Your Internet Computer Resource

Crime

Mention crime and most people automatically think robbery, murder, shootings etc. As we progress into the deeper areas of a 'digital life', crime, like life itself is changing. No longer are the tools of crime just a gun, knife or tools for break ins, the computer is the number one tool for cyber crime. Also, mobile phones, PDA's, USB drives, media players, etc. are used for data theft.

Networks are the prime targets for criminal activity. This can be a local area network up to and incluting the Internet. Anywhere there are data, the criminals will be also.

Skills

The forensic investigator investigating computer (cyber) crimes, should be adapt at network security, data recovery and encryption, as well as other techniques. Some of the cyber crimes the expert will investigate would include hacking, cyber fraud, phishing, identity and data theft, and any of the others that the criminals develop in an effort to twarte security measures and gain access to the highly profitable data.

There are various software tools presently available to aid in investigating, including proprietary packages, custom designed tools, as well as open source tools. As the criminal's resources gain in abilities, so do the forensics expert's.

Career

As cyber crimes are still a relatively recent development, so is cyber forensics. There are many higher level institutions of learning offering courses to cater to the increased demand. Normally graduates with the skills necessary to aid in fighting the cyber criminals are absored into law enforcment agencies, government entities, or an ever increasing number into the private sector.

A well trained cyber forensics investigator is a highly sought after commodity, with many options available as a career path...including freelance work.

This field is expanding at an accelerated rate and there's no end to the growth in sight. If you're considering a career in cyber forensics, expect to have your choice of job opportunities available, instead of competing for a decent job.