General Motors

Mary Hankins
Mr. Habib
Business 102
September 19, 2009

Computer Forensics Specialist
Computer forensics also called digital forensics, network forensics or cyberforensics , is a rapidly growing field that involving gathering and analyzing evidence from computers and networks. Because of computers and the internet are the fastest growing technology used for criminal activity, the need for computer forensics will increase in years to come.

A computer forensics specialist examines computer media, programs, data   and log files on computers, servers, and network. According to Shelly and Cashman( Computer Careers), many areas employ computer forensics specialists, including law enforcement, criminal prosecutors, military intelligence, insurance agencies, and information security departments in the private sectors. A computer forensics specialists must have knowledge of the law, technical experience with many types of hardware and software products, superior communication skills, a willingness to learn and update skills, and a knack for problem solving.

When a problem occurs, it is the responsibility of the computer forensics specialist to care fully take several steps to identify and retrieve possible evidence that may exist on a suspect’s computer. These steps include protecting the suspect’s computer, discovering all files, recovering deleted files, revealing hidden files, accessing protected or encrypted files, analyzing all the data and providing expert conclusions.
A computer forensics specialist must have knowledge of all aspects of the computer, from the operating system to computer architecture and hardware design. In the past, many computer forensics specialists were self taught computer user. Today, extensive training, usually form several different sources is required. A degree in Computer Science should be supplemented with graduate courses and university- level professionals development certificates. [continues]

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