When using a computer many people think that the files they delete have disappeared indefinitely. However, when there is the need for files to be found, (say, as part of a criminal or disciplinary investigation) a computer forensic analyst knows just how to find them.
When using a computer many people think that the files they delete have disappeared indefinitely. However, when there is the need for files to be found, (say, as part of a criminal or disciplinary investigation) a computer forensic analyst knows just how to find them.
The average user cannot see the potential evidence that is kept in computer files and therefore believe that by simply pressing 'Delete' the files are then erased. Providing these files have then not been overwritten by regular and sustained use of a computer, they can be relocated in the "non-live" areas on the hard disk. These are called unallocated clusters and can hold gigabytes of deleted data.
Computer analysis should be carried out by highly skilled and qualified practitioners who understand the science behind recovering these potentially valuable files, which can be used as vital evidence within a court case. Forensic analysts use their expertise and specialist software to recover data that can hold a lot of information unbeknown to the user.
Depending on what information still remains on the computer, the forensic analysts can find a lot of valuable information about its background. For example they may be able to tell under what log-in name the files were deleted as well as the date and time that the deletion occurred. Many people also try to disguise criminal data under different file names and extensions. Forensic analysis tools can make this apparent and the analyst can see those harmful files being disguised as something else.
Passwords may not be enough to keep out a forensic analyst - and depending on the level of encryption - many forensics analysts have tools that can find ways into files that contain vital data.
Files that have become corrupted or partly erased can also be partially retrieved. Depending on the level of corruption, files can be traced and used as potential evidence against a suspect.
The process of computer analysis takes time and patience. Specialized forensic analysts can investigate whether anything that has been inputted or downloaded on to the computer. They have the tools to see everything on the hard drive regardless of whether it has been deleted or corrupted.
If you are in need of the services of a forensic expert, there are those available to help with any questions you may have.
Written by Danielle Ingram on behalf of CCL Forensics, Computer Forensics specialists.
Danielle Ingram, Content Writer for Creare Web Design and SEO specialists.
Computer Analysis - What Can Forensic Experts Find?
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Start a Computer Forensic Career
Computer forensics is the investigation of the cyber world using modern equipment and skillful thinking. Have you always wanted to solve online crimes, discover faults and figure out how the computers 'mind' works? Do you have a passion for computers and the internet? Maybe you should start a career in computer forensics. Here are the five reasons:
Computer forensics is the investigation of the cyber world using modern equipment and skillful thinking. Have you always wanted to solve online crimes, discover faults and figure out how the computers 'mind' works? Do you have a passion for computers and the internet?
Maybe you should start a career in this field of study. Here are the five reasons:
1. It can be a life long career that provides you a stable lifestyle for now and in the future due to its high demand in the job market. There are a variety of positions offered, from computer forensic investigators, digital media analysts, digital forensics experts, forensic team leaders, bureau supervisors, forensic consultant, forensic agents, digital forensics detectives, etc.
2. This job offers a high salary and lucrative income. The more skills and knowledge you have, the higher qualification you possess and the more income you obtain. The salary range of a computer forensic specialist is from USD$80,000 to USD$120,000 annually, depending on their investigative skills and experience. Private companies normally offer more lucrative pay than government law enforcement agencies.
3. It is a very challenging and exciting job where you need to deal with many types of people, many types of fraudulent activities and you definitely won't be bored in your work. Your jobs vary from case to case, project to project.
4. You can learn many advanced IT skills as the computer technology keeps developing and you will have the opportunities to try most advanced IT devices in your investigative work.
5. It provides great self satisfaction to you when you have completed each individual task. During investigation, you may need to work days and nights and there are many obstacles you need to overcome.
Are you convinced? This job is indeed an interesting one that is both thrilling and at high demand as well. So, if you have the interest in this field, why not try your hand and enroll yourself for a computer forensics course today.
For more information about computer forensics careers and online computer forensics degree, visit ComputerForensicsBasics.com.
FBI Using Criminal Hacking Techniques on Citizens
The US National Security Agency is probably the most sophisticated group of security hackers in the world. Many will argue this point. The fact is, without NSA, US STRATCOM, which directs the operation and defense of the military's Global Information Grid, and US CERT, attacks on our critical infrastructures would be successful.
