Becoming a Computer Investigator

In the transition to a digital economy, there are growingthe needs of the organization they are applying to
opportunities to work as a computer investigator withinwork with. The most common certification programs
the security industry. Drawing from a wide range ofinclude the Encase ENCE Certified Program which
skill sets, computer investigators work to both preventrequire passage of training courses and a certification
and investigate technical crimes using forensicsexam, the Computer Forensic External Certification
techniques in both private industry and at public(CCE) which is an exam for law enforcement officials,
organizations.the CFGA Certified Forensic Analyst exam, the QFE
Working as a computer forensics investigator, you areQualified Forensic Expert training course and exam, as
actively involved in working with law enforcement andwell as the law enforcement Certified Electronic
legal professionals to gather data evidence fromCollections Specialist exam.
incidents ranging from hacking to general computerBefore embarking on a specific training course, you
crime. An important element of the career is helpingshould check which certifications your prospective
institutions to prevent computer-based crime, in additionemployer requires - their preferences will vary
to investigating incidents after the fact.depending on whether you are entering the private or
Most commonly, computer investigators are utilized topublic sector, along with specific state and local
research data that has been erased from a computerrequirements. Many employers require proficiency in
or secured with encryption - investigators work tocomputer science and security, although most do not
recover this data so it can be used as evidence. Inspecifically mandate a degree in computer forensics.
order to work as a certified professional in the fieldInstead, many computer investigators have degrees in
there are a wide range of skills necessary to earn amathematics, statistics or computer science, which
license. In particular, you should be able to know theprovide an analytical skill set that can be applied to the
details of computer hardware, have knowledge ofspecific set of skills necessary for computer
encryption systems and have an understanding ofinvestigation techniques. Many corporations and public
court procedures.organizations offer on-job training, which can help
Many college and universities offer degree programsfacilitate the process of earning certification, although
which aim to help you develop the skills necessary foryou can streamline this process by entering a degree
earn certification. There are many certification optionsprogram which focuses on certifications. Louis Zhang,
which prospective investigators can take, depending onAccrcomputerforensics dot com.