Digitl Forensics

Discussion in 'IT and Computer-Related Degrees' started by 3Wheels, Jul 28, 2008.

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  1. 3Wheels

    3Wheels New Member

    So I've just come upon the idea that I might like to get into Digital Forensics. I don't have any computer training or really background. I'm have a BS in Christian Ministry and have extensive background in Private/Corporate Security. So, not really related.

    I'm wondering where to start? I know that at least a basic knowledge of networking/security/etc is needed.

    Any thoughts??
     
  2. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    Well, you should start with CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ehtical Hacker.

    http://www.eccouncil.org/chfi.htm

    SSCP (System Security Certified Practictioner)
    CISSP (Certified Information System Security Professional (Req. 5 years experiences).

    Master of Science in Information Security or Assurance.

    Those are where you start.
     
  3. Neoplato

    Neoplato New Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2008
  4. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    In response to your question about digital forensics let me say you are already well-positioned academically and professionally. The first decision you will have to make concerns whether you want to study at the undergraduate level or graduate level and whether you want a certificate or a degree in digital forensics.

    If a certificate in digital forensics is the route chosen, Champlain College offers an undergraduate certificate in computer and digital forensics, and the University of Central Florida offers a graduate certificate in digital forensics.

    If a degree in digital forensics is sought, Champlain College offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations degree, Utica College offers a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity degree with specializations in either cybercrime investigations and forensics or information assurance, and the University of Central Florida offers a Master of Science in Digital Forensics degree.

    With respect to the issue of certifications, CompTIA offers the A+ certification which covers basic hardware and software (operating systems), and the Network+ certification which covers basic concepts pertaining to local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), wired networks and wireless networks. These are very good foundational courses for those without significant computer hardware and networking experience and provides relatively vendor neutral coverage. IFSCE offers the Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) certification with training provided by various authorized trainers; this should be your first forensic-specific certification because it addresses both the theory (written multiple-choice examination) and practical (hands-on examination) in a vendor-neutral manner. Afterwards, vendor certifications for Guardian Software EnCase and Access Data Forensic Toolkit (FTK), depending upon the requirements of your organization and budgetary considerations. Access Data provides a variety of digital forensic software in addition to the FTK. There are numerous open source digital forensic products, for example SleuthKit, available besides the proprietary, closed source commercial products.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 28, 2008
  5. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    Digital forensics is quite different than information assurance, although information assurance can incorporate some aspects of digital forensics.
     
  6. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Absolutely correct.

    My MSIA had an excellent course in digital forensics.

    Brief write up here.
    Get Helix here.

    As for your new career aspirations, I support you. Best of luck. Get to reading and start with the basics. Look into the A+ and Sec+ to start. Print out the Helix documentation and read it.

    This book is not bad, however, it is a bit dated.

     
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Hi Stephan - I just sprinted through your blog and thought it was very impressive. Your thing is not my thing so I didn't understand some of it but it seems like you're a real pro. I wanted to ask about your PMP. Can you tell me something about how you earned yours and what it has done for you? Thanks. (sorry for dragging the topic slightly off-course)
     
  8. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    Hi Kizmet,

    I need to update my blog. I kind of quit contributing to it after I was burnt out awhile back. Anyway, I an not a pro, however, thank you for the compliment. I just try to do the best I can.

    The PMP was a very challenging, but is quite doable with the proper amount of effort. I did independent study along with a great local study group which met for 12 consecutive Mondays. I studied for around 6 months, but slacked off for around 2 - 3 of those months. The exam was quite long and a little spooky. Did you have any specific question about the testing process?


     
  9. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    No, not about the testing. About the utility. I've thought about doing this. As you know there are several paths that someone can take. That's great flexibility. Everything that I've heard is quite similar to your own report. It's not easy. It's serious work. It takes time. The test is hard. All that's OK with me as long as there's a clear payoff. I'm not going to invest 6 months of serious study only to find that it's just another set of letters after my name and that in the real world no one cares. So, my question is: utility?
     
  10. scubasteveiu

    scubasteveiu New Member

    If I may ask - what do you do now?

    Other than gaining another tool set, I can not say it directly did much for my career. Too many times we look for an immediate payoff - "I completed this exam and now I have X percent more money". It was not about that for me, I really just wanted to learn more and legitimize what I already knew.

    If you want to be a project manager full time, then definitely go for it. If you just want another feather in your cap or think the knowledge will help your work, then consider it. If it just seems interesting, read some PM books and pass on the test.

    -S
     
  11. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I have a background in Mechanical Engineering (Wentworth) with a specialization in Welding Engineering. Heavy industry is in decline in my neck of the woods. I could move to Newport News or some other shipbuilding center (for example) but then I'd have to sell my little farm (and live in Newport News). Instead, I could move out of my specialization. A PMP might be a start in that direction. Maybe an MBA on top. Lots of choices around so I'm just thinking about direction, choices. Maybe a PMP would be a good choice but maybe not my best FIRST choice. Thanks for your input.
     
  12. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    Thanks for the pointer to this book. A practical case-book-based approach to explaining computer/digital forensics. A fine addition to my bookshelf/library.
     
  13. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

  14. BlueMason

    BlueMason Audaces fortuna juvat

  15. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

  16. 3Wheels

    3Wheels New Member

  17. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    I looked at the CompTIA A+ certification course offered through ed2go, but decided the self-study guide was a better option for myself. If you have no experience building a computer for yourself from parts and have never installed an operating system from scratch, ed2go does provide a reasonably priced means of gaining the knowledge (hardware and software) to accomplish that task. On the other hand, if you are disciplined enough to read the twenty-one chapters of the CompTIA A+ self-study guide, you will pass the examination. In my opinion, the ed2go CompTIA A+ courses are worth the money and much less expensive than taking the training from say Learning Tree International. There are two (2) examinations required to earn the CompTIA A+ certification (hardware exam and operating system exam).
     
  18. TikiTime

    TikiTime New Member

    Thanks to all the good information posted here, I am officially enrolled at the University of Central Florida in the Digital Forensics program. my first two classes begin next week. Wish me luck. It has been 13 years since I have been in college. Wahoo!!!!!!!!!
     
  19. soupbone

    soupbone Active Member


    So any updates on how things are going? I'd like to hear how good or bad the program is. :D
     
  20. sentinel

    sentinel New Member

    I am waiting to hear TikiTime's opinions about the UCF Digital Forensics graduate programme as well. I am getting ready to begin it in the new year.
     

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