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Advice Needed

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(@mnavarrette)
Posts: 2
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hello Everyone!

I came across this site and it really sparked my intrest. I am seeking the advice of some Computer Forensic specialist. I will soon attend college to further my current Network Security experience. However, my passion is Computer Forensics. I would like to know if anyone could give me a helping hand. I would like to know where you started? ,What degrees you hold? ,and what is a good starting point for someone who is trying to break into the industry. Is there such thing as a degree in Computer Forensics. If so can anyone give any recons on schools in the New York City or sorrounding areas that provide such a thing. Any information would be greatly appreciated as I have been doing ongoing research and have come up with the same information. *Nothing*

Thanks in Advance!
mnavarrette

 
Posted : 29/03/2005 10:43 pm
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Welcome to the Forensic Focus forums. This type of question is asked frequently, have you had a look at earlier posts?

Kind regards,

Jamie

 
Posted : 30/03/2005 2:14 am
(@jonathan)
Posts: 878
Prominent Member
 

Hmmm, there are a couple of these type of posts everyday! Could there be a separate forum created for them and the moderator move posts to there? It would then make this forum more useful to existing practioners, as it get s little repetitive wading through 'how do I become a computer forensics analyst' everyday!

😕

 
Posted : 30/03/2005 9:19 am
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

Fair point, I'll attend to it shortly…

Jamie

 
Posted : 30/03/2005 10:41 am
(@mnavarrette)
Posts: 2
New Member
Topic starter
 

I apologize for not reviewing the previous replies. Although it may seem the same cookie cutter question, and may receive the same replies everyones situation is different. I have done my homework and asking the assistance of some professionals and pioneers who have been there. I am in New York and my main question pertains to New York City what schools are around. I have located the schools everywhere else but here. The big apple mind blowing to me. I know about John Jay I also know that Columbia is in the process of putting something together. I did not mean to press the "same" question. Have reviewed some of the other post. Again it helps me in some aspects and in others does not. I need info on NYC. I currently worK for IBM and we have books on Computer Forensics. Ill Keep reviewing.

Thank You In Advance
M

 
Posted : 30/03/2005 6:28 pm
Jamie
(@jamie)
Posts: 1288
Moderator
 

I should clarify, there's absolutely nothing wrong with the original post (as I've stated before this site was set up with the intention of being useful to both newcomers and experienced practitioners). I should probably take the blame for not acting quickly enough to separate the posts more sensibly but I'm afraid time hasn't been on my side recently. I will, however, look into a suitable solution shortly.

Kind regards,

Jamie

 
Posted : 30/03/2005 7:32 pm
keydet89
(@keydet89)
Posts: 3568
Famed Member
 

mnavarrette,

I apologize for not reviewing the previous replies.

You're quite right about everyone having a different situation…the point others brought up, however, is still valid. Your original post makes no effort to describe how your situation is unique…had you stated in your first post what your general location is, what work/exploring you've already done, *how* your situation is unique, etc., you would probably have received a different response.

I'll throw in my $0.02…I obtained an MSEE while I was in the military, and when I got out, I was hired by a defense contractor who needed bodies. This worked well for me, b/c it put me in a position to do actual infosec work (initially, war dialing) and have something I could put on my resume. That's the key…degrees and certificate programs are good gateways that open doors, but what really counts is what you've *done*. My advice would be to pursue a degree and try to find someway to get hands on experience on the forensics side of the house. Some of the avenues that are out there are going to be exclusive clubs…law enforcement, for example, isn't really big about having someone just walk in from the outside…"I'm here to help". Try to find even a community college that has a forensics program…I've seen several that do (none in NY yet, though, sorry).

One avenue you may find interesting is the military. Seriously, some of the folks currently involved in the forensics field in the commercial industry started in AF OSI. I'm not familiar with how they do things, but talking to an AF recruiter about getting a signed guarantee wouldn't hurt.

Finally…networking. Try to find a technical group in your area that meets regularly…online or in person. That kind of networking is really good for uncovering leads to jobs, and even just discussing ideas. You may even find some guys who just get old drives, image them and recover data. That's a great way to learn.

Jamie, I look forward to seeing what you put together for these situations. I'm sure those of us who've already passed the gates can learn at least as much from the questions and responses, as we can from providing our own experiences.

H. Carvey
"Windows Forensics and Incident Recovery"
http://www.windows-ir.com
http://windowsir.blogspot.com

 
Posted : 31/03/2005 12:18 pm
(@kamikazi)
Posts: 1
New Member
 

George Washington University offers a Masters program in Computer Forensics. You may want to look in to this program, I have met the director and some of the current students and it seems to be a good program.

8)

Tim Milloff

 
Posted : 04/05/2005 12:37 am
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