As computer forensics has become increasingly important to civil and criminal trials, certification for computer experts has been a growing business. However, no one authority has appeared to define what a computer forensic certification should entail, which means investigations, can vary wildly in terms of quality.
Computer forensics is a complex field that requires many different skills and whilst the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has published a set of guidelines for interrogating electronic evidence, they do not legislate for certification.
The primary purpose of certifications is to establish credibility in court. Traditionally there was little in the way of professional training available, therefore many computer forensics examiners today are largely self-taught, learning on the job. Unfortunately, this can open computer experts up to legal challenges. If digital evidence cannot be challenged, the person who collected it may be an easy target for opposing counsel. With much more powerful software available, these days it is the investigator’s credentials that will be challenged in court, rather than the tools used.
Thankfully a number of universities now offer degrees in Computer Forensics and we have just seen the first batch of graduates. These courses are designed to produce highly skilled and professional graduates with abilities in resolving computer forensic problems and cases, preserving the evidential integrity in computer forensic analysis, developing and managing computing solutions, being knowledgeable of current and emergent technologies with particular emphasis to computer and digital forensics. In addition there is a strong focus on understanding legal, social, ethical and professional responsibilities of computer forensics practitioners.
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