A computer crime investigator, also known as a cybercrime investigator, is a person who works to solve crimes that occur on the Internet or other multi-user computer networks, such as at work or school. Computer crime can take many forms, ranging from cyber warfare and terrorism to offensive content and spam emails. In most cases, a computer crime investigator is responsible for identifying cases of computer crime, locating the computer, server, or network from which the criminal activity originated, and locating the perpetrator. An investigator must also be aware of the various laws and regulations that govern computer and Internet use. He is also expected to keep up with technological advancements, as new technological advancements frequently introduce new ways for criminals to commit crimes.
Many computer crime investigators work for law enforcement agencies, and their job is to find and investigate computer crimes. A private computer crime investigator, on the other hand, may work for clients who have been victims of computer crimes. A private computer crime investigator is more concerned with investigating specific crimes against clients rather than searching for computer crimes in general. In order to avoid dealing with the bureaucratic concerns that often characterize large, government-controlled agencies, an individual or company may turn to a private investigator rather than an agency.
The way a computer crime investigator investigates a crime can differ significantly depending on the nature of the crime. Posing as a child in an online chat room, for example, could help you find an online predator. Identifying an employee who is committing fraud, on the other hand, may entail a thorough examination of various individuals’ computer use histories, as well as a review of financial statements and other records. Some crimes, such as denial-of-service attacks, can be extremely difficult to investigate because they often involve a large number of people and computers in various locations.
In many cases, a computer crime investigator may find it difficult to gather sufficient evidence in computer crime cases. A user might, for example, commit his crimes on a public computer or go to great lengths to conceal his identity and location. Furthermore, much of the evidence in such cases must be gathered on the internet or through computer systems. Due to a lack of physical evidence, identifying a computer criminal may be difficult. In many cases, however, a government-affiliated computer crime investigator can obtain a warrant to collect and examine an individual’s computer or hard drive for physical evidence of criminal activity or materials after gathering sufficient evidence.