Computer forensics career

Discussion in 'Employment & Jobs' started by JLPCORR, Jun 29, 2008.

  1. JLPCORR

    JLPCORR New Member

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    Hi
    I am looking to get into computer forensics as a career. Has anybody any experience in this field and what would be a suitable career path.
    Currently I am working in a helpdesk role (3 months). I want more hands on. I did write a dissertation on forensic computing for my msc in IT. I have found an open university course which may be suitable: http://www3.open.ac.uk/courses/bin/p12.dll?C01M889
    Some universities provide msc qualifications. How would I gain expereience in this field?
    Any advice would be much appreciated.
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  2. JLPCORR

    JLPCORR New Member

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    I should add that I am A+ certified and currently studying for the N+.
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  3. disarm

    disarm Byte Poster

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    Yes, but would that also mean that you'll have to join the filth?:ohmy
     
  4. sunn

    sunn Gigabyte Poster

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    Computer forensics career can be a great career - but it's not an entry-level career. You're doing helpdesk now, so you'll want to get into security and move from there. I'm sure there are various paths to get into forensics but the major classifications will likely go:

    VERY HIGH LEVEL
    1) Entry IT (i.e. Helpdesk)
    2) Entry Specialization / Niche (i.e. Security / Voice)
    3) Further specialization in the niche category
     
  5. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    I think you wrong there, you can start off from the bottom in forensics (well here in the uk - not sure about elsewhere). Its a very new market so you need a lucky break more than anything else. You will need to learn EnCase and possibly look at their cert program once you get into the field, M.Sc wise i have a list of uni's doing a whole M.Sc and not just a module from open uni:

    Click here for the list of uni's...

    Im completing my degree then moving onto M.Sc in this field so i done a lot of research and it seems the best two courses are Glasgow and Cranfield the later being a 3 Year part time course...
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  6. steve_f

    steve_f Byte Poster

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    My wife is in Digital Forensics, she did a masters in the Uni. of East London in "Information Security and Digital Forensics"

    She is just starting out, but the money is good and it's a very interesting, expanding sector.

    You gotta get into the private/corporate sector though, otherwise you'll end up going through people's siezed computers looking for child porn all day long.
     
    Certifications: MCDST, MCSA 2003+Messaging, MCITP:SA, MCSA 2008, ITIL v3 Foundation, Comptia Server+ 2009, CCA Xenapp 6.5, VCP5-DV
    WIP: CCENT, CCNA, CCSA
  7. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    Well thats part of the job, and if you serious about computer forensics you will need to handle it because it will be your job to get the evidence to put sick people like that away, and im very prepared to do that. 8)
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  8. sunn

    sunn Gigabyte Poster

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    That's interesting...
    I've only seen it on the market for some very specific industries, but I always got the impression they wanted people that have seen it all, people that knew the insides of a system / technology / hardware on top of the tools of the trade.

    I can see your point if it is an emerging demand though.
     
  9. BosonMichael
    Honorary Member Highly Decorated Member Award 500 Likes Award

    BosonMichael Yottabyte Poster

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    What Sunn has said has been my experience with it as well: it is not a field you get into from the bottom.
     
    Certifications: CISSP, MCSE+I, MCSE: Security, MCSE: Messaging, MCDST, MCDBA, MCTS, OCP, CCNP, CCDP, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CNE, SCSA, Security+, Linux+, Server+, Network+, A+
    WIP: Just about everything!
  10. Ence

    Ence Kilobyte Poster

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    computer forensics - not but working with the Police

    I did send my CV off some months back, It was working with the Police on confiscation equipment, Unlock computers,Data recovery,Putting data together for court. Did sound vary cool a bit CSI.

    But I withdraw my application after a phone interview, Some of the computers were owned by Pedofiles.
    You have to be strong not to get upset by seeing that crap.

    edit:
    just read steve_f post
     
  11. zimbo
    Honorary Member

    zimbo Petabyte Poster

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    I guess then you can say its not a job for everyone! Like homicide police officers have to deal with bodies i guess this is part and parcel of the job, but as mentioned you can go into the private sector too. 8)
     
    Certifications: B.Sc, MCDST & MCSA
    WIP: M.Sc - Computer Forensics
  12. JLPCORR

    JLPCORR New Member

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    Thanks for the replies.
     
    Certifications: Comptia A+
    WIP: Comptia N+
  13. Colloghi

    Colloghi Kilobyte Poster

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    Certifications: A+, MCP 270, 271, MCDST
    WIP: 290

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