Career Path in Computer Forensics

Career in Forensic Science

            In regards of the previous post I had called "Forensic Dentistry", Professor Quinn had commented on it and asked me if there was a possible career path. Forensic science does well entertaining me by the nature of its duties. When I think about forensic science, I feel like an amateur Sherlock Holmes or an innocent Dexter and feel fascinated by the investigation part. I'm currently majoring in the field of computer science and almost feel obligated to researching careers in computer forensics (computer forensics is studying legal evidence through computers and digital storage media technology). This may not be the most interesting field of forensic science to many, but I can relate to it with my current major and is worth researching.

About Computer Forensics

            In case one has not read the previous computer forensic post, computer forensics deal with investigations through legal evidence on computers and any digital storage. Crimes through uses with the computer can be identified and evaluated to solve the case. Any action dealt on a computer is recorded and is usually dated, thus the computer forensic specialists come into play (Lerner and Lerner 1). However, these traces to the operations are very fragile and the files containing the operations can be easily lost. There are many steps to analyzing computer data, but to sum it up, specialists perform: examinations on the computer, network devices, compact disks, unallocated space, and emails and so on. This was a brief explanation of computer forensics, read more on my previous blog called "Computer Forensics".

Eligibility for Computer Forensics

            To apply for computer forensic jobs, one requires lengthy education involving knowledge of the ever-growing evolving computers. According to Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, " Computer forensics is a relatively new area of forensic science and one that requires considerable expert knowledge of operating systems, computer hardware and software, and the workings of the Internet" (1). Just knowing how a computer works is not always enough, the applicant for a computer forensic position must be cunning. For example, terrorists or opposing forces can attempt hacking sensitive information from any company or organization, the scientist must be able to prevent them or stop further stolen information if leaked. Possible bachelor degrees include computer science, criminal justice, or engineering and so on (Niznik 1).Although it is possible to gain interviews without degrees, certain certifications (A+, Network+, Security+) can be used as a substitute. Certifications are trainings proving the higher learning of knowledge that one contains, usually meant for low income students without college experience or returning veterans to help connect them to potential employers. The degrees and certifications are great, but the most important factor of becoming a computer forensic is knowing the tools of your trade and the law system. One must be heavily knowledgeable to avoid missed opportunities because in this field, time is of the essence.

Computer Forensics Specialist's Salary

            Here below lies a table of the years of experience and average annual salary for a computer forensics specialist. The table was created via Microsoft Word while the data was taken from an online source (Salaries 1). As one can see from the graph, the salary drastically increases through years of experience.

Average Salary by Years of Experience
0 Years	1-4 Years	5-9 Years
$40,000	$40,000-$80,000	$80,000-$120,000

Conclusion

            Forensic science is a very interesting field to me and although the initial spark of the topic was from the show Dexter, the future career choice is very real. The salary is low at first, but it drastically increases through small increments of experience via years as seen through the table above. Technology is a rapidly growing field in our world and is a major component of everyday life. The benefits of learning the processes and the uses of technology itself is a huge benefit, getting paid to put that knowledge to everyday use is a phenomenal career choice.

Works Cited

"Computer forensics." World of Forensic Science. Ed. K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner. Detroit: Gale, 2006. Science In Context. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

"Salaries of a Computer Forensics Specialist." EHow. Demand Media, 21 July 2009. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.

Niznik, John S. "Computer Forensics Careers." About.com Tech Careers. About.com, 2013. Web. 27 Mar. 2013.