Harm can be done to almost anyone these days by hackers and crackers. These pernicious individuals use their knowledge of computers to break into corporation and government sites. While there, they can steal industrial trade secrets or even vital government security information. These hackers are not only annoying, they are potentially dangerous. No one is safe from these criminals, even private people can have their personal information stolen. This is called identity theft and is a multi-billion dollar business in the United States alone.
Fortunately, there is help to fight against crackers and hackers, and that is the computer forensics expert. A highly trained person, the computer forensics experts is a specialist at undoing the damage done, as well as providing security beforehand to prevent damage. Knowledgeable not only in computers, this specialist is also familiar with the preparation of documents that will be needed in legal matters.
Breaking into a corporation’s computers and stealing information is a criminal matter. It really is no different than stealing money from a bank. Information is the lifeblood of modern business, and stolen trade secrets mean income lost. The computer forensics expert will recover data from the digital media that will aid in presenting a case for prosecution.
Knowing how to access this data, and recovering it from files, laptops, computers, and such things as spreadsheets all falls into the range of knowledge of the computer forensics expert. Besides the ability to ferret out this important information, the expert must also understand how to prepare this data in a form that will be admissible in a court of law. Very often, the computer forensics expert will be called upon to give expert testimony in court, so their ability to perform their forensics work accurately and dependably is vital.
As computer forensics is a relatively new field, there are no specific prerequisites needed, such as might be found in medicine or other demanding disciplines. However, when looking to become a computer forensics expert, one should try to include some very important areas in their education.
A good place to begin is by conducting a study of computer crimes, following the old adage to ‘know thy enemy’. Understanding how hackers and crackers operate will give the expert more ability to detect them. Study should also be made of the protection of computer systems, how to detect an infiltration, investigation methods, security intrusions, management techniques (one has to know how business works in order to detect security breaches), and how to credibly and intelligibly present digital evidence in court. A good background in the security of information systems is also important.
Becoming a computer forensics expert will allow the individual to become part of a fast growing sector of the economy. Almost everyone, from private persons to corporations, can at some time or other be in need of an expert to help them recover from a hacker attack. The employment opportunities are nearly unlimited, and the further one carries their education, and the higher their expertise, the greater will be the financial rewards. Law enforcement and government agencies make use of computer forensics experts. While some of these experts may be ‘in house’, many are highly paid freelancers who own their own consulting firms.
Anyone looking to become a computer forensics expert should be aware that various certifications are often needed in order for the person to be considered qualified. Acquiring credibility as a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), or as a Certified Information System Security Professional will often be needed. Information on how to achieve this certification is available from a number of sources online.
Choosing the right computer forensics experts to serve as your expert witnesses can make a big difference in whether you win your legal case in court. While the demonstrated skill level of the technician will certainly help you collect the information you need, you must also be able to present it to the jury in a way that they will fully understand. Additionally, the jury members must believe that your digital forensics expert is credible. Unfortunately, many data recovery services do not offer testimonial services, so you will need to obtain the services of an outside expert. When you are selecting another computer forensic examiner to review your case and provide his or her expert opinion, make sure that you choose one who will create the best possible impression in the jury’s mind. Here are some things to look for when selecting a digital forensics expert to testify on your behalf.
1. Enough Time on the Job
Computer forensics is unique combination of technological expertise and good old-fashioned intuition. Experts who have spent years plowing through damaged, corrupted hard drives in search of elusive clues have developed a knack for finding data in hidden corners that a less experienced analyst might miss or be unable to recover. Make sure your chosen expert has done enough work in the areas where you need assistance to ensure that he or she knows where to look and how to extract the needed information.
2. Testimonial Experience
If you think your case might go to trial, choose an expert with experience testifying before a jury. Computer forensics techniques are highly specialized and can be difficult to explain to the lay person. An expert who has worked with attorneys in the past will have a better appreciation of how to explain the techniques and the results so that jury members can understand the significance of the findings. If your case hinges on what was found in the computer’s hard drive, you want to be sure the jury knows exactly what was found and why it matters.
3. Good Credentials
It’s the truth: jury members will be more likely to seriously consider the testimony of trained, certified computer forensics experts than they will self-taught independent contractors, no matter how good the latter is at finding and recovering data. That doesn’t mean that your expert has to have a degree from MIT, but it does mean that he or she should be able to provide some verification of his or her education and qualifications. If you don’t bring it up now, you can be certain the opposing attorney will at the trial.
4. Good Reputation
Like credentials, a good reputation is essential if your expert’s testimony is going to carry sufficient weight in court. An expert who has a history of providing inaccurate or misleading testimony could sink your case, even if the work done for you is completely above board. Review your expert’s case history if possible, paying particular attention to the type of testimony given and any discrepancies indicated. By avoiding association with an expert that has a black mark on his or her testimonial record, you can increase the chance that your computer forensics evidence will be considered fairly.
5. Professional Firm Affiliation
Professional firms that specialize in computer forensics services are becoming much more common. These groups have a team of analysts trained in performing the computer forensics data recovery services thoroughly and efficiently. Expert testimony is also provided if needed. The backing of the professional firm lends additional credibility to your witness, which is why many litigators prefer to solely work with computer forensics experts who are part of a specialist firm.
By ensuring that your expert is experienced, well-qualified and respected, you can increase the strength of your computer forensics evidence at trial. Evaluate your options carefully and choose the one that will help you win your case.