Computer Forensics Blog

When a computer crashes or otherwise is rendered unusable, many people just dispose of the old machine in the trash. For businesses and individuals who have personal information stored on their old machines, this can turn out to be a nightmare. Even if the information isn’t accessible by the owner, it can be by a bad guy. This is where computer forensic expertise can come in handy to protect valuable data prior to disposal.

While not all computer forensic experts offer services designed to protect old hard drives from information thieves, some do. When this is the case, a computer forensic expert will:

Completely wipe a hard drive clean – The purpose of hard drive cleaning services prior to disposal is to make sure that traces of data, such as credit card numbers and banking information, cannot be accessed by anyone. Computer forensic experts often offer this service along with a host of others designed to protect people, businesses and their personal information.

Certify the work – When a computer forensics expert does offer hard drive cleaning service, chances are certification of the work will go along with the job. This is important especially for companies that need the peace of mind a written guarantee provides.

If a computer is functional, but is being replaced with an upgrade, computer forensic experts can still provide some security. A hard drive wipe won’t render a hard drive useless. This means old computers can be passed on to others or donated to charity without concern that sensitive information will fall into the wrong hands.

Throwing away a computer or passing it along without having the hard drive properly cleaned can prove to be a very bad idea. The truth is that even damaged hard drives can be accessed by skilled information thieves and personal data can be compromised. When computer forensic experts handle a data wipe, however, the worries can melt away.

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There are a lot of reasons people call on computer forensics experts. In most cases, these skilled professionals are relied upon to help in criminal or civil investigations. They can, however, be the perfect specialists to call on following an attack on a network or individual computer.

Computer forensic experts work in a hybrid field. Their daily work has them delving into both computer and investigative sciences, with dips into other arenas, as well. Generally cross-trained in law enforcement, these individuals are branching out into private practice more and more.

If a computer has been attacked by a hacker or data thief, there are a number of reasons to rely on the expertise of a computer forensics expert. Some of the reasons to call this type of specialist include:

Criminal or civil investigations – A computer forensic pro can help with criminal or civil investigations related to the attack. The professional in question may defer to law enforcement in the event of a criminal case, but is likely to work along with a legal team in a civil matter.

Data recovery – If an attack caused the loss of data, a computer forensics analyst might be able to assist in the recovery. They are highly skilled at finding, recovering and even repairing lost or damaged electronic information.

Prevention – Forensic computer investigators are the ideal people to call upon to prevent future attacks. Following a breakdown of computer security, these specialists can often figure out exactly how bad guys got into a network and identify the steps that need to be taken to prevent further incidents in the future.

Computer forensics analysts are the specialists to call following an attack on a network or individual machine. Their unique training helps them find out how a break in happened and gives them the skills to prevent further issues.

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Computer forensic investigators do not always work in the field of law enforcement. In fact, many individuals and companies are discovering that professionals in this unique line of work can be very important in their lives for a number of reasons.

Although it’s true many computer forensics experts get their start in law enforcement, the field does have a host of practical applications that can impact almost anyone. Beyond criminal investigations, professionals in computer forensic work are generally highly skilled in areas that can translate to the private arena, as well. This is why many have struck out on their own, offering their services to companies and individuals. The services they can provide include:

Computer network protection – Computer forensic experts spend their careers working to crack high-tech, white-collar crimes. During the course of law enforcement work, many experts in this field become intimately aware of the ways bad guys crack into networks, steal information and otherwise compromise the security of private computers. Considering this very unique perspective, computer forensic pros are often highly qualified to help others prevent hacking or theft. To this end, some private computer forensic experts offer network security assistance as one of their standard services.

Training – Some computer forensic experts are willing to lend their expertise in training others to avoid theft and crime. They can also help companies establish computer-related policies and train employees in the ins and outs of following them.

Hard drive protection – Beyond offering advice on network security, some forensic computer experts also offer hard drive cleaning services. This means they prepare hard drives for disposal by wiping the data from them so no one else can access it.

Computer forensic professionals do more than crack criminal cases. The truth is many experts in this field have struck out on their own and provide a host of services that almost anyone can use and benefit from.

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To people who aren’t familiar with its intricacies, computer forensic work might seem like a breeze of a job. The reality is this unique field is much more involved and specialized than some people might realize. There is much more to it than simply clicking on a keyboard and hunting down a file that contains “hidden” evidence.

Computer forensic experts are highly trained professionals. The field is a hybrid of sorts, blending both investigative and computer sciences together. In order to excel at forensic computer work, professionals must be able to:

Navigate a computer with expertise – Since computer forensic work does focus on this particular high-tech tool, it stands to reason that pros in the field must know a great deal about computers. Their knowledge base must include extensive understandings of computer programming, data recovery, use tracking and more.

