Getting a Computer Forensics Degree

Getting a Computer Forensics Degree

Computer forensics is a special branch of digital forensic science that focuses on recovering legal evidence from all kinds of digital devices to be used in legal proceedings. Professionals of this field use special tools and methods in order to extract evidence from an assortment of digital and electronic devices. However in order to become a professional computer forensics practitioner, you first need to get certified. These certifications are not just given to anyone. In order to be certified, one has to have all the necessary knowledge as well as pass the required tests. Which is why you first need to get a computer forensics degree.

To gain the needed knowledge to become a computer forensics expert, you can seek training from certain schools. There are a lot of schools that currently offer special training for those that seek to become certified computer forensics professionals. These training covers all aspects from technical skills and knowledge needed, how to secure a crime scene, how to properly process recovered evidence, how to properly document and present evidence during legal proceedings as well as all the laws that pertain to computer forensics.

The technical aspect of computer forensics cover how to locate and extract the data from a variety of electronic devices. Aspiring computer forensic experts are taught where and how to find the data on computers, laptops, mp3 players, phones and a variety of other electronic device. They are trained to determine which data sources contain volatile data and what appropriate steps they need to take in order to properly protect it. They are also trained on how to extract encrypted data, password protected archives and data from damaged hard drives. As long as the data is in electronic or digital form, the computer forensics expert will find a way to extract them and use it for evidence.

The non technical aspect of computer forensics training covers the protocol and implementation of computer forensic analysis methods that are within the grounds of the law. They are taught how to properly secure the digital and electronic devices found within the crime scene. The protocol on how to work with other law enforcement personnel is also part of the training. Ethics as well as the proper processing of evidence is another important aspect of non technical training. This is because processing the evidence has to be done exactly by the book in order to make the evidence acceptable in court.

A computer forensics degree can enable you to pass the certification exam in order to become a certified computer forensics expert. Not only will you be able to acquire all the technical skills to be able to do the job, you will also learn everything you need to do to do it ethically and legally.