Computer forensics specialists examine computer media, programs, data, and logs to gather and analyze digital evidence from computers and networks. Their work helps law enforcement, prosecutors, and private organizations investigate criminal activity and security breaches. The field is growing rapidly as more crimes are committed using technology. Computer forensics specialists need knowledge of computer systems and forensic investigation techniques, as well as skills in problem solving and communication. Their responsibilities include preserving digital crime scenes and recovering deleted or encrypted files to find evidence while maintaining legal and ethical standards. Extensive training and certifications are now required for these well-paid jobs, and the demand for specialists is expected to increase as technology becomes more central to modern life and digital crimes rise in turn.

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Mary Hankins
Mr. Habib
Business 102
14 March 2008
 Computer Forensics Specialist
Computer forensics, also called digital forensics, network forensics, or cyber forensics, is a
rapidly growing field that involves gathering and analyzing evidence from computers and
networks. Because computers and the Internet are the fastest growing technology used for
criminal activity, the need for computer forensics specialist will increase in years to come.
A computer forensics specialist examines computer media, programs, data, and log files
on computers, servers, and networks. According to Shelly and Cashman (Shelly)many areas
employ computer forensics specialist, including law enforcement, criminal prosecutors, military
intelligence, insurance agencies, and information security departments in the private sector. A
computer forensics specialist must have knowledge of the law, technical experience with many
types of hardware and software products, superior communications skills, a willingness to learn
and update skills, and a knack for problem solving.
When a problem occurs, it is the responsibility of the computer forensics specialist to
carefully take several steps to identify and retrieve possible evidence that may exist on a
suspect’s computer . These steps include protecting the suspect’s computer, discovering all
files, recovering deleted files, revealing hidden files, accesing protected or encrypted files,
analyzing all the data, and providing expert consultation and/or testimony as required (Reinman
52-58).
A computer forensics specialist must have knowledge of all aspects of the computer, from
the operating system to computer architecture and hardware design. In the past, many

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computer forensics specialist were self-taught compter users. Today, extensive training, usually
from several different
Sources, is required. A degree in Computer Science should be supplemented with
graduate courses and university-level professional development certificates. Entry level salaries
range from $45,000 to $75,000. With experience and certifications, salaries can exceed
$125,000 (Turell 44-55).
With the growing use of computers in all areas of life, the number of computer crimes
surely will continue to rise. As a result, the need for skilled specialists to battle these crimes will
increase for many years to come.

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Works Cited
Reinman, David p. "Fighting Cybercriminals." Cybertech Monthly 7 February 2008: 52-58.
Shelly, Gary b., and Thomas J. Cashman. Computer Careers. 7 March 2008.
<<www.scsite.com/wd2007/pr2/wc.htm>.>.
Turell, Marcia O, and Alex N. Gutierrez. "Cybercrimes and Criminals."El Paso: Legal
Works Publishing Company (2008): 44-55.