Computer Forensics Certification - How To Obtain One
Why is computer forensics certification important? As a forensic technician, you need validation for your skills and ability. Especially if your expertise will be put under close scrutiny when you present your findings for a criminal case or legal matter.
Because beyond searching for evidence in the form of data and information carefully hidden in computer and other digital media storage, your credibility as an expert or resource person must stand before a court of law. After all, your findings will help crack a case, capture a perpetrator, send someone to jail or acquit the innocent.
Where Does Computer Forensics Come From?
As a relatively new field of expertise, computer forensics knowledge is mostly self-taught. Computer savvy people with a background in computer science, information systems or technology systems security will have the basic know-how about this field. Yet forensics is an entirely different ballgame that requires a certain set of skills still not taught formally in many schools.
Previously, only those in law enforcement and the military were allowed into certificate programs for computer forensics. Fortunately, there are now universities and forensic science colleges (University of Rhode Island has undergraduate and graduate programs) offering computer forensics degree programs that you can take advantage of to help build your credentials.
What have been available are training programs in boot camps, where you can take up courses to help familiarize you with the occupation. These are usually short-term courses ranging from a day to 12 weeks. You can choose one or all to enhance your skills and knowledge. Still, it will take a whole lot of actual experience before you can truly qualify as an expert. And a computer forensics certification is a good starting place to build your reputation.
How Many Types of Computer Forensics Certification Are There?
Certification only holds up if these are awarded by professional bodies recognized by the industry. The most common certifications in computer forensics are the Certified Computer Examiner and the EnCase Certified Examiner. These are given by the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE) and Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB) for the former and Guidance Software, global leader in digital forensics, for the latter.
The most popular computer forensics certification which, unfortunately is only open to those with law enforcement and military backgrounds, is the Certified Forensics Computer Examiner certification granted by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.
IACRB also has certifications for Data Recovery Professional and the Penetration Tester. As a computer forensics speicalist or investigator, you can even opt to have several certifications just to add to the credibility factor that are now being given weight by courts.
How Do You Get Certified?
You qualify for certification exams after completing formal education and training either from a university or boot camp. When you sign up for boot camp training, you would have already chosen the course or courses that will make you eligible to pass the certification test, if not outrightly be granted the certification after completion of the program.
Since your focus as computer forensics is to unearth data or information that are usually hidden deliberately or have been erased, courses that will be taken up will teach you how to tear down security systems and go through storage systems, much like what hackers and other computer and technology felons do. Because to beat them means to understand their game.
Be prepared for a lot of hands-on lab sessions when you go through these computer forensics training programs. The lectures will be just as helpful, but it is being able to actual test what you've learned that will develop the skills and techniques you need to be good at the job. Infosec Institute offers one of the most comprehensive training experience in this field. It offers both certification preparation training as well as compliance training. You may choose CISSP or CISM boot camp training, among others.
Remember, to be considered an expert you must have both the knowledge and experience to back you up. Next to the computer forensics certification, you will need to log in as many actual cases as possible to test theories and challenge yourself to crack the most complex of cases. Apprentice. Shadow an expert. Or work even with a smaller computer forensics salary.
Eventually, you will earn your stripes and the handsome pay that most experts earn. The work is highly technical and you only get better when you dive into as many opportunities as possible. Validation is key to building your credentials. And a computer forensics certification is a good place to start.
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