Understand high-tech crimes – While some computer forensic-related cases might be solved by finding or fixing a lost file, the truth is many are much more complicated. Computer forensic experts, for example, might have to have the knowledge to not only find hidden files, but also crack codes and encryptions to reveal the evidence that is hidden. High-tech criminals are generally very crafty and clever. This means computer forensic pros need to be even smarter.

Have a solid grasp of the law – This prerequisite is important for computer forensics pros who work in law enforcement and outside of it, as well. In order for cases to be solved and presented, forensic computer experts must know the laws that regulate evidence collection, evidence care, presentation and more. This is why many get their start in the law enforcement arena and then move into private practice.

There is much more to computer forensic work than meets the eye. This unusual field demands professionals who are skilled in a variety of areas.

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Computer forensics is a field that many people falsely believe only exists in the realm of law enforcement. Individuals can, however, often benefit from the unique services skilled forensic computer experts can provide them.

So, when and why might you need to consider hiring a computer forensics expert? Let’s take a look at some situations where these professionals can be of big benefit.

Domestic situations – Individuals are finding that computer forensics pros can help them out in a number of domestic related situations. Tracking computer usage in a home to discover what children have been up to, for example, is not out of the scope of operation for a skilled computer forensics expert. This can, in fact, be a lifesaving undertaking if parents discover in time that children have been contacted by less than reputable individuals.

Data protection – Computer forensic experts are very skilled in helping people protect their computer networks from hacking and other damage. They know how to recommend the right protections and can often put them in place.

Data cleaning – Some computer forensics pros are willing to help people and businesses be certain their old computer hard drives are properly wiped and clean prior to disposal. This can be very important for keeping personal data out of the hands of others who should not have access to it. Computer forensics experts who offer drive cleaning services will often certify their work to give clients the proof of protection they demand.

Business scenarios – Many businesses hire computer forensics pros for the very reasons individuals do. These skilled experts can help them protect networks, track computer usage and even train employees to properly use work computers.

Computer forensics is an investigative science, but that doesn’t mean its professionals only operate in the law enforcement arena. There are a number of situations where these skilled professionals prove very important to individuals just like you.

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If you’re in the process of trying to hire a computer forensics expert for a business or personal matter, chances are you’ve seen quite a lineup of credentials. Most of the best pros in this field carry training and certifications from major agencies that operate on a national level. Chances are you’ve also heard at least one computer forensic pro boast about network affiliations. Why is this? After all, shouldn’t a skilled computer forensic pro be able to go it alone?

The answer in a nutshell is no. Computer forensics professionals that maintain networking affiliations are often some of the best for very good reasons.

Computer forensic work involves a hybrid field. It pulls heavily from both computer and investigative sciences. It also requires code cracking abilities, deductive reasoning and quite a bit of creative thinking. Considering everything that can be required to help forensic computer pros crack cases, networking is often seen as a must.

When computer forensics experts are members in good standing of professional networks, clients can benefit from:

The skill of the individual computer forensics pro – When the right certifications are in place and network affiliations back this up, individuals are generally assured they are making a good hire in a computer forensic professional. These things can be vital for ensuring a forensic computer expert is actually skilled in the field.

The skills of multiple experts – The benefits of finding a computer forensics pro that participates in networking organizations is the access to a collective of skilled investigators. When a case proves to be tricky, a member professional can call on others from all over the world to help brainstorm solutions.

The best computer forensics professionals don’t necessarily go it alone. Network affiliations can prove to be valuable for clients and their cases.

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Forensic computer experts might be best known for their work in the law enforcement industry, but there are many things these pros can do beyond the boundaries of the badge. Individuals, corporations and even parents can benefit from the assistance these professionals can deliver in the private arena.

So, how can forensic computer experts help you? They can help out in criminal and civil legal cases and even in corporate and household operations by:

Handling private cases – Some computer forensics experts have moved from the public to the private sector to work. These pros will often work for individuals or law firms to assist clients facing criminal charges or civil law suits. Their expertise is useful in just about any situation where evidence in a case might be found on a computer.

Assisting businesses – Beyond the courtroom, computer forensic pros can help corporations handle a number of tasks. They are experts at suggestion security measures and helping implement them. They can also help with staff training, policy development and other similar tasks that are vital for protecting company networks from hacking, theft and other crimes.

Individuals and parents – Home computers are sometimes used in the commission of crimes. In this type of instance, forensic computer pros can help individuals prove cases related to adultery, copyright violation and more. They can also assist parents in finding out what their children have been doing while online. This can be a vital service for parents who are concerned about their children’s safety.

