By Sameer Fadnavis

The World of Cyber Forensics

A cyber forensic expert is a mixture of a cop and a geek, which is challenging and interesting, for committed professionals.

Mention crime and we think of robberies, murders and detectives examining the crime scene, interrogating witnesses and finally nailing the guilty.

But there is, however, another kind of crime, where traditional methods of criminal investigation fall flat on its face. Instances like hacking, cyber fraud, phishing, identity and data theft, all account as cyber crime.

Cyber crime can be defined as an illegal electronic operation that target the security of computer systems and data processed by them. Even though it may appear that the effects of cyber crime are not life threatening, they have the potential to disrupt life. A survey in UK inferred that people were more scared of their bank accounts being hacked or credit card details stolen over the internet, than they were of robberies.

There have been numerous cases, wherein people have been vulnerable to cyber crime in one way or the other. Crime can never be eradicated, but it can be prevented with the help of effective security to information. Whenever cyber crimes are committed, cyber forensic experts enter the scene and try to sniff out the clues and help in catching the culprits.

Skills and Tools

A cyber forensic expert is supposed to be adept in network security because most cyber crimes take place over networks. They should be competent in data recovery and encryption, because data and passwords are the targets of information theft.

The experts should also be aware of cyber laws as most of the cases can got to court, where the forensic expert would be calles either as a witness or an examiner. A cyber forensics expert need not necessarily have to deal with computers all the time. Depending on the nature of cases and crime committed, the experts have to work on mobile phones, PDA’s, USB drives, media players, etc.

When it comes to corporate houses, they don’t really tend to trust the cops. They guard their systems and data by hiring the services of experts in information securities, such as Agape Inc. Also the process of collecting evidence after a cyber crime has been committed is not a cakewalk. Lot of care needs to be taken while collecting the evidence and processing them, as the loss of even an electron of information could mean that the data would not stand up to legal scrutiny. Of course, the job of forensic experts is very difficult, but they are assisted by some tools which help in processing the data quickly. The cyber forensic tools are software packages that can be used to preserve the state of storage devices or extract data from them. These softwares fall in 3 categories:

1. Open source software

2. Proprietary software

3. Tailor-made software for specific needs, designed by companies.

Courses and Career Path

The field of cyber forensics is still evolving and there is a lot of confusion on the part of students who are interested in pursuing this as a career option. To be good in this field, one needs to master various disciplines.Not only should they be experts in examining an evidence, they should also know the legal procedures of presenting the evidence in the court. For example, a cyber forensic expert would work on computer networks as well as network security. This means that network security certifications from renowned institutes/companies are essential for the candidate, to provide a good starting point.

A career in cyber forensics can be sought both in public and private sector. In the public sector, people are mostly absorbed into law enforcement agencies, state forensic departments and central agencies. In private sector, the scope for cyber forensic experts is immense as many experts would be required to detect and solve the increasing cyber crimes. Also, after sufficient experience, professionals can divert into freelancing and become independent security consultants.

Thus the job of a cyber forensic expert is a mixture of a cop and a geek, which is challenging and interesting, for committed professionals.

Forensic Toolkit

AccessData, the pioneer in digital investigations, launched its forensics software featuring an intuitive interface, email analysis, customisable data views and stability at the ongoing ISNR Abu Dhabi 2012 expo.

It also introduced, in partnership with Dell, the Digital Forensics Platform at the International Security and National Resilience (ISNR) exhibition being held from March 19 to 21 in Abu Dhabi.

The Forensic Toolkit 4.0 (FTK) is recognized around the world as the standard in computer forensics, a statement said.

“Today’s (Tue, 20 Mar 2012)  launch of the FTK 4.0 is a significant milestone that marks the next phase of our efforts here in the Middle East. This release, which is unlike any other previously seen in the region, enables court-cited digital investigations and is built for speed, analytics and accuracy,” said Simon Whitburn, VP International Sales at AccessData.

