Part 1: How To Become a Better Digital Forensics Investigator - Introduction

For a fortnight, Rob Lee from Digital Forensics Magazine is taking over the Firebrand blog. Throughout the next two weeks, Rob will be taking a look at how Digital Forensics Investigators can develop themselves, and the profession itself:

Our community is small. Similar to walking into your favorite bar and seeing your best friends there, attending conferences feels like a reunion. This will not last. We are growing at an increased pace. Last year, “Information Security Crime Investigator/Forensics Expert” was the number #1 coolest job for the SANS “Top 20 Coolest Information Security Jobs.” Every day, I see new individuals entering the field, from law enforcement to the intelligence community, from information security professionals to those involved in litigation. The reason is simple: our work is important and makes a difference. As a result, each of us should actively help foster community building to ensure that we grow smartly as a profession.

Estimates have suggested that there are approximately 30,000 digital forensic professionals in the world. As we continue to expand the field, many individuals are contributing back into the community to help further the profession. Individuals, such as Dave Hull, Ovie Carroll, Lance Mueller, and many others, routinely give up their own time to get involved and help many individuals on a daily basis.

However, we desperately need more dedicated professionals contributing this growing community. You do not have to be exceptionally talented, know how to code, or even spend money, if you want to contribute. You can simply join a professional organization, get to know your peers, and of course, most importantly, participate. My mantra now is simple: “What have you done to help further our profession today?”

So, how can you get involved? Wednesday's post will look at the use of research in the profession.

Digital Forensics Magazine is a quarterly features and news magazine, from the world of computer and cyber crime and digital forensics. To mark Rob's takover of the blog, Firebrand Training is offering half price EC-Council Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (C|HFI) certification, if you book the Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) course at the same time. Call us on 080 80 800 888 and join the Digital Forensics community!