The US National Security Agency is probably the most sophisticated group of security hackers in the world. Many will argue this point. The fact is, without NSA, US STRATCOM, which directs the operation and defense of the military’s Global Information Grid, and US CERT, attacks on our critical infrastructures would be successful. We’d be living in the dark, telephones wouldn’t work, food wouldn’t be delivered to your supermarket and your toilet wouldn’t flush. These are not the same bumbling government employees you see on C-SPAN. The Obama administration is in the process of completing an internal cyber-security review, announcing plans for cyber-security initiatives and determining who’s going to lead the charge. The New York Times reports that the NSA wants the job and of course, this is raising hackles amongst privacy advocates and civil libertarians who fear that the spy agency already has too much power.
I’m all for checks and balances. However, in order to detect threats against our nation and other global computer infrastructures from criminal hackers and terrorists, those in charge of cyber-security must have full and unlimited access to networks. There is certainly a legitimate concern here that any government agency with too much power can overstep citizens’ rights. However, coming from a security perspective, there are some very bad guys out there who would like nothing more for you to be dead. Here’s a glowing example of how this power is used for good. Wired.com’s Kevin Poulsen (who should be required reading) reports on an FBI-developed super spyware program called “computer and Internet protocol address verifier,” or CIPAV, which has been used to investigate extortion plots, terrorist threats and hacker attacks in cases stretching back to before the dotcom bust.
This is James Bond, Hollywood blockbuster technology that makes for a gripping storyline. The CIPAV’s capabilities indicate that it gathers and reports a computer’s IP address, MAC address, open ports, a list of running program, the operating system type, version and serial number, preferred Internet browser and version, the computer’s registered owner and registered company name, the current logged-in user name and the last-visited URL. That’s the equivalent of a crime scene investigator having fresh samples of blood for the victim and perpetrator, and 360 degree crystal clear video of the crime committed. The FBI sneaks the CIPAV onto a target’s machine like any criminal hacker would, using known web browser vulnerabilities.
They use the same type of hacker psychology phishers use, tricking their target into clicking a link, downloading and installing the spyware. They function like any illegal hacker would, except legally. In one case, they hacked a mark’s MySpace page and posted a link in the subject’s private chat room, getting him to click it. In another case, the FBI was trying to track a sexual predator that had been threatening the life of a teenage girl who he’d met for sex. The man’s IP addresses were anonymous from all over the world, which made it impossible to track him down. Getting the target to install the CIPAV made it possible to find this animal. Numerous other cases are cited in the Wired.com article, including an undercover agent working a case described as a “weapon of mass destruction” (bomb & anthrax) threat, who communicated with a suspect via Hotmail, and sought approval from Washington to use a CIPAV to locate the subject’s computer.
So while Big Brother may yield some scary power, criminals and terrorists are a tad scarier. I’ve always viewed the term “Big Brother” as someone who watches over and protects you. Just my take.
Robert Siciliano http://IDTheftSecurity.com
Find a Person by Address by Using Free Public Records Search
It is possible to find out just about anything about just about anyone. Nowadays it doesn't even have an out of pocket expense to find a person by address, or to find a person's phone number or relatives. It's scary but that is the reality we live in.
t's easy to find a person by address using a free public records search. Public records databases have been opened to the public for a few years now however they're always been poorly organized and difficult to search. A few intrepid small businesses have managed to figure ways around all the red tape to pull all the public records databases into a single indexed records source.
A quick search to find a person by address will reveal a persons name, phone number, and relatives. The notion that there is any real privacy anymore is simply ridiculous in this day and age of public records searches. It is possible to find out just about anything about just about anyone. Nowadays it doesn't even have an out of pocket expense to find a person by address, or to find a persons phone number or relatives. It's scary but that is the reality we live in.
On the other hand you might think of it as playing on a level playing field. In the past only wealthy people with the vast resources to afford paid researchers were able to troll through public records to find people. Many of America's most successful people routinely used their enhanced ability to access public records to continually improve their status and leverage. Today you and I have the same relative access to public records that only the elite had previously.
It may be a little scary to know your information is so widely available on public records, but in reality it has always been so. Now the rest of us have access to the same data sources that have been used to target and market to us. I'm ok with that.
Matt E. Spitz | http://www.find-missing-peoplesite.com |
Do a free public records detailed search at my site or see how you can do unlimited credit and criminal background checks for less than $10.00 a year.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_E_Spitz
It is Easier Than Ever to Find Info on People Without Expense
It's easy to find info on people for little or no money these days. Public records databases have been required to open their data stores to the public and many small companies have taken the opportunity to write programs and create sites designed to intelligently retrieve data about people in those public records databases.