The all-in-one solution allows users to process a wide range of data types from forensic images to email archives; analyze the registry; conduct an investigation; decrypt files; crack passwords; create images and build reports. Forensic only means to be presented in court. It does not mean nor imply some scientific extraction of detailed or hidden information, tho that’s what it has come to mean in popular usage

AccessData offers two expansion modules with the new version—Cerberus, a malware triage technology that provides threat scores and disassembly analysis to determine both the behaviour and intent of suspect binaries, and Virtualization for relationship analysis in multiple display formats, including timelines, cluster graphs, pie charts and more.

“We developed the combined platform in response to significant customer demand, in large part from this region. Dell has worked with us to provide a turnkey digital forensics solution that enables our clients to get mobile very quickly. Partnerships with such leading organizations will play a pivotal role in our expansion in the region,” said Whitburn.

In the world of digital forensics, the well prepared investigator needs a forensic toolkit. The tools that this person will use will help her or him gather evidence of white collar crime or fraud, document the evidence of the occurrence, and, perhaps, place that investigator on the witness stand for expert testimony in what ever legal proceedings come out of the process. The tools used by these investigators are primarily software tools, though there are a few hardware considerations as well.

Computer LapTops Need Forensics

 Computer Forensics Coaching

Laptop computer ‘forensics’ may be the inspection not to mention exploration of your law-breaking employing a laptop to support work out the fact.   Personal computer ‘forensics’ is employed to review infractions rich in support applications.

Personal Computer  forensics could also be used to prep internet files made for element inside a offender exploration.

A number of solutions are employed to explore statistics covered in a very Personal Computer.   Qualified personnel are sometimes helpful to allow recoup wiped, encrypted or even defective data information.

Any signs provided bring detection, depositions or maybe authentic litigation.   Folks that are committed to Personal Computer ‘forensics’ are occasionally referred to as a Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) or perhaps a Licensed Personal Computer Examiner.

Laptop computer forensic instruction consists of an education application with online exams.

Most personal Personal Computer forensic lessons equip each student along with a wide range Personal Computer forensics skills. Learners quickly learn how to build electric ‘forensics’ tool kits.     Additionally, they build techniques to monitor an jail online, establish adequate facts dealing with practices and also find out how to help police officers businesses.

Students discover ways to make use of confirmed investigative practices and tend to be ultimately given  her Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) qualification.

Personal Computer forensic schooling products include complications including companies and protocols and also the Urbanisme of systems.   Additionally, they comprise of felony examination and even wrong  doing stage relief and even courtroom/expert see proficiency.

Computer system forensic schooling in addition trains online criminal offense investigators when it comes to techniques Personal Computer forensic inspections.   Students considered for a Laptop or computer Coughing Forensic Investigation company Qualifications or even Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI).

Government agencies and personal area organizations can see a greater soared computer forensics within the last few ten years.

Computer based signs can often be utilized in times when incriminating written documents will probably be found on your working computer just like debt rip-off as well as child sexually graphic.

Civil occasions utilize company and private information discovered on computers designed for rip-off, separation and divorce, elegance along with pestering examples.

To maintain swiftness along with the ever-changing know-how and additionally improvements, tutorials elements regarding laptop or computer forensic education can be regularly upgraded to maintain prospects refreshed within the most up-to-date skills and additionally expertise in the field of forensics.

Careers in forensics are diverse and starting to be a lot more in demand, in particular, those in computer forensics.

Computer forensic investigations consist of cyber forensics and computer security forensics and these specialties obviously have a certain level of cross over between them.

Computer technology has advanced drastically over the past decade and has led to the necessity for a specialist branch of forensic investigation to be created….

Most people tend to think of fingerprinting and crime scene analysis once they think of forensic science, but forensics has had to go with the times and utilize technology to help their challenging activity.  Computer Forensics is Not Just A Career

Even though a number of people do, it’s a reality that numerous criminals do not have a lot of understanding of the operating systems involved in using computers and as such, leave them self wide open to getting caught by the experts.

Pedophile networks are a excellent instance of the skill of computer forensics being used.  Even when information is believed to be deleted, it can remain for years on the hard drive unless it is over-written and it is feasible to retrieve it by the use of forensic data recovery software.

