Forensics has gained a lot of attention due to popular television shows. It has now become one of the popular career alternatives. Due to the rise in cyber crimes computer forensic analyst are now needed in various situations. Criminals nowadays are more sophisticated. The internet is also a vulnerable place due to its accessibility.

They are keeping up with the changes of their environment. Computers are now among the common household devices. Employment in computer forensics will widen your knowledge and experience.

Taking a computer forensics course or certification will also enable the individual to take advantage of the rising need for computer forensic analysts. Computers are getting more advanced and more important as the years pass by. Most of them have also become more user-friendly while being top notch. Due to this cyber crimes will also increase.

The forensics career

There are universities and colleges that offer forensic courses. There are also certification programs and online courses in the internet. Some of these programs do not require work related experience or degree but others do. There are also advanced courses that analysts can take to widen their knowledge. It can be a certification for certain software or learn new tools and topics. Technology is continually changing and developing so analysts have to take certification programs to add and upgrade their tool kits.

Finding the right program though will depend on you. There also different topics available for those who are interested in widening their knowledge. Crimes done against people and children are now also included.

There are other training programs that will teach you from the ground up. These programs do not require any experience except for some basic computer skills. However, you have to careful in enrolling. You can be a victim while aiming to be a computer forensic yourself.

After you have become a qualified computer forensic analyst you can be employed in law enforcement agencies and organizations. Apart from that you can also do free lance work. Computers nowadays are used in a variety of purposes. Information can be a formidable weapon. It can be used for leverage or for blackmail.

Computer forensic analysts can extract important information from emails and messages from instant messaging. They can also find out if a certain computer has been used for illegal communications and activities.

Their skills can also be used in different situations other than criminal matters and law enforcement. They can also play a part in civil disputes and divorces. Their skills are not just applicable for data acquisition and retrieval but also crimes in the internet. They can detect fraud done online by examining your computer.

There are also companies that offer consulting services. Individuals with enough money often initiate their own investigations by hiring experts in the field. Of course, to get yourself employed just be sure that you have a wide educational background in computer forensics.

With the continuing importance of computer in our lives, it’s no wonder that criminals will use them to get what they want. Hacking nowadays is already a common problem. Most personal and confidential information are stored in a computer nowadays.

Computer forensics is a good alternative for those who have a degree and work experience in security technologies and computer science. The criminals are not the only ones who have to keep up with the fast paced world.

What will you feel if you suddenly realize that one of your multi-million projects gets corrupted, it crashes, and then it burns? Sure enough, you will think that it is the end of the world for you. Just imagine how you and your staff have concerted your efforts just so the project will materialize and now that you are nearly feeling the glory of its completion, all of the data get lost.

Well, you can never tell as to whether the bits of information have been erased accidentally or on purpose because it is not for you to determine. Before you indulge yourself into feeling your world crashing under your own feet, better prefer to get in touch with the reliable individuals. In this case, there is only one person to turn to and it is none other than a computer forensics investigator.

The Nature of Computer Forensics Investigators

Computer forensics investigators are equipped with the necessary tools and techniques in recovering any lost data. Yes, there are cases when the employees themselves are to be blamed by the deletion of the file. The investigators are tasked not only to recover the erased data files but also to establish any guilt on the part of the employees should they be involved in any fraudulent activities like leaking sensitive company information to another party.

Commonly, computer forensics investigators are hired to uncover malicious acts. They are the ones who collect and then scrutinize the files for the purpose of establishing evidence to be presented before the courts of law.

Nowadays, the intelligence agencies, law enforcement, military, and other businesses deem it necessary to employ computer forensics investigators in light of the attempt of finding solution to crimes and other deceptive moves incurred by an individual.

The computer forensics investigators may either work in the laboratory or in the field. With them, files that have been deleted from one location of the computer system are tracked down and brought back in the most possible way of avoiding alterations to the original data.

Now comes in the skill and technique employed by the investigator to retain the authenticity of the information as they are transferred into another media for examination purposes.

