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.
