As computer forensics has become increasingly important to civil and criminal trials, certification for computer experts has been a growing business. Today there are a handful of nonprofit and for-profit organizations that offer computer forensic certification programs. However, no one program or authority has appeared to define what a computer forensic certification should entail, which means these programs can vary wildly in terms of quality. "The fact is that most certifications in computer forensics mean little more than that the person has paid a fee and completed a form," says Craig Ball, a computer forensics examiner in Austin, Texas. "I hold multiple certifications, so it's not that I feel they have no value; but I think that you can pass the certification exams and still be a markedly inadequate examiner."
Very interesting article. Five years in the industry and I've only just had the opportunity to achieve my first certification, guess I've been lucky so far (touch wood) to not have my qualifications and experience challenged in court. But at this stage of my career did I actually learn anything new from the certification process that I didn't already know……what difference has it made to my expertise?
I like the bit at the end though
"But I think it's also important to remember that this is still a small profession, and if someone doesn't know their business, word gets out."
I think that is particularly true and I appreciate that aspect of the industry, a niche profession provides more opportunities for one to shine and helps safeguard against cowboy operators.
Interesting article! I'm still learning about the work and industry of forensics, so issues like a lack of standardization and varying quality of certifications is good to be aware of. Thanks for sharing it!
I found this
In addition, certification programs that are currently restricted to only military or law enforcement employees may soon accept civilian applicants, which may allow for more rigorous certifications to be obtained more widely. Or, it may just bring more confusion to the business.
particularly interesting because graduation is in my near future, and I've been looking at the certifications out there and scratching my head. I get that EnCE is the gold standard, but I would love to add a (previously) law/military exclusive certification to my CV as well.
I found this
In addition, certification programs that are currently restricted to only military or law enforcement employees may soon accept civilian applicants, which may allow for more rigorous certifications to be obtained more widely. Or, it may just bring more confusion to the business.
particularly interesting because graduation is in my near future, and I've been looking at the certifications out there and scratching my head. I get that EnCE is the gold standard, but I would love to add a (previously) law/military exclusive certification to my CV as well.
Choose your own adventure, Forensicator edition
Professionally where do you want to go?
Private sector
Private practice
For another company
Internal investigations
LE
Government
Education
Whoever hires me is not an answer - no one should be or want to be hired by employer that just needs to fill a spot w/o a candidate that has some direction.
Evaluate yourself > Evaluate the options > Then pick the certs.
I get that EnCE is the gold standard
Really? I beg to differ and I don't think I'm alone. EnCE is possibly the gold standard of vendor certs, but many CF professionals believe that a vendor neutral cert is far more valuable and credible because the good neutral certs focus on methodology and technology instead of tools.
Sorry, I should have clarified that that's what I meant. I suppose that I should have said
"I get that EnCE is the vendor cert gold standard, but as far as vendor neutral certs go, I would love to add a (previously) law/military exclusive certification to my CV as well."