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Technology
Computer Forensics
As you
might have already heard, computer forensics have become the
new heroes of the information age helping to catch
evil-doers by digging for mysterious files hidden deep within
their computer hard drives...
But what
exactly is computer forensics?
One site
gives the definition as, "...the use of analytical and
investigative techniques to identify, collect, examine and
preserve evidence/information which is magnetically stored
or encoded."
In simple
terms, it means looking at the data on a hard drive or other
computer storage device, (especially files that have been
deleted), and figuring out what the person who was using that
computer was trying to do with it.
It's
not as easy as it sounds. In order for data to be admissible
in court you need to know and follow the strict guidelines
that experts in digital forensics have developed.
Private
cyber forensics consulting firms work with law enforcement
as well as large and small companies. These cyber investigators
can help track terrorists, stop traffic in child pornography,
or discover the culprit who infects emails or web sites with
malicious viruses, and help police solve other criminal investigations.
In the
hands of a trained forensics expert, a computer can provide
proof of fraud or harassment long after the evidence was thought
to have been deleted. "Detectives" in this field
can also snag people in white
collar crimes, such as industrial espionage which
can be a big problem if a corporation is about to launch a
new product or marketing campaign. In fact, a few large companies
have even hired full-time computer forensics experts to fend
off any possibility of digital theft or tampering.
Starting
salaries in the field can range as high as $85,000-$100,000
for experts graduating from a recognized program in a degree
granting college, or have passed the Certified
Computer Examiner (CCE) certification examination or have
equivalent qualifications.
More
about computer forensics around the Web:
e-Evidence Info - The Electronic Evidence Information Center - Portal offering a comprehensive set of resources on digital forensics including a good bibliography, links to info on past conferences and a long list of labs and schools offering course work in the USA and international. There's also a section on Cyber Criminals Most Wanted...
Computer Forensics World - Online gathering place for computer forensics pros and students with active forums, links and other helpful resources.
Computer
Forensics Companies - USA focused index of companies
that provide cyber forensics services. The index can be accessed
either by an alpha listing of all companies or on a state
by state basis.
Computer
Forensics - UK - Information on Computer Forensics
careers, training, certification, jobs and more in the UK.
The info gives a good overall picture of what types of activities
these cyber sleuths track. There is a forum and links for
more if you need it.
US
Dept of Justice Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section
(CCIPS) - Official guide to "Searching and Seizing
Computers and Related Electronic Evidence Issues" goes
into details about what is admissible. Patriot Act references
are included.
also
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