It's easy to find info on people for little or no money these days. Public records databases have been required to open their data stores to the public and many small companies have taken the opportunity to write programs and create sites designed to intelligently retrieve data about people in those public records databases.
A great number of these small companies offer up significant information for free. It's entirely possible to find info on people like names, relatives, addresses, and phone numbers without any out of pocket expenditure. Most sites simply require you or I give up our names and email addresses but savvy people know ways around that too by using spare email accounts set-up with phony or bogus aliases.
I did a search on myself the other day and was rather alarmed at how easy it was to find out my own personal information, who my relatives are, and even my address and phone numbers. It's even possible to find out who owns cell phone numbers now (comes in quite handy when you're getting annoying calls at 4am from people trying to harass you). Finding out what information is available about yourself can be quite enlightening in its own right!
Truth is - whether you're trying to get the upper hand in a business negotiation, or trying to verify the accuracy of an applicants information, or you're checking up on the family of the boy your daughter is dating it is easier than ever to find info on people. These days you can't be too careful with whom you do business. It only makes sense to search public records to find info on people and avoid the many scam artists and bad apples in our midst.
Matt E. Spitz - http://www.find-missing-peoplesite.com/
Do a free detailed name, address, and phone number search at our website or see how you can get unlimited detailed background checks on credit and criminal history for only $10.00 / year.
Conficker Eye Chart - A Simple Test to See If Your Computer is Infected
One of the easiest and most ingenious ways of checking for conficker is to use a conficker eye chart. This simple chart of six images with each image linked to the homepage of a major anti virus or security site will quickly tell you if you system is infected.
Of the millions of computer viruses in the world probably the most sophisticated and most talked about is the conficker worm also known as Downadup. As of April 2009 security experts are still unsure what the intentions of this virus are but it is very likely to be for the illegal purpose of stealing personal information such as credit card details and passwords from the infected computers.
How do I know if I am Infected with the Conficker Worm?
1. Conficker blocks access to over one hundred security and anti virus websites, so if you are having difficulty entering a security site or your anti virus program isn't updating this may be a symptom.
2. If you have trouble entering some directories or files on your computer, Conficker may be blocking them from being accessed.
3. If you are unable to get access to shared access to admin on your system this is mostly Conficker.
4. If you have tasks scheduled on your computer that you have no knowledge of, do a little research as this could also be Conficker.
Use the Conficker Eye Chart
One of the easiest and most ingenious ways of checking for conficker is to use a conficker eye chart. This simple chart of six images with each image linked to the homepage of a major anti virus or security site will quickly tell you if you system is infected. If when looking at the chart you see all six of the images theres is a good chance your system is clean. If you are unable see some of the images Conficker could be blocking access to one or more of the security sites so there is a good chance your computer is infected.
Act now before its too late.
As I mentioned at the start of this article it is not know the true intention of the Downadup virus and it is growing stronger and constantly updating itself. Experts currently fear over 4 million systems are infected with Conficker with this number rising fast. Make sure your system isn't one of them!
To try the Conficker Eye Chart visit the authors site at http://www.confickereyechart.net
How to Earn Yourself a High-Paid Computer Forensics Job
Computer forensics is the field of study which involves investigation of cyber crimes. It specialized in recovering, analyzing and presenting data from computers to be used in investigations as proof and evidence. As our technology advances each and every day, companies today use computers to store and transfer valuable information and data. With this, online crimes and fraud increase rapidly. Consequently, the demands for certified computer forensic investigators are high and constantly increasing.
Computer forensics is the field of study which involves investigation of cyber crimes. It specialized in recovering, analyzing and presenting data from computers to be used in investigations as proof and evidence. As our technology advances each and every day, companies today use computers to store and transfer valuable information and data.
With this, online crimes and fraud increase rapidly. Consequently, the demands for certified computer forensic investigators are high and constantly increasing.
To earn yourself a good paying job in this field, there are a few criteria's that you should meet:
* First, you would need to have a strong base in mathematics and science as these are the fundamentals of computer forensics.
* As far as knowledge goes, you would need to be knowledgeable about computers, legal systems, computer security and law enforcements. Also, you would need to have skills in a broad range of computer storage devices, operating systems, programming languages and software applications & architectural. These are vital as they are the basics of the study
* You would also need to have an accredit degree either in computer forensics or a related field such as computer science, criminal justice or engineering.