The Computer Forensics Investigators’ Career

Computer forensics investigators deal with the revival of pertinent computer-related files as a point of the investigation. All of the details which are kept in any storage device such as the computer hard disk or compact disk are surfed. These people are the experts when it comes to identifying digital evidences and documentary sources.

The preservation, investigation, and the presentation of the data are all integral parts of their tasks. The overall goal of computer forensics is to get on with a structured manner of investigation to profoundly find out the exact reason of the flaw in the digital system and revealing what or who is to be blamed responsible for such.

Needless to say, many of the present day’s big corporations make it a point to employ project managers who are knowledgeable with the basic skills in computer forensics recovery because of the tantamount cases of lost company data. More so, the career options of the computer forensics investigators are so vast.

They can either work for an intelligence agency, in the military, or settle as computer forensics consultants. The computer forensics investigators’ options are all but rewarding.

Computer forensics is one the fields today which often gets updated. Many agencies have found the application of computer forensics very useful especially in the investigation of fraudulent actions and crimes. More so, computer forensics is the procedure that is applied when electronic devices such as the computer media is placed under careful investigation.

The process involves the discovery and analysis of any available data whether they have been hidden or deleted. These are among the evidences that will support the defense and claim of a particular individual or company as they file for any legal action.

Moreover, computer forensics specialists use the tools that recover both the accidentally and intentionally erased files and information. So whether the loss of the data is blamed to the untoward occurrences of hardware failure, there is a better chance of recuperating them. One of the biggest computer forensics problems though is how to retain the original data without the slightest alteration in them.

So much to say, even during the process of shutting down the computer system to transfer the data into another media may cause changes in them. It is important that the computer forensics expert has the skill to maintain the exact form of the data. Nobody can exactly say when the data may be altered but with the most apt tool and the specialist’s skills, it can be possibly prevented.

Computer forensics attracted the attention of the public during the height of the Enron scandal which prompted the widest-ranging computer forensics investigation marked in the world’s history. As computers these days are becoming an integral part of human life, big quantities of data are being stored in these electronic devices.

More so, crimes and other fraudulent acts are likewise increasing in intervals. Computer forensics investigations are also done in emails, websites visited, chat histories, and many other forms of electronic communications.

The advances in today’s technology have shaped the improvement of computer forensics. The developers continually upgrade their tools to meet the increasing intensities of computer forensics problems. Modern software and tools are coming out into the market which nonetheless makes the task easier for the computer forensics experts. Thus, data is found and restored faster and with more preciseness.

These evidences need to be in their original format especially when they are to be used as evidences in the court. These proofs are often gathered from all kinds of computer media such as the discs, Pen drives, tapes, memory sticks, logs, emails, PDAs, handhelds, deleted information, and hidden documents.

The people’s common notion is that when the data is deleted from its location, the file is already completely deleted and unfound. This makes you wrong though. Upon deletion, what is erased is only that of the data’s reference location but the actual document remains intact in your computer system.

It is easiest to tell that the data have been deleted but the common computer forensics problem is where and how to find it and how to recover them without making traces of changes. Thus, the solution to the dilemma will entirely depend on the computer forensics professional’s skills.

Computer data security is very important so it is also significant that they remain original. Part of the training of these professionals includes the molding of their skills to be careful when handling the recovery of the data at all times.

However, it is not for them to conclude when data may be altered or not. This remains as one of the top computer forensics problems to date.

When we hear forensics we have envision detectives dusting off prints in a crime scene. When we hear computer forensics we imagine guys in a lab coat examining a computer in a lab. This may be true but the uses of computer forensics are wide and varied.

They are not just used in law enforcement and criminal matter. Computers have become an important part of our lives. Most of the time they contain important information than can turn into a piece of evidence.

Technology is continually developing which means that information is the next valuable commodity. Most business stores their confidential information in computer systems which make them the target for hackers. Hacking is a possible threat. Security technologies continue develop so do criminals who are bent on cracking them.

The purpose of computer forensics

The main purpose of computer forensics is examining a computer system to find if it has been used for a criminal act. All of its contents are thoroughly analyzed to find out if it contains substantial or supportive evidence. The entire investigation is not as easy as it is portrayed in television shows.

