WHY BECOME AN INVESTIGATOR?

Choosing a career is no easy feat. If you have different hobbies and interests, narrowing these down and picking one job is daunting. There are so many career paths available to us and so many routes we can take to get there, but ultimately the decision is your own. If you’re interested in becoming an investigator or you’re wondering whether computer forensics is your forte, there are a few things to keep in mind first.

Technical expertise

When you’re working with computers, cell phones and other devices, technical expertise is a must. It doesn’t matter how much you like the idea of a job, if you cannot handle the practicalities and advanced technology involved, you’re not likely to be successful. But if you know your way around a PC or you have the capacity to learn, becoming a forensic investigator will suit you perfectly. If you have the skills, training in computer forensics will be a challenge you can face head on.

Helping others

There are many vocations you can follow if helping others is your priority. From nursing and care work to teaching and charity, there is no shortage of job opportunities where you can make a difference. Fortunately, forensic investigation falls in this category too: your work can be the difference between someone going to jail or keeping their freedom, proving their innocence or living in the shadow of doubt. Your work can change the future of families living without their loved ones, and you can ensure the right person is brought to justice and prevent them from committing more crimes. There is no greater way of helping society than by keeping dangerous criminals off the streets, so if helping others is important to you than forensic investigation is a great career path.

Exciting challenges

Forensic investigation is like a puzzle. You have some clues here and there, but it’s your job to gather the information and put the pieces together. If you enjoy crosswords, sudoku, escape rooms, jigsaws or any game that puts your mind to the test, forensic investigation is the career for you. Those who thrive under pressure, readily accept challenges and get satisfaction from a job well done will no doubt enjoy great success as an investigator.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/why-become-an-investigator/

WHAT IS COMPUTER FORENSICS?

Computer forensics is a specialist process in which experts analyse data stored on electronic devices. Evidence which may be retrieved includes:

·       SMS messages

·       Emails

·       Images

·       Videos

·       Internet history

·       Operating data

·       Downloads

·       Files

·       Intellectual property

Experts can trace PCs, cell phones, hard drives and other electronics to find this data. Even if the devices have been damaged, burned or water-logged, it’s possible to retrieve information that could be critical to your case.

Programs that replicate the images of media stored on devices are often used in these cases. This allows the investigator to mirror data to use in court proceedings whilst keeping the original intact and protected. This can also be useful for covertly extracting information without the device owner’s knowledge.

Experts

Experts take a methodical approach to ensure that factual information is extracted for civil or criminal matters, adhering to strict guidelines to maintain the integrity of the data. Failure to comply with these rigorous procedures may result in evidence being inadmissible in court.

Computer forensics investigators are not simply IT technicians. Years of skill, training and experience is required to ensure devices are analyzed adequately. The amount of data stored on a single device can hold significant value for a case, so it’s essential that a dedicated computer forensic expert in Dallas oversees the process. Without this expertise, crucial evidence can be lost or become inadmissible.

Applications

Computer forensics has applications for almost every case. Because we do so much on our cell phones and laptops these days, there is a wealth of useful information and data stored on these devices that could help any type of investigation. Computer forensics is particularly valuable for cases involving:

·       Fraud

·       Employment disputes

·       Intellectual property

·       Murder

If you’d like to learn more about computer forensics or you need an expert for your case, get in touch with ICFECI today.

Resource: https://www.icfeci.com/what-is-computer-forensics/