How To Become A Computer Forensics Investigator
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Computer Forensics Job Description
As a computer forensics investigator, you will work with police departments and other law enforcement agencies to help them find evidence that can be used in a trial against a computer criminal. Computer crimes include identity theft or fraud, destroying intellectual property, stealing trade secrets or even hacking.
Computer criminals will have evidence against them hidden on their computer, which cannot be cracked into by just anyone. You will need to be skilled in deciphering code, and working with encrypted, damaged or deleted files in order to attain the evidence you are seeking. It takes a computer forensics expert to be able to decode files that a criminal wants hidden, so find out what it takes to start working in this new and lucrative career.
Steps to Become a Computer Forensics Expert
Step 1: Enrol in college or university in a computer forensics program. You can take a 2 year associate's degree or a 4 year bachelor's degree program, and even an additional 2 years for a master's degree if you choose to. The higher level of education you take, the more opportunities you will have in the future. If your university doesn't offer computer forensics as a degree, you can take the program online or you can take a related program like computer science, engineering or criminal justice.
Step 2: Take a law enforcement internship. If you later want to work at a law enforcement agency as a computer forensics investigator, having an associate's degree and an internship should suffice.
Step 3: Pursue certifications. There are many certificates you can get after you finish your degree, and each certificate is necessary for a different job in a different location. The more you have, the more attractive you are to employers. Here is a list of the most common and in demand certificates and titles to have:
Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)
Advanced Information Security (AIS) Certification
Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
Experienced Computer Forensic Examiner (ECFE) Certification
Look into what each one can offer you to determine the ones you need for your chosen path.
Step 4: Decide where you want to work and start searching. It is most common to get a job in a large company or a law enforcement agency, but you could become a consultant instead. Jobs like Computer Forensics Analyst and Vulnerability Security Research Engineer are easy to find if you search online, so you simply need to decide what kind of computer forensics investigator you want to be. With few skilled professionals in the field, now is the best time to join this profession.
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