as a computer forensics investigator and also makes an easy transition to a bachelor degree program. Graduate degrees are usually two year programs and will advance your career and significantly increase your salary in computer forensics.

Computer Forensics Investigator Job Outlook and Salary

Computer forensic jobs are forecasted to grow faster than the average with most of the job growth being in law enforcement agencies and corporations. For individuals with a master's degree, growth in freelance and consulting firms will be significant. Computer forensics salaries vary significantly depending on whether you work for a law enforcement agency or in a corporate setting and what level of education is attained, thus a computer forensics investigator salary can be anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. Freelancers and those working in consulting firms can earn significantly more money. Some computer forensics careers will require certifications such as, CISSP, CISM, CISA, or CCSP.

Request free information from the fully accredited online schools below. The degree programs offered here will provide you with the skills to succeed as a computer forensics investigator.