Cyber crime investigation is an increasingly in-demand career. As the reliance of society on technology continues to grow, the need for qualified professionals to protect information and systems also continues to become more and more necessary.
Collecting Evidence and Identifying Threats
The fundamental role of cyber crime investigators is to identify potential threats and crimes that have been committed using various types of technology to infiltrate computer systems and networks. Cyber crime investigators gather digital evidence both in off-site labs and during on-site investigations. Once these threats or crimes have been identified, cyber crime investigators work closely with various types of law enforcement and other officials to make recommendations and develop possible counter measures. Crimes that cyber crime investigators might investigate include terrorism, human trafficking, media piracy, corporate hacking, and identify theft.
Analysis of Evidence and Further Investigation
In law enforcement agencies, cyber crime investigators also spend a large portion of time analyzing evidence that has been collected and using it in a variety of ways, including to conduct interviews and possibly to continue to build cases for prosecution. Cyber crime investigators working with private organizations or in private investigation positions also perform a variety of data collection, research, and analysis activities. Businesses and other private organizations are likely to require cyber crime technicians to also spend time in daily activity to strengthen and manage all types of network and systems protection.
Skills and Education of the Cyber Crime Investigator
Performing the various duties and roles of a cyber crime investigator requires the development of a number of skills and the accumulation of the right education and training. Skills that are helpful for this position include qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, communication, and a number of technological skills. Skills in technology include the ability to work with all types of computer interfaces, software and hardware, and the internet. Through post-secondary degree programs, training, and professional development, cyber crime investigators are able to build knowledge and skill in computer law, online ethics, information systems, malware engineering, criminology, and cyber crime investigative techniques.
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Cyber Crime Investigator Career Possibilities
There are a number of agencies and organizations that rely on cyber crime investigators to protect information, systems, and infrastructures from various threats. Many positions in cyber crime can be found at various law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, NSA, CIA, and state or community police organizations. Cyber crime investigators might also work as private investigators or for corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Possible job positions include information security analyst, information security manager, computer forensics specialist, and cyber crimes special agent. More information on cyber crime investigation can be found at the FBI website. Whatever the job title, cyber crime investigators are trained professionals who play a vital role in the continued increase of the use of technology across all industries and private lives of all people. Cyber crime investigation is increasingly becoming an essential part of law enforcement and private sector protection of all operations.