Hi, I'm currently in my final year of a bachelors of science in IT, and have been trying to figure the appropriate way to educate myself in as much about computer forensics as possible. I want to do forensics but the only formal education is postgrad tertiary diplomas, of which id been unaware of up until finding this site.
Is it necessary for me to go through that diploma course or is it more suitable for me to be self-educated. Furthermore if i am to learn anything outside of uni, where is the best possible place to start?
I would appreciate any feedback on this as I have been unable to find the appropriate course of action. Programming is all well and good to teach yourself, but when you talk about investigative techniques, the eternal well of available knowledge shrunk on me.
This forum is a great start. Check out the following Getting Started Area
http//www.forensicfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=10
As well as the "Resources" area to the left. Read, read then read some more.
Take the time to look at the field and do a self assessment to see what areas you might need to build your strengths. If you feel a formal education is warranted then by all means do it. Having a degree really depends on the areas you might want to get a employment and depending on on experience and skill may not even matter.
Hi eatondan, take a look at the following thread for a current discussion about getting in to CF in Australia
http//www.forensicfocus.com/index.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7137
Self education is a good start, you may want to consider some software vendor related training. Books are a good start as well.
Anyway, as Douglas said, do some browsing around here on Forensic Focus as this is a resource that is used extensively by newbies and experienced CF professionals alike.
Also I think most of the tools you can get 30 day trial versions. Maybe download EnCase and FTK (Expect phone calls!) and play with them, give you a feel for what is used. Also FTK Imager, thats free, create images. This and read the many books out there!
If you get a job and fancy a job swap, I'm more than open to going to Oz and you coming over here to Blighty D
Good luck with it all!
There's nothing wrong with educating yourself and there are plenty of good ways to do that these days. I recommend starting your exploration through some of the high quality digital forensics books out there. I have a