* Relevant practical knowledge is also required.
* You should also learn how computer systems work. This would be for debugging purposes, performance optimization and reverse-engineering. In addition, it is a must for you to have a solid comprehension of the law seeing that all your findings would need to be handled legally.
* Communication skills are also required. Although you would be dealing with electrical devices, you would need to explain the problems and solutions to top managing level.
With great communication skills and efficient task work, getting a steady job shouldn't be too much of a challenge as the demands for employees with skills in computer forensics are always increasing rapidly within our society today.
How to Get Yourself a Computer Forensics Certification at Home
As technology advances, more and more companies use computers to store documents and transfer information. With this, online crime rates increase rapidly causing disruptions to the companies and putting them at risk. Hence, computer forensics is a must among employers of companies that want to do well.
As technology advances, more and more companies use computers to store documents and transfer information. With this, online crime rates increase rapidly causing disruptions to the companies and putting them at risk. Hence, computer forensics is a must among employers of companies that want to do well.
There are numerous ways to get yourself a computer forensics certification. Since most people pick this up at a part time job, you can obtain your certification at home as a sideline to your stable job. How do you do that? First thing first, get yourself enrolled into an accredited course.
There are many universities and computer forensics schools that offer online computer forensics certificate programs; grab the opportunity by picking the specific area you want to master in and enroll yourself.
* Once you're registered to study this subject, search for program that offers the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) training. This is one of the most recognized papers because it has high passing conditions. These would be:
o To pass the paper with a score greater than 700
o To posses at least 5 years of direct security working experience
o To efficiently answer 4 questions based on family background and criminal history
* Land yourself a Certified Electronic Evidence Collection Specialist (CEECS) Certification and do the following intensive courses and study to become a Certified Forensic Computer examiner. With this, recruiters wouldn't hesitate to hire you into their firm as you would be a valuable employer
* Next, work on the Qualified Forensics Expert certificate. This comes with more in-depth classes as it gives you a wider horizon on computer forensics. With this, you would be able to find the cause of attacks, hacks, breakdowns and trace crime activities.
Computer forensics is a skill that is high on demand in times of today. If you have the interest and patience, head and get started on earning your certificates; they will take you a long way and you wouldn't regret it.
How to Get a Place in Top Computer Forensics Schools
Computer forensics is a constantly growing field that appeals to many people today. As many companies and businesses require employees who are knowledgeable in this particular field, more and more universities and education centers offer computer forensics certifications and accredited courses. Find out more about it here.
Computer forensics is a constantly growing field that appeals to many people today. As many companies and businesses require employees who are knowledgeable in this particular field, more and more universities and education centers offer computer forensics certifications and accredited courses.
There are numerous top computer forensics schools and universities that would do you good to graduate from and promise you a bright future ahead. Such schools are:
* The American Intercontinental University
* The Virginia College
* The Capella University
* The University of Phoenix
* The Kaplan University
* The Virginia College
These education centers are high in ranking and require a lot of hard work to get into. Nevertheless, it would be worth it as they give you great opportunities to have potential careers. How do you get a place in top schools?
* Have a solid foundation in computers, systems, architecture, law and storage media. You don't need in depth knowledge, just the basics.
* Gain some experience. Best way to do this is through internships and participating in short term projects as you can learn quite a lot.
* It would be better if you have experience working in an environment where information security is a major issue. Such places would be Banks, security firms and etc.
* You'd definitely need to be tech savvy. Keep up with technology improvements and be up-to-date.
* Most of all, you'd need the passion and interest in technology, fraud, banking, money laundering, so on and so forth.
* Also, you'd need to be good in analyzing and extracting information. This would require a lot of patience and quick thinking.
With these skills, passion and dedication you should be able to land yourself into a good, well known school and gain accredited degrees. Just don't give up and work hard!
Do a Background Check on Someone For Free - Learn Exactly How You Can Do a Free Background Check
Is it possible to do a background check on someone for free? Yes! Background checks have become part of our everyday lives, and are performed by many people every single day. We do this to protect ourselves, and thanks to the development of the internet and advanced databases we can easily do a background check on anyone from the comfort of our home or office with the only requirement being a computer and an internet connection.
Background checks have become part of our everyday lives, and are performed by many people every single day. We do this to protect ourselves, and thanks to the development of the internet and advanced databases we can easily do a background check on anyone from the comfort of our home or office with the only requirement being a computer and an internet connection.
