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The Meaning Of Computer Forensics

Computer forensics is a branch in forensic science entailing the process of investigating crimes committed by the use of computer technology, mostly over the internet. The word ‘Forensics’ is commonly understood to mean bringing to court. Most states have enacted laws to regulate the admissibility, collecting, preserving and adducing of evidence collected though computer forensic technology in courts. This is often confused with the term digital forensics. The two terms are, however, generally related.

The meaning of digital forensics

Digital forensics is a forensic science branch, which encompasses the recovery and investigation of all the data and materials found or stored in the digital devices. Earlier, this term was synonymous to the computer forensics (discussed above) in relation to computer crime.

Its meaning has, however, been expanded to cover the investigation of all the digital devices which can store data including phones, cameras, memory cards, flash disks, CDs and DVDs, etc. It also includes the analysis of DNA, fingerprints, blood samples and other related items; it requires expertise of the highest degree.

These two technical terms are commonly used when discussing matters to do with computer or internet security. The perpetrators of a crime over the internet may be residing in different countries. The victims may be from several different and distant countries. It requires sophisticated government technology to trace those responsible for the crime being investigated.

It also requires the cooperation of the law enforcement authorities from different countries if the crime is extra territorial.

The process of investigation and prosecution of crimes committed over the internet is complex. It involves a complex system of tracing and collecting evidence, analyzing, organizing and then presenting it in court. The level and extent of government technology is directly related to its capability of dealing with computer crimes. The government must train its judicial officers, investigators and prosecutors on mobile device forensics, digital forensics, database forensics and internet forensics, in order to deal with computer crimes effectively.

Most crimes committed by the use of computers and over the internet are orchestrated and executed by well-trained computer professionals. The simple counter cyber crime training offered to most law enforcement authorities in the developing countries cannot meet the challenge of the internet hackers, online impostors, money launders and various other computer criminals. The successful investigation and prosecutions of computer crimes in the US and European countries, by use of the computer forensics technology, has proven that they are very effective in dealing with such crimes.

An accredited online education in forensics can open a world of opportunities for students interested in this career field. The field of forensics includes specialized areas such as forensic nursing, DNA, chemistry, toxicology, and much more. Students looking to obtain the education necessary to start a career in forensics can do so from the comforts and leisure of home with an online school or college. Students can pursue an associates, bachelors, or masters level degree as well as certificates from a number of online educational institutes.

A certificate in forensics will allow students with prior educational training in the field to further their knowledge and skills. Certificates can be obtained in areas like forensic accounting, investigation, nursing, consulting, and much more. Subjects of study will depend on the specific area of certification but may include computers, math, biology, forensic psychology, and other courses.

Those with a degree in the field can increase their career training by enrolling in an accredited online certificate program.

With an accredited online associates degree program students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects including math, physics, psychology, criminal justice, computer science, biology, criminal investigation, and more. Students seeking a degree at this level should expect to spend around two years to complete their studies. With an associates degree in forensics graduates will be able to pursue careers in government agencies, police departments, forensic laboratories, and other agencies. The knowledge and skills obtained will prepare students for employment positions as forensic laboratory technicians, coroner assistants, evidence custodians, and forensic laboratory assistants.

An associate’s degree will prepare students to further their education with studies at a bachelor’s degree level.

There are various educational programs that offer online forensic training at a bachelor’s degree level. With a degree at this level specific areas of study can be chosen including forensic biology, crime scene investigation, and much more. Students will prepare for a number of career prospects in the field while studying in biology, organic chemistry, forensic science fundamentals, and physics. Specific coursework will vary depending on the chosen area of specialization. A bachelor’s degree will allow students to pursue careers as DNA database scientists, latent print examiners, crime laboratory technicians, law enforcement officers, and other related professions. With an accredited bachelors degree students can further their education and career opportunities by enrolling in a Master of Science in Forensic Science.

Various accredited schools and colleges offer career training at a master’s degree level in forensics. With a masters level degree students can prepare for careers in cyber crime, criminalistics, molecular biology, and more. An accredited online school will provide students with the skills to obtain careers as medical examiners, crime scene examiners, crime laboratory analysts, and forensic engineers. Curriculum may include online studies in crime scene procedures, forensic psychology, chemistry, general sciences, and other relevant coursework. An advanced degree in the field of forensics can provide students with the knowledge to start the career they desire.

Accredited online forensic schools allow students to obtain the necessary training to pursue the career of their dreams. With educational options available from a certificate to a masters degree students will find the online career program that’s right for them. By researching the available certificate and degree programs that best fit your needs and interests, and requesting more information you can start the path to an exciting career today.