Computer hacking is really a well-known practice that requires computer security forensics specialists to track down the hacker in cyberspace.

hacking might involve using somebody else’s email account to spam a large number of individuals, to place a virus, to steal money or modify personal details or simply to crash servers for some objective. Every one of these practices are illegal and may cause a great deal of harm to business and people.

A computer forensics expert can also access mobile phone technologies to retrieve info and contact particulars of suspected criminals. Indeed, an entire network could be parsed together from the careless use of cellular devices used by one individual.

Nevertheless, importantly, a computer forensics expert should be in a position to prove in court that any material recovered was actually present on the phone or computer when a crime was committed as it would be all too easy to plant that material at a later time. Consequently, as with hard evidence, the sequence of custody must be kept ultra-clean and protected when using computer forensics.

Careers in forensics require a great deal of initial and on-going education and is definitely an ongoing career requiring a great deal of commitment. The pay might not be fantastic for a few years, but job satisfaction is, so if you are thinking about specialising in one area of forensics, then computer forensics is definitely a rewarding one to follow.

Above isn’t a complete list but is created only to provide you with an notion of computer forensics . If you are thinking about careers in forensics , you may find a lot more info at www.careersinforensics.com .

Business » Career Advice

Who Needs Computer Forensics?

Computer Forensics is akin to investigating DNA, controlled substances, and finger prints. Often pictures of fingerprints with computer code are used to advertise computer forensic education and forensic investigative companies.

Computer Forensics is the duplication of stored data and the analysis of this data for criminal and civil legal proceedings.

A ‘forensic image’ is a bit by bit duplication of a hard drive, cell phone, or other digital device. This image is used by judges, attorneys and law enforcement to prosecute criminals involved with crimes ranging from stock market fraud to embezzlement.

Article Written By P. Weese

On a computer’s hard drive, many pieces of evidence are left behind. This evidence, though thought to be deleted, can be brought back to the forefront and viewed.

As well, passwords and encrypted files will sometimes hamper the investigation, but with some software and large computer processors, these codes are overcome, revealing hidden files.

In our everyday worlds, domestic conflicts unfold and parents are moved to know what is on their children’s devices. Bullying and other harassment is more common than we usually want to admit.

In cases where adolescent problems are evident, examining personal devices and computers can reveal text message conversations, computer instant messaging talks, and deleted emails. These files are used to rectify problems at hand. This same type of investigation is used when a husband and wife are having problems and are moving towards marriage dissolution.

Finally, businesses use digital investigations for numerous issues. Employee problems are very common. Data from a company can be stolen, damaged, or used in fraud. Companies have problems that range from intellectual property theft and database damage to accident investigations.

Having a forensic investigation done on a computer is not difficult, but must be done with processes that will hold up when entered as evidence in court. For best results, have the investigation done immediately. Don’t run the device until the forensic expert has concluded their work.

evident, examining personal devices and computers can reveal text message conversations, computer instant messaging talks, and deleted emails. These files are used to rectify problems at hand. This same type of investigation is used when a husband and wife are having problems and are moving towards marriage dissolution.

Finally, businesses use digital investigations for numerous issues. Employee problems are very common. Data from a company can be stolen, damaged, or used in fraud.   Companies have problems that range from intellectual property theft and database damage to accident investigations.

Having a forensic investigation done on a computer is not difficult, but must be done with processes that will hold up when entered as evidence in court. For best results, have the investigation done immediately. Don’t run the device until the forensic expert has concluded their work.

 

Who Needs Computer Forensics?? You Do

Computer Forensic Jobs

Requirements And Responsibilities

A computer forensic scientist is responsible for investigating computer crimes such as fraud, creating viruses, forging of software, illegal computer hacking, child pornography, and embezzlement.

Computer crimes cannot be confined in laptops and computers.   Anything that contains chips is coming under computer crimes investigation.  So it can be mobile phones, fax machines, cameras, video recorders, etc.

Cyber criminals mainly selecting home PCs for committing crime 

Computer forensic scientists are also responsible for tracking traceless criminals, internet child predators, identity theft, cyber terrorism, etc.   In order to work as a computer forensic scientist or computer forensic pathologist, you must have thorough theoretical and practical knowledge in networks, computers, computer surveillance, information security, data retrieval, hacking and criminal justice concepts such as confidentiality, evidence handling privacy laws, etc.