It is possible to do a background check on someone entirely for free. Go to one of the major search engines, such as Google or Yahoo. Type the person's name using quotes in the search box, e.g. "John Doe" When you get the results, you will need to go through each listing and make note of any court records or arrest warrants issued. You will need to ensure you check each listing, or you will miss some of the background check. This can be very time consuming, but hey you do get a background check on someone for free. You will notice on the top right in line with the search bar in Google, you will be given a number of results - this is the amount of pages you will need to manually check.
If you do not find anything useful then you will need to try typing the name in various formats e.g. "Doe John" and you will need to incorporate the telephone number into the search as well. Remember to put the search term in quotes. As mentioned above, this is an extremely time consuming method, and you need to understand that the sites Google indexed may not have been updated recently, or if they have, then Google may not have indexed the new information yet. This means that the information you gather with this method tends to be outdated and inaccurate. But this is the only true way to get a background check on someone for free.
If you are like the rest of us and value your time, then it might be worth spending the measly $20 or so to join a reputable people finder service such as www.peoplefinder101.org which has huge databases that get updated daily. This is the only way to get the most reliable information at an instant. Considering the reliability, speed and amount of information you obtain in this way I would highly recommend you opting for this route.
For a reputable people finder and background checking service with reliable information providing daily updates, visit http://www.peoplefinder101.org . . . .
Conficker Eye Chart - A Simple Test to See If Your Computer is Infected
One of the easiest and most ingenious ways of checking for conficker is to use a conficker eye chart. This simple chart of six images with each image linked to the homepage of a major anti virus or security site will quickly tell you if you system is infected.
Of the millions of computer viruses in the world probably the most sophisticated and most talked about is the conficker worm also known as Downadup. As of April 2009 security experts are still unsure what the intentions of this virus are but it is very likely to be for the illegal purpose of stealing personal information such as credit card details and passwords from the infected computers.
How do I know if I am Infected with the Conficker Worm?
1. Conficker blocks access to over one hundred security and anti virus websites, so if you are having difficulty entering a security site or your anti virus program isn't updating this may be a symptom.
2. If you have trouble entering some directories or files on your computer, Conficker may be blocking them from being accessed.
3. If you are unable to get access to shared access to admin on your system this is mostly Conficker.
4. If you have tasks scheduled on your computer that you have no knowledge of, do a little research as this could also be Conficker.
Use the Conficker Eye Chart
One of the easiest and most ingenious ways of checking for conficker is to use a conficker eye chart. This simple chart of six images with each image linked to the homepage of a major anti virus or security site will quickly tell you if you system is infected. If when looking at the chart you see all six of the images theres is a good chance your system is clean. If you are unable see some of the images Conficker could be blocking access to one or more of the security sites so there is a good chance your computer is infected.
Act now before its too late.
As I mentioned at the start of this article it is not know the true intention of the Downadup virus and it is growing stronger and constantly updating itself. Experts currently fear over 4 million systems are infected with Conficker with this number rising fast. Make sure your system isn't one of them!
To try the Conficker Eye Chart visit the authors site at http://www.confickereyechart.net
It is Easier Than Ever to Find Info on People Without Expense
It's easy to find info on people for little or no money these days. Public records databases have been required to open their data stores to the public and many small companies have taken the opportunity to write programs and create sites designed to intelligently retrieve data about people in those public records databases.
It's easy to find info on people for little or no money these days. Public records databases have been required to open their data stores to the public and many small companies have taken the opportunity to write programs and create sites designed to intelligently retrieve data about people in those public records databases.
A great number of these small companies offer up significant information for free. It's entirely possible to find info on people like names, relatives, addresses, and phone numbers without any out of pocket expenditure. Most sites simply require you or I give up our names and email addresses but savvy people know ways around that too by using spare email accounts set-up with phony or bogus aliases.
I did a search on myself the other day and was rather alarmed at how easy it was to find out my own personal information, who my relatives are, and even my address and phone numbers. It's even possible to find out who owns cell phone numbers now (comes in quite handy when you're getting annoying calls at 4am from people trying to harass you). Finding out what information is available about yourself can be quite enlightening in its own right!