Computer forensic analysts have to follow a set of procedures to be able to comply with the standards of evidence. If they not follow legal procedures the evidence will considered inadmissible in court.

Computers are used in a variety of purposes. Most often this hardware contains pertinent information. Computer forensic experts can trace emails, instant messages and computer related communication. They can examine portable storage devices that may contain evidence. They can find out when, who and what happened by acquiring and analyzing data.

It can be used if a company network’s security is breached. Almost all businesses nowadays store important and confidential information in their computer system. Computer forensic analysts will able to detect if someone has disclosed corporate information. In these cases they can be either accidental or intentional.

Million of dollars have been lost due to sabotage and employee theft. They can also find out if there has been a case of industrial espionage. Competition has always been stiff in any industry and with the technology today some use it to get ahead.

In general cases, criminals often store or leave traces of information in their computers.

It is applicable in deception cases such as counterfeiting. It has also been important in playing a part of finding evidence for phishing which is very common. Analysts are able to track down child pornography by tracing buy and sell activities online. It has played a part in many cases from corporate fraud to threats in national security.

We may not know but exchanging information through the internet can also be used against us. The internet is a public place which makes it vulnerable to scams that prey on unsuspecting victims. Information now has become a valuable commodity. Criminals nowadays are able to hack into computer systems.

It can also be applied in cases wherein relevant information is needed. Analysts can obtain information from an opposing party. In most criminal cases they can examine computer system even without the consent of the owner.

Information is becoming more readily available nowadays. As computers become more important to us it will continually become targets by criminals and offenders. Computer forensics enables us to keep with the rising cyber crimes.

What consists the computer forensics reports? Where are they based from? More so, with the people’s continued reliance on the Internet, the computer forensics investigators are tasked to unearth all information which have been made using the emails, file transfers, Internet website searches, online account negotiations, chats and any other transaction made over the Internet.

Computer forensics reports are prepared by none other than the computer forensics investigators who gather the necessary information, analyze them and then draft out the final computer forensics reports. In the advent of the multifarious computer-related crime incidents, the criminals oftentimes leave behind the clues which aid the investigators to track down the root cause of the crime.

Even when the files have been deleted from the specific location in the computer, the original data is not at all erased from the entire computer system. With the certain techniques, tools, and skills that the investigators are equipped with, the analysis of the fraudulent act or crime can be made much accurate.

As soon as the evidence has been derived from the electronic media, the computer forensics experts prepare their computer forensics reports. The lawyers who are in charged to tackle the cases are prompted to gather as much bundles of information as possible as it is needed in the course of the computer forensics dealings.

Among the significant cautions to note of include the backing up of the compressed data, tapes, encrypted data as sourced out from the computer system’s platform, and the collection of the password protected files.

There is only one problem that computer forensics reports get affected with though, and that has something to do with the strides in the modern technology that nonetheless make the achievement of the reports pretty hard. If the software or tool that the investigators use is not updated, the more it is difficult for them to arrive at a precise conclusion and findings. Thus, there is the necessity of the continued update when it comes to the computer forensics tools and software applications.

Where are the computer forensics reports sourced out from? There are mainly four areas from where the investigators gather their evidences. Yes, there are other areas which are looked into but the following are the most commonly looked into.

The saved files. These are the bits of information which are viewable on the computer itself. The task of looking into these files is not at all complicated.

The deleted files. These data are either placed into the trash or those which require the special software in order to restore them.

The temporary files. These data are produced when one browses through the Internet, works on any document, and uses some other types of backup software and other installations and applications. All of these may only be uncovered through the use of a special tool or software.

The meta data. These are the details which are related with the information that have something to do with a document or file. Among the details which appear include the date that such files had been created, modified, and the last time when it was accessed. An add-on information is about the creator of the said file.

Indeed, computer forensics reports can only be made precise with the proper skill and technique which the person in charged will exert.

Cyber crimes are becoming more and more widespread nowadays. Internet provides access to the World Wide Web, but online anyone can be anything. Computers are also used widespread from households to financial institutions. This forces criminals to adapt to new technologies and to keep up with the times.

