Many Excellent Job Opportunities to be Found in Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is a relatively new field, but it is an occupation that is extremely fast growing. Many excellent opportunities are likely to be found in this type of work. It is a field expected to continue a rapid expansion in the near future.California State Universitynotes the need for skilled people working in this field will continue to grow in both law enforcement and the business community.
• What is computer forensics?
Forensics is a specialized field that collects and gathers evidence that can be used as evidence to be presented in court. Computer forensics is not much different in theory from other forensics' positions in this respect. The primary difference is that individuals employed in the field extract, collect and document information from computers and other digital gadgets rather than carpet fibers, fingerprints, DNA or other types of evidence.
Integrity of data is at the center of computer forensics. It is vital for experts in this position to be able to collect data without making any alterations or changes that could damage potential evidence.
For instance, as theHow Stuff Workswebsite indicates, any time a computer file is opened, the file is altered. These changes include the vital time and date stamps. It is important absolutely nothing is altered when presenting evidence in court. A computer forensic can do this while retaining the integrity of the digital data.
• Why is computer forensics a fast growing field?
Hacking, phishing, data breaches, malware and cybercrimes are on the rise, and this has resulted in the need for skilled individuals to identify clues and recover information on computers. Digital technology is often used in crimes. Or evidence for 'traditional' crimes may be found on computers that investigators need information from in order to put the pieces together to solve cases. In order to accomplish these goals, a person conducting computer forensics requires levels of specialization.
• Skills are in high demand
The person working in computer forensics must be able to search for and identify evidence. He or she is expected to carefully collect and preserve the data found and the chain of events associated with it. An expert provides analysis of this evidence and offers an expert opinion. A specialist in this field is often called into court to testify.
"There is an increase in demand for doing this kind of work. Cyber crime is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States due to the exponential growth of the internet,"says Dan Dainton, Instructor at College of Lake County, when talking about the college's computer forensics programs.
While still a new field, computer forensics is likely to not only grow, but evolve. As mobile phones and other devices replace desktop and laptop computers, it will be vital for investigators to be able to extract evidence from various kinds of mobile devices as well. People interested in computer forensics are likely to find a variety of opportunities along this career path in both the near and distant future.
