Become a Cyber Sleuth with a Computer Forensics Degree

In the exciting world of law and order, a special professional is called in when a computer crime is suspected. The computer forensics professional is a vital part of the law enforcement team that specializes in cyber crimes. And a computer forensics degree offers a unique combination of technology and investigation.

According to SecurityStats.com, there were over 5 million instances of illegal SPAM attacks in December of 2002. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Computer crimes are on the rise right along with the expansion of Internet technology. From phishing scams to illegal hacking, cyber crimes cost businesses, organizations, and the government billions of dollars each year. Computer forensics is law enforcement niche that investigates computer crimes. If you've thought of putting your tech skills to use for the good of society, then a computer forensics degree might be your ticket to an exciting new career. Here is a closer look at the concepts of the computer forensics degree, provided by The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists.

Computer Forensics: A Degree for the Tech Detective

• Hardware Examination. Computer forensics pros will examine and note crucial evidence from the collected hard drive of the suspect.
• Forensic Software. Your computer forensic degree teaches you how to use powerful investigative software to collect data.
• File Identification. As a computer forensic professional, you will examine a variety of files such as e-mail, jpegs, sound files, and text documents.

As you might expect, the field of computer forensics is desperate for qualified applicants to fill key positions. Here is what the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics has to say about the demand for computer forensic degree holders.

The Computer Forensics Career Profile

• High Tech Environment. Computer forensics investigators perform their services in technologically advanced labs.
• Growing Demand. The demand for computer forensics degree holders will grow as fast as the national average until 2014.
• Competitive Salary. The median hourly salary for computer forensics investigators was over $20 in 2004.

Become a computer detective for the good guys when you earn your computer forensics degree from an accredited program.

Sources
Science Technicians, U.S. Bureau of Statistics
SecurityStats.com
The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists