Computer forensics is a challenging and exciting career. Read this article to determine if this job is for you.
Computer forensics is the science of determining what kind of activity transpired on a computer. The key question for any investigator to answer is, was this computer used to commit a crime? Professionals in the computer forensics field use many investigative techniques to determine how someone operated a computer. Law enforcement, private industry and even the non-profit sectors use computer forensics for a variety of activities. This article will give you a brief history of computer forensics and explain the certifications you will need for a successful career in this field.
Enron Corporation, which was one of the biggest stock frauds committed in the twentieth century filed for bankruptcy. In December of 2001, thousands of Enron employees were left jobless while some executives located at the top of the food chain benefited from the firm’s collapse. The United States Congress decided to investigate Enron after hearing allegations of corporate misconduct. A large percentage of Congress' investigation relied on computer files as evidence. A specialized detective force began to search through hundreds of Enron employee computers using the newly created science of computer forensics.
The purpose of computer forensics techniques is to search, preserve and analyze information on computer systems to find potential evidence for a criminal trial. Many of the techniques detectives use in crime scene investigations have digital counterparts, but there are also some unique aspects to computer investigations.
Did you know that just opening a computer file changes the file? Accessing the computer changes the computer records, the time and date it was accessed on the file itself. If detectives take possession of a computer and start opening files, there's no way to tell for sure that they didn't change anything.
The computer forensics expert obtains several key computer certifications so they will not make this critical mistake when conducting an investigation for law enforcement.
The main component of any computer is its operating system. A computer forensics expert understands all the unique aspects of a computer and can penetrate the files without disturbing the contents. Law enforcement now relies on computer forensic experts to solve many digital crimes.
Let’s explain some of the certifications you will need to have a successful career in computer forensics.
If you are new to information technology, the first certification you will want to obtain is the CompTIA A+, which authorizes the holder to repair and maintain computers. Knowing how to repair and maintain computers will assure your future employer that you will not damage a machine while investigating it.
If your assignment requires monitoring activities in a particular company, you will want to have the Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert as one of your certifications. This certificate tells your employer that you can handle a corporate server. Investigations of a company will require examining their server.
Your next certification, which will add credibility to your computer forensics capabilities, is the Cisco Certified Network Associate. The Cisco CCNA certification grants you a certificate that states you can handle a router, which is a company’s connection to the Internet.
Before entering into a computer forensics course, you will need to receive the CISSP or Certified Internet Security Systems Professional. This certification deals with security, which will help you spot hacking, which might be taking place at the company you are assigned to investigate.
Finally we get to the computer forensics certificate itself. This certificate when combined with the others discussed above adds the credibility you will need to get hired as a computer forensics professional. Information Technology is an exciting career. Job advancement depends upon the quality and number of certifications you receive as you progress in your field.
ABCO Technology located near the Los Angeles Airport offers a variety of small classes with hands on instruction, which will lead you to a promising career in computer forensics. Instruction is practical and full hands-on. Students may test for many of their certifications on campus.
For more information visit us online @ abcotechnology.com.
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