Title: Chapter 1 Instructor Notes
Course: IN 2005 Digital Forensics > Section: Module 1: Chapter 1 - Computer Forensics and Investigations as a Profession

Understanding Computer Forensics

- Computer forensics involves obtaining and analyzing digital information for use as evidence in civil, criminal or administrative cases.
- The FBI Computer Analysis and Response Team (CART) was formed in 1984 to handle the increasing number of cases involving digital evidence. Use Figure 1-1 to illustrate your explanation

- The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects everyone’s rights to be secure in their person, residence and property from search and seizure

Preparing for Computer Investigations

- Computer investigations and forensics falls into two distinct categories: public investigations and private or corporate investigations. Use Figure 1-5 to illustrate your explanation.

- Public investigations involve government agencies responsible for criminal investigations and prosecution. These organizations must observe legal guidelines. For example, the law of search and seizure protects the rights of all people, including people suspected of crimes. Use Figure 1-6 to illustrate your explanation.

- Private or corporate investigations deal with private companies, non-law-enforcement government agencies, and lawyers. Private investigations aren’t governed directly by criminal lawor Fourth Amendment issues. They are governed by internal policies that define expected employee behavior and conduct in the workplace.

- Private corporate investigations also involve litigation disputes. Investigations are usually conducted in civil cases.

Maintaining Professional Conduct

- Your professional conduct as a computer investigation and forensics analyst is critical because it determines your credibility.  It includes ethics, morals, and standards of behavior
- Maintaining objectivity means you must form and sustain unbiased opinions of your cases.  Maintain an investigation’s credibility by keeping the case confidential.  In the corporate environment, confidentiality is critical
- In rare instances, your corporate case might become a criminal case as serious as murder
- You can enhance your professional conduct by continuing your training, attending workshops, conferences and vendor courses.  Also, membership in professional organizations adds to your credentials
- You are expected to achieve a high public and private standing and maintain honesty and integrity