I am looking for some advice in regards to forensics.
I have received certifications in forensics and I have attended several training courses such as NW3C. I have also been purchasing used hard drives from ebay and analyzing these drives.
I would like to do some consulting in the state of Indiana and Michigan in regards to forensics but it seems it's difficult to get started. I have done some minor forensics at my current employer but to get out in the private sector how would you suggest doing it?
I have contacted a few attorneys in regards to forensics and they don't seem to think there is much need for it etc etc.
Well for starters, Michigan last I checked requires a PI license to do CF, so that's going to be an issue for you to address.
The market is a bit flooded right now, most attorneys have someone they use and are comfortable with that person. Everyone heard from their college advisers take computer forensics courses you will have a ton of work and now those people are still looking for work as well as getting other jobs just to support a side business of computer forensics.
You also have to deal with people who have been around a long time cutting their rates down because of the lack of business and people who charge incredibly low rates and someone maybe gives them a shot because of their low rates. In the end though the people charging 100/hr for work like this generally weed themselves out.
Not sure that the whole I've been buying hard drives off Ebay and analyzing them offers any reason for someone to switch from their current provider to you.
There are also a bunch of threads on this topic if you search in this forum and others.
Thanks for the info both of you but what do you recommend?
It sounds like you might be a current active duty law enforcement officer rather than someone looking to go into digital forensics full time. Would that be correct? We can give better advice if we have some idea of what your present situation is and what you would like to achieve.
Eric
I work in IT as an Network Systems Manager and I'm looking to get more into the realm of forensic work. I've been in IT for about 8 years from helpdesk, tech specialist, systems administrator, now Systems Manager.
Forensics and Auditing is where I would like to focus but more around the realm of forensics. Like I mentioned before, I have done several small cases with internal employee issues but nothing extravagant and in the environment I work at, I don't see forensics taking off so I thought about doing it on the side for a while since I do enjoy the work and could use a little extra cash.
Go have a look at http//
imho should prove more valuable than ebay hard drives.
Much like the way that polling works, if you've called some attorney's and they don't see a need for it, you aren't going to make any extra cash.
In addition, you will need insurance, probably more than one kind of software, upgrades each year for your software, a secure place for your data to be stored offline, the ability to leave on a moments notice as now a days there are more fast-track cases than prearranged ones.
This isn't a job you can just jump into trying to get a few extra bucks.
appreciate the positive feedback
The FBI will hire you without experience as long as you have the other requirements mainly the BS degree with minimum 20 credits in hard science and math classes. Sounds like your background experience is adequate just need the degree.
Search USAJobs.com for FBI and Forensic Examiner. CART is the name of the section of the FBI that does forensics. Just keep looking, they come around every few months as new offices open or expand and others leave offices. You'll likely have to move though, the odds of an opening in your local office is small.
Good luck.