What is Computer Forensics?
What is Computer Forensics?
Computer Forensics also know as Digital Forensics is a type of forensics science based on data collection from electronic devices. It is the used to collect evidence about people, places, and things. Computer Forensics has also expanded into data recovery, corporate internal investigations, and many other areas. This field will continue to expand as more devices we use become digital and collect data.
The data collected during computer forensics work can be used for criminal cases in felony cases, divorces, white collar crimes, fraud, embezzlement, and just about any other type of court case. More and more of our world is spent online and all of this data can be collected to build a case when crimes are involved. This is why this field is growing and will continue to add jobs into the future. In addition, as more online services become available the demands to stay current on new technologies will require constant education. The best computer forensics professionals will have a desire to continue to learn new technologies and be open to constant learning. From my perspective this is what makes work interesting and rewarding.
Computer Forensics Knowledge
Computer Forensics requires a broad knowledge of computer systems and computer networks. This can all be learned in instructional training, college courses, or on the job depending on your knowledge and time frames.
Computer Forensics requires knowledge in the following areas:
* Computer Operating Systems
* Computer Communications
* Computer Storage Devices (Disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, USB drives, memory sticks, portable storage devices, etc)
* Network Communications
Computer Forensics Cases
This seems like a long list of things to know but really anyone can learn these and learn to become a great Computer Forensics Professional. The most important thing to know is how to be through and complete in your analysis.
These are the types of cases you can expect to work on as a Computer Forensics Professional:
* Malware (malicious code)
* Denial-of-service attacks
* Computer viruses
* Cyber stalking
* Fraud and identity theft
* Phishing scams
* Information warfare
* Credit Card fraud
* Intellectual Property Theft
* Obscene Materials
* Pedophilia
* Terrorism
* Cyber Terrorism
* Hacking (Computer System Intrusion)
* Spam
* Fraud
* Harassment
Computer Forensics Crimes
These activities are generally referred to as computer or cyber-crimes. They can take place from anywhere in the world with the connectedness we have today via wireless technologies and high speed Internet connections. In addition, criminals can band together in teams to perform cyber attacks on individual computers, computer systems, or computer networks.
Computer Forensics Hacking
Computer Forensics Professionals also engage in ethical hacking. This involves breaking into systems to find weaknesses in the systems. Many tools are available for automating the testing process. Computer Forensics professionals will need to stay on top of all computer security alerts to make sure the systems they cover are protected.
Computer Forensics Professionals
Computer Forensics professionals can be employed by Law Enforcement Agencies, Government Agencies, Public Companies, as well as Private Consultants. This provides a lot of flexibility in work locations as well as work structures. This is one of the biggest appeals to this profession. It can be done from almost anywhere.
Is there anything else we should add to this list? What do you think of it for your experiences?