Hi,
Just registered on this nice little forum,
I am 20 years old and 2nd year Forensic Computing, I won't say which uni because just mentioning the name makes me want to hit myself on the head with a brick.
It is my fault for just assuming it would be forensics without looking at the course module outline when applying.
Anyways, 2nd year, have not been taught anything regarding forensic computing to this very day, have been taught HTML, Java, Java, Java and some Maths.
I decided to complete the CCE to give my CV a bit of a boost. But I was wondering can anyone recommend any further training, EnCase etc?
My a friend of mine who is a Head Hunter for Forensics Companies told me he comes across people everyday who are qualified but hardly anyone is skilled, and I was wondering what you people thought about that?
Thanks.
I can't speak to the UK University system, so I hope one of the many wise folks on the forum who can, will. That said, it sounds like their core program is Computer Science. Nothing wrong with that but for forensics is should be Operating systems, operating systems and operating systems. Some Internet too. Check the program catalogue to see when/if you get computer forensics.
The CCE is a good start. Depending on how much money you have, both the ACE and EnCE will also help but valude depends on what the hiring agency uses. Any thought to working in Law Enforcement? Might be a thought. If so some criminal justice might be helpful. A visit to your local police might give you some good insight to what they look for in a potential officer.
Best wishes in your endevors.
Hi, DDOW
In fact I just came back from the police station and they gave me alot of info regarding their departments and especially their Hi-Tech Crime Unit, which is something I wouldn't mind doing.
I have checked the course modules/outline and there is no forensics even in the final year.
Thanks for your help.
A good Bachelor's degree in IT/CS is always going to be worth having on the resume. You need a good foundation in the basics of computer science if you want to have an easier time understanding new concepts in forensics. Plus it adds to your credibility when you testify.
If your local police stations are anything like the local boys when I was in Australia, they know jack squat about the forensics unit. Call HQ, ask for the forensic computing unit. If they don't have a clue, or put you through to the IT department, call and ask for the Computer Crime unit. Find the first forensic analyst there and ask his advice about getting hired into their unit.
Police seem much happier to train a new forensics guy than private. All the privates I know of want 2 years experience just to get in the entry level. To be honest, I personally consider anyone with less than 2 years of actual full time forensics work to be clueless anyway. You need 20-30 cases just to get a decent breadth of exposure.
Good luck to you.