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Forensic locksmith is an area of study that focuses on examining locks or other security devices in order to determine how it was open, neutralized or bypassed. Individuals who become a forensic locksmith are trained in the use of equipment and scientific methods to exam all forms of locks for information. Some forensic techniques employed by this locksmiths include microscopic examination, microphotography, regular photography, physical disassembly of the lock and occasionally laboratory techniques such as metallurgy and tool mark identification.

This field of locksmithing combines the skills and knowledge of a professional locksmith with the vigilance of an investigator. A forensic locksmith is often called to assist an investigative agency with criminal investigations, insurance claims and security maintenance in order to during the facts if a lock or key system is compromised.

Forensic locksmiths focus on identifying the method of entry, the tools that were used, the skill level of the culprit, the level of security of the lock system and any evidence that may be used to identify the suspect later.

While a forensic locksmith doesn’t solve investigative cases they will provide the information, evidence and insight needed in order to provide an outcome to the investigation.

In order to become a forensic locksmith you need to have knowledge in locksmithing, crime scene investigation, photography, microscopy and microphotography, evidence collection and preservation, written communication and verbal communication. While focus is placed on the methods of compromise, the study and identification of forensic evidence left behind by the suspect is also important to understanding the lack of security and how to improve it. 

Recently, Geisinger Health Systems revealed beach of information related to around 2,928 patients. The data revealed includes Protected Health Information (PHI) of patients. The information was reportedly sent by a gastroenterologist from his work computer to his personal computer. The transmission was unencrypted. In this case, the transmitted information included medical record numbers, procedures, treatment information and health indications. Usually, PHI information also includes past and present health status, future indications, patient account information and social security numbers among others. Such information may be misused by offenders to misrepresent individuals and gain unauthorized benefit.

Usually, experts who have undertaken computer forensic training help organizations in tracking the offender. Computer forensic experts use procedures such as imaging and cryptographic hash verification to detect alteration of files and folders. In this case, professionals at Geisinger were able to detect unauthorized transmission of information. The physician cooperated with the authorities and deleted the information from his computer. Home email provider was also informed and requested to delete the email from their server. Fortunately, there was no malicious intention behind unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information by Geisinger employee. However, in most cases, cybercriminals use sophisticated techniques to intrude into computer systems and networks. Also, improper monitoring mechanisms may fail to detect unauthorized access and data breaches by insiders in an organization. It is important to punish cybercriminals to prevent recurrence of such crimes. Therefore, it is important to collect evidence, which is legally admissible in a court of law.

The affected systems must be quarantined to prevent tampering and modification of evidence. IT Department must have professionals with knowledge of computer forensic procedures to ensure protection of evidence. Organizations may encourage IT professionals to undertake computer forensics online training programs offered by universities and institutions offering security certifications to update themselves on the latest techniques, tools and best practices.

Individuals, government institutions, media and all forms of business organizations are affected by cybercrime. Recent events such as WikiLeaks disclosure, attack on university websites and state-sponsored attacks indicate the serious threats emanating in the cyberspace. Universities and educational institutions must encourage students to undertake computer forensics courses to deal with sophisticated crime as well as to meet future requirements of IT professionals.

As crime rates increase, it doesn’t only occur in your neighborhood but in the cyber world too. As digital data gets lost, corrupted, protected and tampered with, it is important to have computer forensics around to work the job and help solve problems. If you’ve had your eye on studying computer forensics and wanted to know about it a little more, such as who uses it and what is it used for, then read on.

For starters, you must understand that this area of study is pretty complex and requires a lot of skills. It’s used to extract digital data that has been lost, deleted or corrupted. Files that are important that have been protected by firewalls, passwords or those that have been removed from the database can e recovered with the right skills. What’s more, these forensics can do all of the above without tampering with the evidence too.

This is used by basically any company that has a computer database to keep things in order, particularly when they need to recover something.

However, computer forensics skills are more commonly used under the order of court to solve cyber crimes. It’s used by all the different law enforcement agencies that are working on crime cases and so on.

In addition to that, a few specific sectors that use this great service would be insurance companies to uncover hoax and illegal doings, criminal prosecutors to solve online crimes, private companies and citizens who may have accidentally lost their data or information.

Not just anybody can do this job as you would really need to have the passion, dedication, patience and interest. Whatever evidence that you would need to work with must be carefully handled and you would have to follow a certain set of guidelines as well.

All in all, computer forensics is an important career in today’s world, so if you’ve got the interest for it, go ahead and live your dreams.