We all know that the need for security certifications is on the rise, but how many of us have considered the alternate aspect of computer security: cyber-crime. Computer crime represents one of the fastest growing crime rates in the country and the need for computer forensics is growing. Given this, it is not surprising that there are several computer forensics certifications out there and they range in topic from computer crimes against children to file system recovery. If you are interested in becoming a cybercrime investigator and getting a computer forensics certification, read on.
Computer Forensics Certification Programs & Training
EnCE
The EnCase Certified Examiner Program offers certifications for those who have mastered their EnCase Guidance Software. Training courses and a copy of the software are required to gain the certification. This program is very reasonably priced at $150 for the exam (available through Prometric).
GCFA - GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst
It's coming soon and when it arrives will cost $250. The GCFA deals directly with incident handling scenarios and investigation.
AIS Certification
This certification is an all-in-one security cert divided into 4 main areas: Management, Protection, Detection and Reaction. The reaction module deals heavily with computer forensics.
Computer Forensic, Cybercrime and Security Training Curriculum
LC Tech offers several vendor-neutral training programs that culminate in a certification:
Certified Cybercrime First Responder (CCFR)
Internet Crimes Against People - (ICAP)
Internet Crimes Against Children - (ICAC)
Presenting Digital Evidence at Trial - (PDET)
Network Security Intrusion and Detection - (NSID)
Personal Digital Device Forensics - (PDDF)
Advanced File System Recovery Seminar - (AFSRS with Certification)
High Tech Crime Investigator Level 1
High Tech Crime Investigator Level 2
Computer Forensic External Certification (CCE)
Originally designed for law enforcement by the IACIS, this certification is now open to those with the experience and knowledge to complete the rigorous testing. The exam costs $750.
- CFCE
If you are an active law enforcement officer, the IACIS offers the Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist Certification (CEECS) and Certified Forensic Computer examiner (CFCE). Both are intense courses of study and cost around $1400 for training, software, and certification.
- Training
Online training for both the CFCE and CCE. For five full modules of online training, you will be set back $2750.
Certified Computer Crime Investigator (CCCI) and Certified Computer Forensic Technician (CCFT)
Offered by Whitehat, these certifications are obtained by completing 60 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of CBT training. Prices (likely around $3,000) and schedules are available by request.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The certification programs offered by the NIST are still in their infancy but you can check out the basics of the proposed programs and offer comments through January 31, 2003.
TruSecure ICSA Certified Security Associate
Although it is not directly a forensics cert, this overall security certification is highly respected and covers essential forensics procedures.
Advanced Computer Forensics Boot Camp
After this 3 day camp you should be well-versed in the complexities of digital forensics.
Computer Forensic Training Center Online
Get online training and CCE certification through Kennesaw State University. The course fee is $2700.
Certified International Information Systems Forensics Investigator (CIFI)
The International Information Systems Forensics Association (IISFA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the discipline of information forensics in the form of evangelism, education, and certification. Members of the IISFA adhere to the IISFA Code of Ethics and are candidates for the Certified International Information Systems Forensics Investigator (CIFI). The CIFI exam costs $450.
Programs for Law Enforcement Agencies
National
Cybercrime Training Partnership (NCTP)
The NCTP offers training on basic and advanced data recovery. This is primarily intended for law enforcement and is offered free to qualifying agencies.
National
White Collar Crime Center (NW3C)
Continue to page 2 for some good links to other forensics-related websites.
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