Recovering data from digital media, which is used in criminal proceedings, are also the responsibility of a computer forensic scientist and computer forensic pathologist.   Electronic data is stored and transferred by using devices such as laptops, computers, spreadsheets, images, PDAs, cell phones, etc and these devices are called digital media.

After retrieving necessary information, these scientists prepare detailed reports regarding the collected data, which will be presented in court.   They should also inform the court regarding the methods they used for recovering the information.

Requirements to Become a Computer Forensic Scientist or Computer Forensic Pathologist

Computer forensic science is a new field.   However, lots of universities and colleges, today, offer computer forensic degrees and related information systems such as cyber crime degrees, security degrees, etc to the students.   Formal education is inevitable to become a competitive scientist in this field.

Computer technology is a rapid changing field.   So, the scientists in computer forensics need to update with latest technologies.   The colleges and universities, which conduct degree programs in computer forensics and information systems security, offer associate’s bachelor’s and master’s degrees to the students.   You can work in police department as computer forensic scientist or computer forensic pathologist, if you have an associate’s degree together with law enforcement internship.   Bachelor’s degree usually takes two year to complete. Certifications such as CCSP, CISSP, CISM or CISA are required to get a job in some computer forensics field.

There are also lots of online accredited degree programs. Students who wish to enroll in bachelor’s degree in computer forensics must have strong knowledge in computer science, interest in legal studies, attention to detail, etc. The bachelor’s degree programs of various colleges include Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics and Bachelor of Science in Digital Forensics.

The coursework covers topics such as computer forensics, computer network forensic technology, electronic communications law, computer forensic methodology, cyber investigation, etc. Students can also go for specialization in crime scene investigation, forensic accounting, electronic communications, file recovery, computer crime investigation, etc.

After completing bachelor’s degree program, you can seek computer forensic jobs as computer forensic investigator, computer forensic investigators (Finance), certified ethical hacker, consultant, crypographer, computer forensic pathologist, etc.

Vigorous training in computer forensics empowers students to acquire skills to manage computer forensic investigation. The objectives of certification include forensic analysis reports, e-discovery methodology, browser forensics, software analysis, proof acquisitions, etc. Through certification programs, students will also get training for collecting and analyzing data from various computers.

Career Opportunities

Computer forensics is relatively new field. However, it is a fast growing career field because of rapid increase of computer crimes. These crimes have become a fact of life very quickly and they also cause the loss of millions of dollars annually. This situation will become more aggressive in future.

Though a certification or bachelors degree is essential for getting lucrative computer forensic jobs, you need to acquire more specialized degree programs, practical knowledge and skills in order to become highly competent in this field.

Thorough knowledge and skills in a wide range of subjects such as operating systems, computer storage devices, software applications, programming languages, etc are also essential. US Bureau of Labor Statistics observes that computer forensic jobs field is very flourishing.

The salary of a computer forensic scientist and computer forensic pathologist depends on the level of education, certification, skills, experience, organization, location of work, responsibilities to undertake, etc. However, an experienced and skilled computer forensic scientist and computer forensic pathologist can make around $83,970. You will get highest payment for computer forensic jobs in states like New York, Virginia, California, Connecticut and Kansas.

Paul Dangheart Here:     Computer Forensic is a very fascinating science for me, And you will need additional information to understand just what is being said……. Certifications such as CCSP, CISSP, CISM or CISA are required

Push to Understanding...

If you have ever considered a degree in computer forensics, or cyberforensics, you’re not alone. Please note, that for the 21th Century it is a fast growing industry and one that is needed in this day and age.

Computer forensics is defined by Wikipedia as: “a branch of digital forensic science pertaining to legal evidence found in computers and digital storage media”.

It is used to gather evidence relating to both computer crime as well as for use in civil matters. Computer forensics is a branch of forensic science, which encompasses all sciences that answer any questions relating to a legal issue.

Consider how much information passes through our computers or cell phones on a daily basis. No matter how good of a job you may do to try to cover your tracks, a computer forensics expert can recover it. 

