Computer forensics is the study of data that can be used as evidence in a criminal investigation. You’ll learn the fundamentals of finding this evidence, extracting data, documenting your findings, and interpreting the information you gather in any computer forensics program. You’ll also learn how to recover and analyze data from various types of digital storage media using data recovery techniques. Computer forensics jobs necessitate specialized training, certifications, and possibly a college degree. You can study computer forensics online through a variety of programs, including online undergraduate and graduate degrees, individual online courses, and certification boot camps.
A degree program is one of the most common ways to study computer forensics online. Computer forensics, information security, and information assurance programs are available at both traditional colleges and virtual universities. Along with your courses in digital forensics, data recovery, network intrusion, and the legal aspects of the field, you’ll take general computer courses in networking, programming, systems design, and databases if you enroll in an undergraduate degree program. Graduate degree programs in computer forensics typically focus on computer science courses and may require an undergraduate degree in information technology or security. Online labs are common in degree programs, and they can help you gain practical experience with data analysis and recovery.
You can take individual computer forensics courses online if you don’t want to commit to a full degree program. If you prefer to study in a college setting, you can audit a course without receiving a grade or earning college credit. Many websites offer streaming video courses and interactive lessons that teach you about computer forensics in addition to online classes through accredited universities. Many of these courses allow you to work at your own pace and, unlike online colleges, may not include homework assignments.
Another popular method of studying computer forensics online is to enroll in an accelerated boot camp course geared toward an information technology security certification. The courses can be as short as a week long and usually include live video conferencing instruction. You’ll be able to learn new computer forensics techniques watching lessons, taking practice tests, and working in online labs. Because the majority of these programs are designed to prepare you for an exam, you may be required to take the certification exam at the conclusion of the boot camp.