Hello, I recently graduated with a criminal justice degree. My mentor who works in the financial fraud investigations introduced me to world of cyber crime as well as the police department I interned at. I have been researching several IT/ Forensic based fields, but the career that encompasses the best of both world for me personally is Cyber Crime Investigations. I want to make sure Im on the correct track, and clarify a few things that I have researched.
1- Online I have read that CC investigators are the same as forensic examiners. Is this true or are they a combination of Information security, forensics, and network penetrator testing and ethical hacking?
2- I plan to start a ISA certificate transition course in January. What would be a practical progression (cert. and job related experiences) to gain the necessary skills to become a CC Investigator?
3. How would I get into an entry level position is an internship or shadowing a good method, or should I just apply?
Thanks for the suggestions and feed back
Hello and congratulations.
On the police department side the cyber crime investigator may also be a forensic examiner. However, I consider the two disciplines separate. An investigator could have one or more of the following skills and be part of a team (that may include a forensic examiner)
An interviewer that understands various crimes and the role that technology plays in the case at hand.
An understanding of how to gather evidence from online sources i.e. web pages, emails, instant messaging, Internet Service Providers (proper legal paperwork such as a subpoena, search warrant, etc…).
Able to draft and execute knock and talks and search warrants.
Identify, collect, package, and secure digital evidence.
A solid understanding of investigative techniques.
Now this person may also be trained as a forensic examiner to examine digital evidence. However, some organizations may have examiners in a lab, trained personnel to collect evidence in the field, and a separate investigation division. Other organizations may have persons that are dual trained in both disciplines.
I'll let someone else comment on the private sector investigators, examiners, and security.
Contacting the companies and law enforcement in your area about internships, job shadowing, may be a good place to start. You may want to check with the school you graduated from and your mentor to see if they can help you.
If you look through posts on this site you will see others with similar questions about starting out with regards to training, books, websites, certifications, and other options.
I wish you all the best as you start out on your career path.
Chris
I had to come back to this to suggest one other thing on the police side. Most agencies dont offer you to start as an investigator/examiner. If you are interested then apply to a law enforcement agency and start as a patrol officer. Your interest in high tech crimes may help you and bring you to the attention of your supervisor/agency.
Internships/job shadowing may be nice for experience and training, but it probably does not pay the bills. So look for a position in law enforcement or the private sector that will have opportunities for you to work towards.
Regards,
Chris
Thanks for the post. I will try to look for more information on the topic. My mentor told me take classes from SANS. I'm am still not clear if I should take more on an Network Security Approach or CCE approach for CCI on the private sector. Cause LE does provide you with the resources and training needed to perform the job.