Computer forensic analysts have become in demand to keep up with the cyber crime rates. In turn, computer forensic software are enhanced and updated to keep up with these criminal acts.

Unfortunately hiring a computer forensic analyst can be expensive. Apart from law enforcement agencies there are also private organizations that are willing to do the job for you. Other work independently and charge by the hour for their work. Fortunately there are ways that you can do your own investigation before resorting for professional help.

Do it yourself

Not all of us are well informed on computer systems and the science behind these machines. Most people who do not have a degree or work related to computer forensics only know the basics. We know how to use the computer for sending instant messages, surfing the internet, sending emails and run some applications. However not all of us are know the technical aspect of the hardware. Fortunately there is a way we can try and find out what’s going on.

Computer forensic analysts are able to make an exact duplicate of a hard drive. They analyze the contents of the copy to know if the computer has been used for illegal activities or criminal acts. They can also trace emails and instant messages. They have their own toolkits and programs to help them do this job. This is why you have to hire them because they have the tools.

Fortunately there are available computer forensic software programs that can help you. Software companies are creating programs that enable an individual to detect cyber crimes. WetStone and AccessData are some of the companies who are developing software programs that generate forensic responses.

WetStone is a company that addresses stenography. This is process that encrypts and embeds data on the email attachment. X-way forensics provides software solution that has a broad range of forensic features.

Many more software programs are being developed to cope up with the rise and advancement of cyber crimes. There are various toolkits that can you. These toolkits have the ability to duplicate hard drives and analyze data. If you have knowledge in security technologies you can install these software programs to help you.

This also prevents future cyber crimes from being committed in the future. This is applicable to companies who want to prevent security breaches in their network. Security administrators and auditors can install this software to help them when needed.

If the software is not enough this is the time that you can hire a computer forensic analyst. Unfortunately if you do not have any knowledge in security technologies it is best to hire a professional. Electronic evidence should comply with the standards of the court. If the evidence is tampered it will inadmissible in the court of law.

Dealing with electronic data can be complicated. For the average person being cautious when dealing with people online, especially with money, is important. Prevention is always better than cure. Fortunately continuing developments will enable us to combat crime.

Generally, computer forensics is the procedure of computer system investigation by means of gathering and examining all information and proofs related to computers. The process is done to find out the illegal use of the files and system in any crime or deceitful activities.

Through time, computer forensics tools have been deemed useful by the various agencies like the law enforcement, military, intelligence and other businesses. Since the process is not only tedious but is also recognized to be a way of uncovering certain wrongdoings, all of the gathered evidences are required by the court.

Aside from recovering all computer data, computer forensics is likewise concerned with digging out all possible angles that may point out the so-called rascal contractors or employees who have been greatly involved in the act of leaking out certain information, company projects and plans to a third party.

Only the computer forensics specialists can put in the techniques of uncovering fraudulent actions and crimes into materialization. With its application being widely used in almost all fields, company employers nowadays concern themselves in tracking down the best computer forensics professionals so that they can be assured that their properties are safe at all costs. Moreover, only these professionals are the ones who are entitled and knowledgeable to apply the computer forensics tools.

The investigators nonetheless make use of computer forensics tools as they collect the pertinent data from the system yet without changing any of the information keyed into the computer’s data bank. The computer forensics tools are held to be very important since the original data must not at all be changed or else the purpose of uncovering the malicious act will be defeated.

Originally, it is very difficult and almost impossible not to alter any of the stored data but with the tools that the computer forensics experts use, they can ensure than no alterations will be made as they scan through the saved data. In fact, even the simple act of shutting down the computer’s power system may cause some slight changes to the system’s databank.

However, when done by the expert, the originality of the information is kept intact. To do this, the computer forensics professional often creates an authenticated copy of the data. The process is referred to as imaging and is thus presented as the subject for scrutiny.

Another wonder that the computer forensics tool can make is the possibility of recovering any deleted data. As the professionals put it, any deleted data is not at all erased from the entire system. What is usually wiped off is the reference to its location.

