I am considering a career in computer forensics but there is so much information out there that it's a little hard to know where to begin. I have high technical aptitudes and have always taught myself everything. I don't have any certs or degrees currently. I've been into computers since I was 5 years old and worked in the IT field from 1996-2002. During that time I did hardware repair, hardware design, web design, light programming, testing, sysadmin and all kinds of other things over the course of three different companies. Since that time, I've made sure to hone my skills with virus removal, web programming, etc for friends and family just so I don't get too rusty since my current field (real estate) is entirely unrelated.
I've been reading a book about forensics and I'm know I can do the work with a bit of training and direction. Ultimately I would like to work as a contractor/consultant in the private/legal sector however a couple of years under my belt would be a must before I jumped into a lawsuit.
Where would be a good place to start? Which online training courses are reputable and reasonable? I'm in the Seattle area and would prefer to do courses only as far away as a reasonable drive such as California. I don't want to blindly throw money at education and software without some sort of road map and plan in place. Are the days of apprenticeships and on the job training long gone for this type of work?
Are the days of apprenticeships and on the job training long gone for this type of work?
Not necessarily; but for these types of jobs, based on my own cursory search, it seems you need to be in the right place at the right time, or be willing to relocate.