5 Tips On How To Become A Good Computer Forensics Specialist
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Do you pride yourself as a computer expert that will never bow down to a machine? Are you patient, logical, organized and persistent? Then you probably will make a good computer forensics specialist.
And what exactly does the profession require? Well, if you're into computers particularly software, hardware, registry keys and root kits, then this is an ideal job for you. It's combining computer technology, information security and the law to bring down perpetrators of growing sophisticated crimes by unearthing evidence hidden in computer disks and other data stored in various forms of digital media.
To become a good computer forensics specialist, you need to build a solid reputation. That means having both the training, education and experience to give you the credibility before any forum. Here are five tips on what you need to get started in this career.
1. LEARN as much as you can. The best computer forensic examiners are the curious ones. They never stop learning either by reading books and other materials pertaining to the subject matter, participating in various forums and conferences or becoming a member of professional groups. The greater your hunger about the job, and the more willingness to learn everything there is to learn will put you ahead of the pack when competing for opportunities. And the demand for computer forensics services is growing.
2. EDUCATION and CREDENTIALS. If you're going to hold up in court as an expert or resource person you'd better have the credibility to back you up other than your hard work and thoroughness.
A college degree, formal computer forensic training and extensive experience will give you the authority when you present and defend your findings in court. Credentials, unfortunately, are very important in this line of work considering you will be out there trying to prove or disprove claims of a person accused of wrongdoing.
You may have strong educational background in some other related fields like computer information systems or networking security, but you will still need a computer forensics certification to be eligible to work in this profession. That means intensive computer forensics training, usually at boot camps.
There are universities that offer degree programs for this specialization so it's up to you where to get the training that will suit you. The important thing to remember is you need those credentials to back you up as an expert.
3. Get real life EXPERIENCE. Just as important as training to a become computer forensics specialist is putting to use everything you know and have learned. Hands-on experience is the best way to determine if you can put theory into practice. Apprentice. Or work for a minimal fee. The experience will more than make up for the pittance in pay, which you will eventually earn once you've built a solid reputation.
4. Don't be afraid to EXPERIMENT. Not all cases are alike. So you'll need to experiment to test out theories in relation to systems, applications and operating systems. You may have a more difficult time cracking one case than the other so you will want to try several ways to get the job done. You're looking for data that was likely hidden intentionally so you need patience to solve that puzzle through whatever means possible.
5. Invest in EQUIPMENT. Skill and knowledge are two of your most important tools in this business. But you need a third one: equipment. You'll still need good tools to help develop techniques in unearthing hidden data, which is the mark of a skilled computer forensic specialist. That includes reliable hardware, licensed commercial software, and keeping applications updated and patched up to allow you to validate results.
Forensics as a profession encompasses a whole lot of branches. You may start out as forensic science technician and through work experience you eventually discover that working in computer forensics is your thing. It won't exempt you from training because of the technical nature of the work, but what you've gained in your work will still add to your competence and skills.
If you're wondering whether the job pays well, the challenges will give you a comfortable computer forensics salary in the range of $47,000 to $80,000.
With education, experience, a strong network and an unquenchable desire to learn, you'll go a long way as a computer forensics specialist.
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