The data, therefore, still exists only that the operating system is no longer acquainted about it. With imaging and seeing through all of the information kept in the system, it is by all means possible to recover any intentionally or accidentally deleted data.

The computer forensics tools are not limited to a specific task just like a hammer is intended for hammering a concrete nail. They are by nature multi-functioning. The experts in computer forensics know which of the tools from their toolkit they should use to tackle the problem at hand.

More so, the costs of the computer forensic tools vary. Most of the commercialized tools amount to thousands of dollars. Again, it is the intensity of the problem which will determine the right tool to utilize.

Thanks to television shows most of us already have an idea of what forensics is. Although some scenes are not depicted correctly (examining specimens are more exhausting and mentally draining due to the constant demand for paying attention to details, they don’t look as easy as they are in television with swooping camera angles) they have given us an idea on what they do in collecting evidence.

Computer forensics is part of this investigation. Due to the higher incidence of cyber crimes they are now an essential part of the legal process.

We already have an idea on what they do. However a computer forensics job entails a lot of procedures and expertise. Like any other evidence electronic data can also be fragile and damaged. There are certain steps to be followed to ensure that the data will be collected without being tampered.

A day in the work of a computer forensic analyst

The first thing that an analyst will do is to secure the data and the machine. The data can never be analyzed in the same system that it came from so exact copies are made. Usually the data in a hard drive is duplicated to extract the information needed.

The collection process starts when the analyst examines the surroundings of the machine. Other physical evidence such as notes, disks and printouts are also taken. Photographs of the surroundings are also taken. The area is also examined for portable storage devices.

If the computer system is still operating the information will be collected by examining its applications. Computers that are used for illegal communications may not have all of the data stored in the hard drive. Information stored in Random Access Memory will be lost if the computer is shut down so this step is important.

Open source tools are used to analyze on live computers. Analysts can also obtain an image of mapped drives and encrypted containers while they are on. The data from network connections are captured first, then running applications, and lastly from the Random Access Memory.

The computer is then shut off carefully in a way that it will not loose any data. The method used will depend in the computer and the operating system it uses. If proper shut down is made volatile data can be lost. Pulling the plug is not advisable either because it may corrupt the file system and loose important data.

The analyst then inspects for trap and photographs the configuration of the system. A diagram will also be made including serial number and markings.

The analyst then makes an exact duplicate of the hard drive called Imaging. They often use hard drive duplicators or software imaging tools. This is done in sector levels to make bit-stream copies of ever part that is accessible to the user which can store data.

The original hard drive is then installed with a hardware write protection and sent to a secure storage. After making a complete and accurate copy the duplicated data can now be analyzed for evidence. Analysts use algorithm to make sure that the imaging process is verified. Two algorithms are generally used in this process.

The analyst then renders his opinion then documents everything that was done. A report is made that contains all the findings of the analyst and whether or not it has been used in an illegal activity or criminal act.

Computers have radically changed the way we live your lives. Everyday living as become easier and technologically advanced decades ago. It has changed the way we work and the way we live in our houses. Children to day are sometimes even more technologically aware than their parents. Mobiles phones have gotten smaller and laptops have gotten slimmer.

With the launch of the Iphone that used the touch screen technology it will only be a matter of time when this idea permeates into other devices and appliances. Unfortunately, technology also makes it easier for criminals to their dirty job. However, computer forensics makes sure that technology is put to lawful use.

Everyone keeps up with the times, even the criminals. The internet is a public place which makes it vulnerable for fraud. Criminals often take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Law enforcement agencies have incorporated computer science in their investigation process to aid them with computer savvy criminals.

Crime and computers

We have seen a lot of Hollywood movies about hackers stealing from financial institutions. We have also seen two parties making their deals through bank transfers with a bunch of computers. Although these are not possible in real life, there are other ways that criminals can use computers.

Computer forensics is basically applying computer science to assist in the legal process. It entails the technological and systematic inspection of the contents of a computer system for evidence. Individuals in this field are called by different titles such as digital media analyst or computer forensics investigator. These people scanned a computer thoroughly to find out if they have used for a civil wrongdoing or criminal act.