By taking a forensics course for the computer, you will upon completion be equipped to recover data from any type of digital media be it a computer, laptop, cell phone, or PDA, for use in criminal proceedings. The data recovered may include images, documents, or any type of files.

In order to obtain a  Computer Forensics Degree, you will be required to complete a course. Consider an online computer course and set your own pace for learning.   The timeline to complete the course ranges from as little as 5 weeks to as long as 12 weeks, though some online training centers will allow you up to twelve months to complete.  

It is important to know that even once you receive your degree in computer forensics, you will need to continually update your education as the world of technology changes rapidly.

A forensics course for the computer may fit your lifestyle better than attending a college or university.   If you need to work at the same time as you learn, prefer to learn from home, or it isn’t financially feasible for you to attend school away from home, an online forensics degree will hit the mark with you.

With computer crime being the fastest growing crime in the nation, there needs to be a body in place to investigate and report the evidence of these crimes. By joining the world of computer forensics you are joining a world that is constantly evolving. Computer technology changes daily and criminals are always looking for new ways to turn that to their advantage. Computer forensics is here to stay.

The New Mobile Economy

200K Jobs for Internet Entrepreneurs

Thanks to advances in technology and the internet, it is now possible for the average person with a laptop and a cell phone to literally create a mobile office from anywhere in the world.

Mobility and freedom are the buzzwords for this new breed of internet entrepreneurs.

        When you begin to see what is possible when you leverage the internet with home-based business models like network marketing and direct sales   It will be very difficult for many to go back to the old business model of being chained to a desk and trading time for money.

As I write this article from my laptop in a local coffee shop my family is down on the beach having fun. I chose to take a couple of hours to get a little work done and write this article.

Whether I choose to write PPC ads, email my list, or follow up with prospects, with this New Mobile Economy, it can all be done from this laptop no matter where I am in the world.   I really like that feeling of freedom.  There are many people making 200k plus a year through multiple online income streams.   The goal of one of the company I work with is to create 100 new millionaires by 2012.

Mobility and freedom are the buzzwords for this new breed of internet entrepreneurs.

        In one direct sales business you can make $1,000 dollar commissions on almost complete autopilot using a cutting edge marketing system that educates and sorts prospects automatically before ever getting on the phone with them.    I teach and train others on my team how to do the same and leverage myself off of their efforts.    With this New Mobile Economy I unique business model.   I benefit by sharing my ‘secrets’ with my business partners, unlike other businesses where giving away your secrets would create competition.

Of course this kind of business isn’t for everyone. It requires an entrepreneurial spirit, a willingness to learn, and a burning desire for freedom and success.

Requires Discipline

It also requires discipline

With this New Mobile Economy there isn’t a boss to tell you what to do.   There is no cubicle to keep you confined.     As a mentor I am there to support my business partners and share my knowledge and give them the exact steps necessary for success, but ultimately it’s up to the individual to succeed.

Direct sales is the fastest and most lucrative home based business opportunity online today.

There are many good companies out there but there is also a lot of crap, so you need to do your homework before partnering with anyone.    A few things to look for in a good direct sales company are training, automated marketing systems, and community.    If all three aren’t there, keep looking.

Internet marketing is a serious business.  With this new mobile economy, if you are serious about creating wealth and freedom for yourself you have to get yourself together an align with others that have achieved that very same success. The fact is that, $200k jobs in the new ‘mobile’ economy is a reality and a real and lasting solution for many to the state of the outdated old way of doing business in the world.

What a Computer Forensic Degree Is

And Why You Should Earn One

If you are considering pursuing a computer forensics degree, then you have some planning and thinking to do.

As with any major endeavor some important questions will need to be looked into….   The first obvious step would be to find out what exactly are the courses needed to complete in order to be a qualified computer forensics scientist.

This degree will involve taking tests in math as well as science. Therefore if you are poor in these subjects, it is advisable to write the necessary prerequisite tests before trying for this degree.

Computer forensics degrees will require a lot of programming knowledge. In order to have a good grasp in programming, you will need to be highly proficient in mathematics. This is why potential candidates who are entering this field, in general come from a math and science background.

