Computer Forensics Training
Computer forensics specialists, analysts, or investigators obtain and search computers and electronic records for evidence related to a case. Examples could be recovering deleted files from a victim or perpetrator's computer or probing a company's electronic records for fraud evidence. Computer or digital forensics is differentiated from cybersecurity generally by a reactive versus preventative approach. A cybersecurity specialist looks to determine how to prevent attacks or breaches of data, whereas a forensic computer specialist looks to determine how a hacker gained access.
Computer forensic training and digital forensics training can be obtained from free online courses that can introduce an individual to forensic science programs and approaches. Typical duties of a forensic approach to digital or computer science are:
- Analyze a crime or area of interest to determine what evidence should be collected
- Ensure all access to equipment and data are locked to prevent modification
- Take photographs of equipment, locations, position, and status
- Collect and analyze data from digital sources
- Gather evidence of computer fraud, scams, and identity theft
- Adhere to strict standards of evidence gathering
- Maintain a secure chain of evidence control
It is critical that analysis and evidence collection be objective and controlled since legal cases require evidence integrity.
A typical education route for a digital forensics specialist could start in many information technology positions and courses. One should determine if this is curiosity training or training to become a professional digital forensics analyst. Interviewing professionals in the field and ideally monitoring the field approach with a current digital forensics analyst can help with this decision.
The approach to education in computer forensics can start effectively with digital forensics training online. Taking a computer forensics course online at a university can also be accomplished. Taking these courses as outlined below can help determine whether an individual wants a certificate of completion or wants to become certified in the field. One can transfer education and training obtained online to university programs or certification agencies like IACIS.
Students considering entering the field of computer forensics or enhancing their career training may take advantage of these free online computer forensic courses and tutorials available through OpenCourseWare (OCW) programs. Learners may access or download lessons, reading lists, assignments, videos, and related materials. Instructor access and feedback are typically accomplished by reviewing a paper on an upcoming lesson and submitting questions beforehand. Attempts are made to answer the lecture questions, but students would have the means to interrupt for clarification. Some OCW programs group students into 3 or 4 students, so they interact with one another. OCW programs do not confer course credits but may have an examination program to determine whether the material has been grasped. Many OCW programs have labs, quizzes, and presentations. Grades can be given, assignments are expected to be turned in, and attendance is verified.
To learn computer forensics online free, the following resources are available. Some of the resources mentioned may require an individual to create an account and sign up for a course.
 |
Free Online Computer Forensics Course List
Computer Crime Investigation
This website has detailed information on using forensics tools and technology to investigate computer crimes. As with many sites, it has free access to libraries and forensic computer information. It also contains pricing for anyone seeking to further their education and considers many of the certifications' varieties.
Cryptography and Cryptanalysis
Students who are comfortable with elementary number theory, algorithms, and discrete probability can use these graduate course materials on introductory cryptography and cryptanalysis. Problem sets, study materials, and a template for completing problem assignments can also be downloaded; however, course readings may need to be purchased. This computer forensics course's online information includes such topics as cryptographic primitives of public-key encryption, digital signatures, pseudo-random number generation, and other basic protocols.
Emerging Security Vulnerabilities & the Impact to Business
This informational video examines what information technology professionals and web programmers need to know about security, what security is needed, and how to implement appropriate security. The web video examines the most common security vulnerabilities and which software programs are most vulnerable. The video also focuses on specific cyberattacks, such as SQL injection and XSRF (Cross-Site-Request Forgery) and emerging software security trends. Also included are various types of security education available today.
Computer Forensics and Investigation
This course is an introduction to computer forensics and investigation. Training includes how to conduct investigations to correctly gather, analyze, and present digital evidence to both business and legal audiences. This online digital forensics course includes tools to locate and analyze digital evidence on various devices and keep up with changing technologies, laws, and digital forensics regulations.
Intrusion Detection
This course outlines the top five free intrusion detection tools for enterprise networks.
- NIDS: Network-based Intrusion Detection System
- HIDS: Host-based Intrusion Detection System
With these methodologies, one can determine signature and anomaly detection.
The top 5 are:
- Security Onion: an Ubuntu-based (enterprise open source and Linux) Linux distribution used for network monitoring and intrusion detection
- OSSEC: is a multiplatform, open-source, and free Host Intrusion Detection System (HIDS)
- OpenWIPS-NG is a wireless IDS/IPS (Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention System) which relies on servers, sensors, and interfaces
- Suricata: this free enterprise detection tool is based on Snort (a network intrusion and detection system)
- Bro-IDS: considered a specification network-based IDS and is a complement to Snort
Computer and Network Security
This undergraduate/graduate computer forensics class teaches students the importance of a secure computer and network system, software protection, and electronic commerce. Students learn through assignments and exams with solutions. The site also offers recommended reading. Topics covered include cryptography, authentication, firewalls, risk assessment, electronic mail, viruses, and intrusion detection.
Graduate Level Computer Network Security
This computer forensics course university graduate-level program provides users with the information necessary to ensure a computer network is free from cyber attacks and security threats. Students investigate the meanings of vulnerability, threats, and attacks. The course focuses on identifying computer/Internet threats and implementing appropriate security and firewalls. Authentication certification is also covered.
Crytography
This free online course focuses on specific cryptography areas and the role it plays in our daily lives. Students learn to identify various cryptographic procedures available and choose appropriate methods based on the network system type. The course offers a section on electronic voting systems and ways of making them secure. Students have access to various lecture notes.
Salary and Job Outlook
The average/median annual salary for a forensic computer analyst (from Payscale.com) is $74,262. With five or more years of experience (and depending on the position held within an organization), annual salary can reach between $86,000 and $101,000.
The job growth outlook per the Bureau of Labor Statistics is 14%.
