Computer Forensics

Computer forensics jobs are the most popular career option in the information technology (IT) industry. People working in this profession get attractive remuneration packages for the work they do. The best thing about this option is that it has many opportunities for career development. The high demand for computer forensics jobs can be attributed to the rapid increase in the number of computer related crimes. Experts in this field can be employed in a number of different areas such as law enforcement, businesses, intelligence agencies, the military and other commercial corporations.

The Job Description of Computer Forensic Analysts

These professionals use their IT skills to gather evidence that can be used in courts of law to convict criminals. Their job involves gathering useful data from email accounts, the Internet and different types of digital media. Incriminating evidence can also be obtained from laptops, PDAs and cell phones. The most common crimes that these professionals usually investigate include identity theft, child pornography, embezzlement, and hacking. Generally, they investigate crimes that involve the use of digital media.

Computer forensics jobs vary depending on the type of computer degree one has and area of specialization. For instance, IT professionals with extensive knowledge of accounting are best to investigate embezzlement cases. Data recovery is also an important skill for forensic investigators. This is because criminals often erase electronic data to cover their tracks. The data recovered is admissible in court.

Qualifications and Skills required

Science is a very important subject for forensic investigators. Specialists in digital forensics must have extensive knowledge of computers. These experts must understand several programming languages. They must also have extensive knowledge of computer hardware. Having an analytical mind, an eye for detail and a high degree of honesty and integrity is also a requirement. For a person to become a certified computer forensics analyst, he or she must also complete a certification course.

These courses vary according to the level of expertise required and the area of specialization. Professionals in this field are also required to sign a Code of Ethics. You can learn more about the profession by doing a simple online search.

Reasons Why You Should Look for Computer Forensics Jobs

Great prospects: In these harsh economic times where the rate of unemployment is so high, computer forensics jobs are available in plenty. Apart from job openings in law enforcement, you can also become a digital media analyst, a forensic consultant, an independent investigator or a network security officer.
Career Advancement: The more specialized you become, the better your career prospects.
Lucrative Income: A computer forensics salary can range from $80,000 annually to $120,000. However, remuneration packages depend on the type of employer one has, experience and level of expertise.
Exciting Career: Nothing is more exciting than tracking down criminals from your desk. You will experience a great deal of satisfaction from your job.
Where to find Computer Forensics Jobs

Experts in this field can be employed in private companies, government agencies and big corporations. Currently, the demand for professionals who can detect and prevent crimes such as fraud and embezzlement is very high. There is also the growing need for policing the cyber world.

Most of these job opportunities will require a forensic science degree and some experience. After completion of forensics training, a person can be employed regardless of his or her experience.

Computer forensics is the process of investigating computer systems by collecting and analyzing computer-related evidence and data to determine their illegal or unauthorized involvement in crimes or frauds. This relatively new field is used by law enforcement, military, intelligence agencies, and businesses. Computer evidence processing protocols are scrupulously observed in the process, as the findings should be presented in a court of law.

Not merely confined to computer data recovery alone, computer forensics is a fast-growing investigative technique used by a forensic specialist for retrieving data that has been electronically stored or encrypted on digital media such as a personal or work computer. Law enforcement agencies use computer forensics to gather evidence about a suspect or known criminal. Computer forensics experts can detect rogue employees or contractors who are leaking critical information such as company plans or sensitive customer data.

Many computer forensics professionals learn the techniques on the job in law enforcement or computer security positions. But with the field expanding widely, employers are currently looking for candidates with certificate programs and formal education in computer forensics, which are available from many institutions. The formal education programs offer instructions on pertinent legal issues, computer skills, and forensic tools that they will need while working as computer forensics professionals.

They should have extensive knowledge of computer systems and programs and the ability to retrieve information from them. Often, they are required to retrieve data that has been deleted from the device. For this, the specialist makes use of particular computer forensics software and other tools.

As the specialist works with evidence involved in a criminal or civil case, he/she takes particular care to properly document all the work done to the computer and information found from it. No licensure requirements exist for practicing as a computer forensics specialist. However, voluntary credentials should be provided. These are called Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE). Computer forensics consulting is also a fast-growing field.

Computer forensics has become an integral part of law enforcement agencies, defense forces, corporations, and large institutions as they all deal with computer offences.