Truth is - whether you're trying to get the upper hand in a business negotiation, or trying to verify the accuracy of an applicants information, or you're checking up on the family of the boy your daughter is dating it is easier than ever to find info on people. These days you can't be too careful with whom you do business. It only makes sense to search public records to find info on people and avoid the many scam artists and bad apples in our midst.
Matt E. Spitz - http://www.find-missing-peoplesite.com/
Find a Person by Address by Using Free Public Records Search
It is possible to find out just about anything about just about anyone. Nowadays it doesn't even have an out of pocket expense to find a person by address, or to find a person's phone number or relatives. It's scary but that is the reality we live in.
t's easy to find a person by address using a free public records search. Public records databases have been opened to the public for a few years now however they're always been poorly organized and difficult to search. A few intrepid small businesses have managed to figure ways around all the red tape to pull all the public records databases into a single indexed records source.
A quick search to find a person by address will reveal a persons name, phone number, and relatives. The notion that there is any real privacy anymore is simply ridiculous in this day and age of public records searches. It is possible to find out just about anything about just about anyone. Nowadays it doesn't even have an out of pocket expense to find a person by address, or to find a persons phone number or relatives. It's scary but that is the reality we live in.
On the other hand you might think of it as playing on a level playing field. In the past only wealthy people with the vast resources to afford paid researchers were able to troll through public records to find people. Many of America's most successful people routinely used their enhanced ability to access public records to continually improve their status and leverage. Today you and I have the same relative access to public records that only the elite had previously.
It may be a little scary to know your information is so widely available on public records, but in reality it has always been so. Now the rest of us have access to the same data sources that have been used to target and market to us. I'm ok with that.
Matt E. Spitz | http://www.find-missing-peoplesite.com |
FBI Using Criminal Hacking Techniques on Citizens
The US National Security Agency is probably the most sophisticated group of security hackers in the world. Many will argue this point. The fact is, without NSA, US STRATCOM, which directs the operation and defense of the military's Global Information Grid, and US CERT, attacks on our critical infrastructures would be successful.
The US National Security Agency is probably the most sophisticated group of security hackers in the world. Many will argue this point. The fact is, without NSA, US STRATCOM, which directs the operation and defense of the military’s Global Information Grid, and US CERT, attacks on our critical infrastructures would be successful. We’d be living in the dark, telephones wouldn’t work, food wouldn’t be delivered to your supermarket and your toilet wouldn’t flush. These are not the same bumbling government employees you see on C-SPAN. The Obama administration is in the process of completing an internal cyber-security review, announcing plans for cyber-security initiatives and determining who’s going to lead the charge. The New York Times reports that the NSA wants the job and of course, this is raising hackles amongst privacy advocates and civil libertarians who fear that the spy agency already has too much power.
I’m all for checks and balances. However, in order to detect threats against our nation and other global computer infrastructures from criminal hackers and terrorists, those in charge of cyber-security must have full and unlimited access to networks. There is certainly a legitimate concern here that any government agency with too much power can overstep citizens’ rights. However, coming from a security perspective, there are some very bad guys out there who would like nothing more for you to be dead. Here’s a glowing example of how this power is used for good. Wired.com’s Kevin Poulsen (who should be required reading) reports on an FBI-developed super spyware program called “computer and Internet protocol address verifier,” or CIPAV, which has been used to investigate extortion plots, terrorist threats and hacker attacks in cases stretching back to before the dotcom bust.
This is James Bond, Hollywood blockbuster technology that makes for a gripping storyline. The CIPAV’s capabilities indicate that it gathers and reports a computer’s IP address, MAC address, open ports, a list of running program, the operating system type, version and serial number, preferred Internet browser and version, the computer’s registered owner and registered company name, the current logged-in user name and the last-visited URL. That’s the equivalent of a crime scene investigator having fresh samples of blood for the victim and perpetrator, and 360 degree crystal clear video of the crime committed. The FBI sneaks the CIPAV onto a target’s machine like any criminal hacker would, using known web browser vulnerabilities.
They use the same type of hacker psychology phishers use, tricking their target into clicking a link, downloading and installing the spyware. They function like any illegal hacker would, except legally. In one case, they hacked a mark’s MySpace page and posted a link in the subject’s private chat room, getting him to click it. In another case, the FBI was trying to track a sexual predator that had been threatening the life of a teenage girl who he’d met for sex. The man’s IP addresses were anonymous from all over the world, which made it impossible to track him down. Getting the target to install the CIPAV made it possible to find this animal. Numerous other cases are cited in the Wired.com article, including an undercover agent working a case described as a “weapon of mass destruction” (bomb & anthrax) threat, who communicated with a suspect via Hotmail, and sought approval from Washington to use a CIPAV to locate the subject’s computer.
