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Masters in Computer Forensics

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  • 04-01-2008 5:44am
    #1
    monosharp
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,981 ✭✭✭


    As it says on the tin.

    Have a bachelors degree in computing (software engineering) and looking for somewhere where I can do a MA in computer forensics or similiar through distance learning. Have been googling but no joy so far.

    Can anyone help ?


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    #2
    Static M.e.
    Registered Users Posts: 3,088 ✭✭✭Static M.e.


    Hi Monosharp,

    This recently came up in the Security forum might be worth having a read.

    I dont know much more myself, sorry.


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    #3
    Andy Harbison
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2 ✭Andy Harbison


    Monosharp,

    Some advice:

    Get yourself some real world experience first. Knowing how companies operate and people think as important for an investigator than any technical degree.The best investigators, I've found, think more about how people behave than how computers work.

    You need a course where you can work on real machines with experienced people advising you. That means a full time course. The MSSF at DCU is pretty good and most of the ITF providers in Ireland hire from it. The Bachelors degrees in WIT and LIT less so. Good investigators need to be rounded individuals - so a more general primary degree is preferred.

    Don't believe CSI on a Monday night - most of ITF is routine and good ITF is heavily reliant on set procedures. Incidnet Response, as described in some of the books (and many of the "hobbyists" out there) doesn't happen very much - most of the bad guys use social engineering and malware to gain access these days - and anyway, there has never been a successful prosecution under Irish Law (This is no fault of the Garda CCIU, which is first class. It is just that the legislation here is very poor).

    If you are still determined to look, 3 of the Big 4 have ITF teams (PWC is the exception, Deloitte is the largest). There are a couple of boutique operators who also have capabilties plus a bunch of sole traders. Kroll Ontrack are also here, but mainly operate in the Data Recovery space.

    ITF is an area where you can become "over-specialised" very quickly if you are not careful. It is important that you develop the corresponding skills - fraud investigation, law, psychology etc. - if you are going to ever get ahead in it.


    Good luck for the future anyway.


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    #4
    Stky10
    Registered Users Posts: 1,165 ✭✭✭Stky10


    I've done some investigation on this as its kind of interesting to me as well, and apparently the course in DCU could well become part-time shortly.

    How long "shortly" means.... no idea... how long is a piece of string.

    I've been advised though that it is a difficult course to master and graduate from, so if you're serious about doing it, its probably in your best interests to bite the bullet and do it full time.


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