An undergraduate degree in one of these subjects will always help.    Once all of this has been cleared and you are ready to apply, the next step is to put together a resume.    If you do not know how to do this, there are plenty of online sites which will help you with this. Asking your school counselor is also a good idea.

If you have any background in computer related knowledge, be sure to highlight this in the resume.

For example, if you have taken part in any computer game or programming competition in school, show this in the resume. The point of all this is that the resume should not only show good grades in your chosen subjects, but should also show any extracurricular activities related to computers.

Showing you are good at computer games may sound silly, but the fact is that these sorts of games require good knowledge in computers and a good ability in making calculations.

There are basically two different types of people who look into computer forensics as a job option.

The first type is the ones who already work in the legal field, most probably as an investigator.   The second type is the one who has not worked in anything related to the legal field, but will have some background related to computer work, such as programming and web designing.

These could include high school students or people looking to change careers. Whatever your background is, at some point of time you will need to join a law enforcement agency down the line. This is where candidates will receive real hands on training. However, you will need to get a degree in computer forensic science to start a career in this field.

As far joining a college is concerned it does not matter whether you attend a brick and Mortar College or an online course, as long as you complete required courses with good grades. In both instances there are plenty of options available.Do your research and make sure to find an online college that is accredited and reputable.. More and more people are choosing the online route for its sheer convenience. This is especially true of people who hold down daytime jobs.

So what is the general outlook regarding job prospects for people who want to enter the computer forensics world? Well, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the number of positions in this field will grow approximately 30 percent in the next ten years. In fact, the need for qualified computer forensic scientists is so great that more and more colleges are offering free or low cost education programs for computer forensics degrees. Some of the online colleges offer free introduction courses for you to see if you want to pursue this degree.

The bottom line

The bottom line is that jobs related computer forensics is always rising. As long as there are computers and internet, there will always be computer related crime. Cyber crimes are on the rise and there will always be a need to catch these types of criminals. Salary for computer forensic scientist will depend entirely on their experience level and where they are located. However, it is not unusual for people working in this field to make high five figure salaries or even six figure incomes.

Mobile Workers Travel the Country

for a PayCheck

Camping season is long over in Campbellsville, Ky., but motorhomes and camper vans still fill its parking lots and motel rooms are booked for months.

When Amazon.com announced last month it was hiring for thousands of temporary positions at its Kentucky fulfillment centers for the holiday season, people from across the country converged upon the town of 10,000 in a rush to fill them.

“It’s like quick money for Christmas,” Rita DeMichiel of Florida, one of the temporary workers, said. “We get in, we get out.”

DeMichiel is part of a growing number of mobile job hunters who travel to Campbelsville during the holiday season with their entire families to work for $10 an hour, packing and shipping Amazon orders during 8-12 hour shifts.

“The pay is really good, it’s above minimum wage,” DeMichiel said. “They pay overtime, so financially for us it was a way to make quick money and then be on our way to the next destination.”

The camper vans filled with families, retirees or hard-up job seekers are becoming a holiday season staple in Campbelsville.

Ron McMahan, executive director of the Campbelsville-Taylor County Economic Development Authority, says these seasonal workers are adding dollars to local businesses.

“It’s like a three- to four-month convention,” McMahan said. “These people are here eating in restaurants, they need medical services, they are shopping in retail stores, they need camper repair.”

For most of the workers, hopscotching around the country for a paycheck is a lifestyle. When their work is done in Kentucky, they’ll drive their vans to the next job. Texas, Wyoming, Michigan are a few of the popular destinations for itinerant workers. Most of them hear about available jobs online or by word of mouth from other workers.

Debra and Mark Pinson traded in a three-bedroom house and a mortgage for life on the road. Their first time living in a work camp was this spring in Michigan. They now travel from job to job across the country in their RV, staying in work campgrounds rent-free.

“Well, the mortgage was $1,800 and we pay zero here,” Debra Pinson said. “There are jobs out there. You just have to go out and look for them.”

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

By Becky Bratu
msnbc.com 9 Dec 2011

You Have to Ask Yourself WHY?… Would I Travel Across The County for a Paycheck??