I'm new to the forum, so figured I'd start out with a little background. My approach may seem a little unorthodox compared to someone who knew they wanted to get into computer forensics before attending any educational institutions. If I knew that this is where my interests lied, I would have pursued an actual CF degree instead of my current B.S. in Information Technology (have about a year left). I also supplemented this with a minor in Criminal Justice. On top of this, I was a computer technician for a year, so I already have my feet wet in the technology industry, even if it was at the low end of the totem pole.
I decided to get into computer forensics due to an event that involved me discovering massive amounts of child pornography on a customer's computer, then assisting detectives with what I found and testifying against the guy in court. Ever since then I had this intense urge to get involved in CJ, but from the technological aspect of it….hence, computer forensics.
What my question is is am I on the right track considering my situation (I'm not going to discontinue my IT degree, waste all that time spent, and pursue an actual CF degree)? I figured supplementing my major with CJ, and also doing so just because I have a real interest in CJ too, would definitely help. I'm finding, especially with the discovery and handling of evidence, it is invaluable to have some sort of a CJ background.
My other question has to do with certifications. Putting actual CF certifications aside for now, what outside, if any, certs are important? I am currently studying for the A+, which I figure is a pretty universal cert that can pretty much help in any area of IT. But should I also concentrate on getting certified in some OSs such as XP, 7, Linux….etc.? I imagine knowledge of server OSs is important too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Depends on what stage you're at in your course. There might be a possibility of adding a couple of forensics units onto your degree programme, if you're prepared to fork out extra money and if your course leaders allow you to do that. It's probably worth discussing your options with them.
There are external certifications like EnCE and others you could go for. The forensics tutors I know are recommending something known as the CF1 certification. If you're very lucky the university might help you with that also.
My best advice is to make sure it's what you really want. I found it a tough decision to make, given the nature of some of the stuff investigators come across, and the employment prospects are likely better with a general IT degree.
Also, keep your eyes open for local events hosted by BCS, IET and other associations, as they sometimes arrange presentations on digital forensics. I've met with detectives through those, and generally they're more than happy to help people in your position.
I'll keep that in mind. Couldn't hurt to see if my college would work with me on any of this. Thanks for the info!
I'm interested in how you got started.
You found massive amounts of CP on a customers computer? Was this you going to people's houses and working on their computers, working at a major retailer, working at a small in house shop?
How did you know it was CP, what were you doing that caused you to notice the CP, what did you do to help the detectives?
I'm new to the forum, so figured I'd start out with a little background. My approach may seem a little unorthodox compared to someone who knew they wanted to get into computer forensics before attending any educational institutions. If I knew that this is where my interests lied, I would have pursued an actual CF degree instead of my current B.S. in Information Technology (have about a year left). I also supplemented this with a minor in Criminal Justice. On top of this, I was a computer technician for a year, so I already have my feet wet in the technology industry, even if it was at the low end of the totem pole.
I decided to get into computer forensics due to an event that involved me discovering massive amounts of child pornography on a customer's computer, then assisting detectives with what I found and testifying against the guy in court. Ever since then I had this intense urge to get involved in CJ, but from the technological aspect of it….hence, computer forensics.
What my question is is am I on the right track considering my situation (I'm not going to discontinue my IT degree, waste all that time spent, and pursue an actual CF degree)? I figured supplementing my major with CJ, and also doing so just because I have a real interest in CJ too, would definitely help. I'm finding, especially with the discovery and handling of evidence, it is invaluable to have some sort of a CJ background.
My other question has to do with certifications. Putting actual CF certifications aside for now, what outside, if any, certs are important? I am currently studying for the A+, which I figure is a pretty universal cert that can pretty much help in any area of IT. But should I also concentrate on getting certified in some OSs such as XP, 7, Linux….etc.? I imagine knowledge of server OSs is important too. Any help would be greatly appreciated.