How does a computer forensic examiner process evidences from a computer involved in a crime?
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When and How is Computer Forensics Used?Computer forensics is primarily used for two separate purposes, investigation and data recovery. Here's a brief summary of how each is handled by professionals within the field. InvestigationsComputer forensics can be an essential facet of modern investigations. When a crime is committed and an investigation is started, one of the more common places to look for clues is the computer or cell phone of a suspect. This is where a computer forensics professional enters the picture. When a suspect has been identified and their personal computer or cell phone taken into evidence, a computer forensics professional goes searching for data that is relevant to the investigation. When searching for information, they need to be careful to follow detailed procedures that allow their findings to be used as evidence. The information they uncover, whether it be documents, browsing information or even metadata, may then be used by prosecution to create a compelling case against the suspect. Data RecoveryAside from working to collect evidence, computer forensics professionals can also work in data recovery. When it comes to data recovery, forensics professionals can take broken hard drives, crashed servers and other compromised devices and retrieve the data that was previously lost. This is valuable for anyone who has lost important data outside of uncovering criminal evidence, such as businesses who have experienced a system crash. Computer Forensics vs. Cyber SecurityTo those outside the profession, computer forensics and cyber security can seem rather similar. Both deal with criminals and computers, but despite this initial similarity, the function of each practice differs greatly. To recap, computer forensics is focused largely on data recovery. The data recovered is often used as evidence in criminal trials, but sometimes is recovered for companies after a data loss incident. Additionally, the criminals that computer forensics professionals investigate are not always cybercriminals. Because almost everyone uses a computer, there is often valuable information on their personal device that can contribute to an investigation. Cyber security, on the other hand, is more concerned with defense. Cyber security professionals work under a variety of job titles, but nearly all of them work to build networks and systems that are secure from potential attackers. Sometimes they use hacking to test their own networks or the networks of a client to find areas of weakness and bolster them. Why Study Computer Forensics?There are several great reasons to study computer forensics. First, there is the projected rate of growth within the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics1 estimates that the field will grow on a national level by 33% between 2020 and 2030. In addition to being a fast-growing field, the practice of computer forensics can be deeply rewarding. Computer forensics may be a great fit for the technologically inclined and analytically minded. If you're interested in technology, analyzing data and taking part in investigations, then computer forensics might be for you. DeVry University offers a degree specialization in Computer Forensics as one of seven specializations available within Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems program. Students pursuing the Computer Forensics specialization have the opportunity to learn more about the procedures involved in investigating crimes, understanding of leading computer forensic software applications and the laws and ethics that affect digital evidence. What Jobs are Available in Computer Forensics?People who have appropriate educational credentials and experience* may qualify for several different positions within the field of computer forensics. Jobs in this industry may include but are not limited to:
What Skills Do I Need for Computer Forensics?When training to work in computer forensics, there are several skills you'll want to acquire before you pursue a position in the field. Some of these skills may include:
What is the process for a computer forensic investigation?There are nine steps that digital forensic specialists usually take while investigating digital evidence.. First Response. ... . Search and Seizure. ... . Evidence Collection. ... . Securing of the Evidence. ... . Data Acquisition. ... . Data Analysis. ... . Evidence Assessment. ... . Documentation and Reporting.. What are the steps in collecting evidence from a computer?Good evidence management follows a five-step process of identification, collection, acquisition, then preservation, and finally, analysis.. Identification. ... . Collection. ... . Acquisition. ... . Preservation. ... . Analysis. ... . Document Device Condition. ... . Get Forensic Experts Involved. ... . Have a Clear Chain of Custody.. What are the five steps in the computer forensics process?There are five basic steps in a typical Computer Forensics examination case. These steps are: Intake, Acquisition, Imaging, Forensic Analysis, and Reporting.
What are the 4 steps of the forensic process?The general phases of the forensic process are the identification of potential evidence, the acquisition of that evidence, analysis of the evidence, and finally production of a report.
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