Anyone – Some forensic computer pros offer hard drive cleaning services in addition to other services. This involves the wiping clean of a hard drive prior to disposal to make sure sensitive data contained on a device cannot be obtained by anyone else.

Forensic computer pros can bring a lot of services to the table that virtually anyone can benefit from.

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When there is a need to hire a computer forensic pro to tackle a job some people wonder why they must pay out the expense. After all, a regular “computer guy” would be able to find missing files, repair damaged data or trace usage, right?

Possibly.

But, can an average computer guy unravel mysteries to make found evidence presentable and intelligible in court?

Probably not!

The truth about computer forensics experts is that they are very different from typical computer repair people. While there are portions of the two professions that do intermingle, there are some distinct features that make computer forensic experts stand out. They include:

Investigative prowess – Forensic computer experts generally are very well trained in investigative sciences. Many, in fact, are well versed in working with high-tech criminal cases. This means they know how to find evidence that computer savvy bad guys have hidden on machines. They also are very often adept at unraveling encryptions, unlocking codes and more. It is very often hard for the standard computer guy to gain the kind of experience necessary to perform these functions.

Networking ability – Certified computer forensic pros often have access to an extensive network of other professionals in the field. This means they can pick the brains of other experts to crack difficult cases.

Courtroom savvy – Since many computer forensics pros have also worked in law enforcement, they are generally very savvy at presenting evidence in court. This can be very important for clients and their cases.

Certification – Skilled computer forensic experts are readily identifiable by the training and certification credentials they hold. The most qualified professionals often carry a variety of certifications that prove they’ve undergone the right training to tackle difficult jobs.

When mysteries need to be unraveled, computer forensic pros can often help. These highly trained and specialized experts are anything but standard repair guys.

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When you need a doctor, you know to look for a medical degree and state licensing. If a lawyer is needed, bar recognition and the correct degree are both musts. But, what do you look for when computer forensics experts are required for a civil or criminal case? The answer can be a little more complex than simply looking for a degree hanging on a wall.

Computer forensics is more or less a hybrid field. It blends computer and investigative sciences together into a field that is distinct and quite unique. While it might seem logical to look for a computer science degree as a marker of excellence and proper training in this field, this is often not quite enough.

Skilled computer forensics professionals will generally carry a few distinct credentials. The best pros in the field are often able to boast:

Law enforcement experience – While this is not always 100 percent necessary to produce a topnotch computer forensic expert, it often is a good sign to look for. Computer forensics has grown as a field because of law enforcement’s need for investigators. Inasmuch, some of the best pros in the field also boast experience as police officers or federal agents.

Proper training and certification – Whether a computer forensic pro has been in law enforcement or not, an expert will generally hold the same certifications and have undergone the same training. Looking for the right training and certifications can help pinpoint a real pro and eliminate less than experienced candidates for a job or case. Agencies such as IACIS certify forensic computer investigators.

Hiring a computer forensics expert is not quite the same as seeking out a doctor or lawyer. The proof of proper experience can be a little trickier to ascertain. Look for those with experience in the field and proper certifications to ensure the best possible pro for the job is hired.

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It can be terribly frustrating to know that a computer might contain information that would either prove or disprove a criminal or civil case. When finding that information is a must, but protecting its integrity is, as well, forensic computer professionals can deliver on the job. As long as evidence is in fact contained on a machine, these experts are uniquely qualified to bring peace of mind and even closure to a case.

Forensic computer professionals are not like other experts in the computer field. Rather than repair, program or build machines, they specialize in finding traces of information that might be left on a hard drive that could serve as evidence in civil and criminal cases.

Computer forensic experts get the job done by:

Examining a machine – Before a full-scale investigation is launched to study a hard drive and its contents, forensic computer pros do a cursory search to determine if evidence is likely to be found. This can either lead to an escalation in the investigation or a decision that a particular machine might not yield the necessary information.

Cloning of a hard drive – It is very important to protect information stored on a computer for presentation in court. To make sure original data isn’t lost or damaged during a search, investigators will commonly clone the original hard drive.

Careful examination of the clone – Once a clone is made, forensic computer pros will go to work seeking out evidence. This might include a file search, restoring deleted files and even repairing damaged ones. It can also involve Internet use studies and even decoding encrypted files.

Presentation in court – If information is found that is valuable for a case, skilled forensic computer investigators will often present the evidence in court themselves. If not, they are often willing to stand by to explain their procedures and how evidence was located.

If there is evidence to be found, chances are a forensic computer investigator will be able to spot it. In the process, these skilled professionals bring peace of mind to their clients.

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