The skills required are more than just normal data collection and using preservation techniques. Other definitions include the use of special tools to meet the Court’s criteria and not just a thorough examination of a computer for potential evidence. This definition is similar to Electric Evidentiary Recovery or e-discovery.

Most of the time computer forensic investigators investigate hard drives, portable data devices and data storage devices. These devices include USB Drives, Micro Drives and external Drives.

The first task of the computer forensic investigator is to find sources of documentary or digital evidence. The next step would be to preserve the evidence so that it could be analyzed later on. When dealing with computer systems, important files or data can be quickly lost.

The investigator should take the necessary test because data retrieval can be time consuming and costly. The investigator would then analyze the collected data for potential and supportive evidence. The final step would be presenting the findings. The investigator will render his opinion based on the examination and make a report.

The process of using computer forensics must comply with the standards of evidence that are acceptable in court. This field is both technical and legal. The investigator should also have a complete understanding of the suspect’s level of sophistication. If they don’t the suspects are assumed to be experts.

Investigators then presume that the criminal have installed a countermeasure to render forensic techniques useless. The computer will then be shutdown completely to prohibit the machine from making further modifications to its drives.

Computer technology has changed the way we live, work, and for others – commit crime. Although the internet may seem like a very convenient place users should always be wary for seemingly innocent offers.

The term forensic science is often shortened by most people into simply “forensics”. Whatever its coined name may be, the truth remains the same that forensics is an application which deals with the legal system.

Computer forensics is just among its many branches and it particularly expresses its use in line with the civil action or crime. Some very meticulous individuals will likely disagree as to the correctness of the use of “forensics” instead of “forensic science” since the first term is held to be a synonym for something that is related to the courts or any legal matter.

A part of computer forensic history will make mention about its meaning in Latin which is “prior to the forum”. With the onset of several modern dictionaries, the name “forensics” equivalently points out to “forensic science”. Let us dwell deeper and touch on some basic facts about computer forensic history.

Going Back to the Old Days

Forensic generally roots from a Latin word, “forensic” which means forum or discussion. In the reign of the Romans, any criminal who has been charged with a crime is presented before an assembly of public folks. Both of the complainant and the defendant are to present their sides through their own speeches.

The one who was able to explain his side with fervent delivery and argumentation typically won the case. That individual was referred to as one who was skilled in forensics

Forensic Science Historical Points

The earliest account of the employment of forensic science can be traced back to the renowned legend of Archimedes’ “Eureka”. He defined that a crown was not fully composed of gold by means of identifying its weight and displacement yet without creating any damage to it. More so, the most primitive trace of the use of fingerprint to institute one’s identity was in the 7th century.

It was Soleiman, the Arabic merchant, who explained that the borrower’s fingerprints were enjoined in the bill which was to be given out to the lender. As a proof, the bill was recognized as a legal validation of the existing debt.

Then again, the book entitled Xi Yuan Ji Lu or the Collected Cases of Injustice Rectified as written by Song Ci of the Song Dynasty tells of the instance when the case of a murdered person was resolved by one death investigator who directed all individuals to relocate his sickle in a particular location.

Then, the flies gathered onto the single sickle. With this, the murderer eventually confessed. Likewise, the book points out the examination of the presented evidence in order to distinguish if a death was a result of an accident, suicide, or murder.

Around the 16th century in Europe, the medical specialists in the university and army started studying the cause and method of a person’s death. Notable personas dealt with the study of the internal organs and the changes in the human body structure as a result of diseases. Whereas, a demonstration of the use of proper procedure and logic was once depicted in the murder case of Edward Culshaw by John Toms of Lancaster, England.

Computer Forensics as a Discipline

Forensic science has a myriad of subdivisions. One of which is computer forensics. Otherwise known as digital forensics, this subdivision is the submission of the proven claims of scientific methods and strategies in the purpose of recovering lost data whether they have been purposefully or accidentally erased, from a digital or electronic media source. Computer forensics is applied both in the lab and in the field.

Computer forensics history tells of the account of this field’s development and it explains the reason as to why this is much applicable for today. More so, crimes are helpfully solved through the process of computer forensics.