So while Big Brother may yield some scary power, criminals and terrorists are a tad scarier. I’ve always viewed the term “Big Brother” as someone who watches over and protects you. Just my take.
Robert Siciliano http://IDTheftSecurity.com
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Start a Computer Forensic Career
Computer forensics is the investigation of the cyber world using modern equipment and skillful thinking. Have you always wanted to solve online crimes, discover faults and figure out how the computers 'mind' works? Do you have a passion for computers and the internet? Maybe you should start a career in computer forensics. Here are the five reasons:
Computer forensics is the investigation of the cyber world using modern equipment and skillful thinking. Have you always wanted to solve online crimes, discover faults and figure out how the computers 'mind' works? Do you have a passion for computers and the internet?
Maybe you should start a career in this field of study. Here are the five reasons:
1. It can be a life long career that provides you a stable lifestyle for now and in the future due to its high demand in the job market. There are a variety of positions offered, from computer forensic investigators, digital media analysts, digital forensics experts, forensic team leaders, bureau supervisors, forensic consultant, forensic agents, digital forensics detectives, etc.
2. This job offers a high salary and lucrative income. The more skills and knowledge you have, the higher qualification you possess and the more income you obtain. The salary range of a computer forensic specialist is from USD$80,000 to USD$120,000 annually, depending on their investigative skills and experience. Private companies normally offer more lucrative pay than government law enforcement agencies.
3. It is a very challenging and exciting job where you need to deal with many types of people, many types of fraudulent activities and you definitely won't be bored in your work. Your jobs vary from case to case, project to project.
4. You can learn many advanced IT skills as the computer technology keeps developing and you will have the opportunities to try most advanced IT devices in your investigative work.
5. It provides great self satisfaction to you when you have completed each individual task. During investigation, you may need to work days and nights and there are many obstacles you need to overcome.
Are you convinced? This job is indeed an interesting one that is both thrilling and at high demand as well. So, if you have the interest in this field, why not try your hand and enroll yourself for a computer forensics course today.
For more information about computer forensics careers and online computer forensics degree, visit ComputerForensicsBasics.com.
Computer Analysis - What Can Forensic Experts Find?
When using a computer many people think that the files they delete have disappeared indefinitely. However, when there is the need for files to be found, (say, as part of a criminal or disciplinary investigation) a computer forensic analyst knows just how to find them.
When using a computer many people think that the files they delete have disappeared indefinitely. However, when there is the need for files to be found, (say, as part of a criminal or disciplinary investigation) a computer forensic analyst knows just how to find them.
The average user cannot see the potential evidence that is kept in computer files and therefore believe that by simply pressing 'Delete' the files are then erased. Providing these files have then not been overwritten by regular and sustained use of a computer, they can be relocated in the "non-live" areas on the hard disk. These are called unallocated clusters and can hold gigabytes of deleted data.
Computer analysis should be carried out by highly skilled and qualified practitioners who understand the science behind recovering these potentially valuable files, which can be used as vital evidence within a court case. Forensic analysts use their expertise and specialist software to recover data that can hold a lot of information unbeknown to the user.
Depending on what information still remains on the computer, the forensic analysts can find a lot of valuable information about its background. For example they may be able to tell under what log-in name the files were deleted as well as the date and time that the deletion occurred. Many people also try to disguise criminal data under different file names and extensions. Forensic analysis tools can make this apparent and the analyst can see those harmful files being disguised as something else.
Passwords may not be enough to keep out a forensic analyst - and depending on the level of encryption - many forensics analysts have tools that can find ways into files that contain vital data.
Files that have become corrupted or partly erased can also be partially retrieved. Depending on the level of corruption, files can be traced and used as potential evidence against a suspect.
The process of computer analysis takes time and patience. Specialized forensic analysts can investigate whether anything that has been inputted or downloaded on to the computer. They have the tools to see everything on the hard drive regardless of whether it has been deleted or corrupted.
If you are in need of the services of a forensic expert, there are those available to help with any questions you may have.
Written by Danielle Ingram on behalf of CCL Forensics, Computer Forensics specialists.
Danielle Ingram, Content Writer for Creare Web Design and SEO specialists.