FBI Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is a form of forensic science that specializes in investigating and analyzing computer data storage devices. Computer hard drives, USB drives, CD-ROMs, floppy disks, tape drives, smart phones and other computer devices are examples of these devices analyzed by computer forensics specialists. Accordingly, members whose background also includes FBI Computer Forensics as a skillset can be a great asset to someone looking for an investigator and/or needing an expert to analyze a computer hard drive.
FBI Special Agents and Analysts routinely identify, preserve, and/or analyze many sources of documentary or digital evidence, depending on the type of computer forensics being practiced. Conducting examinations—applying computer forensics—the FBI must adhere to the standards of evidence admissible in a court of law. Computer forensics is the only discipline within the forensics arena that analyzes digital evidence.
A domestic terrorist, kidnapper, corrupt politician and/or an identity thief—these are just a few of the criminals brought to justice with the help of the FBI’s Regional Computer Forensics Laboratories (RCFLs) and their counterparts in the High Technology Crimes Task Forces (HTCTFs) located throughout the United States. These computer collaborative groups examine digital evidence in both criminal and national security cases, with many investigations coming from law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal level. In FY 2012, these computer lab networks had the following accomplishments:
- Conducted 6,213 computer forensic examinations;
- Assisted 791 onsite law enforcement operations;
- Trained 5,456 law enforcement officers in digital forensics techniques; and,
- Appeared in court 91 times to testify at trial.
In 2012, FBI Special Agents examined 58,609 pieces of digital media, including CDs and hard drives (approximately 17,500 each); floppy disks (10,982); DVDs (4,310); flash media (2,548); and cell phones (2,226).
______________________________________________
Members who have listed FBI Computer Forensics as a skillset can be extremely helpful to law firms, security professionals and journalists, looking at analyzing a computer in connection with a criminal or civil probe, need an expert to render a professional opinion and/or want someone to provide media commentary. Asked to analyze a computer device, members listing FBI Computer Forensics can analyze digital evidence and provide testimony and/or an affidavit when needed. Besides their FBI Computer Forensics skills, these members also have important organizational, reporting and interviewing skills, useful conducting ancillary investigation and/or collecting evidence in connection with the digital evidence.
Worried about computer schemes, hacking and digital evidence, members listing FBI Computer Forensics in their profiles can readily provide insight and suggestions, enhancing a security plan. Listing FBI Computer Forensics as a skillset these members are indicating they have training, expertise and contacts, not only at the federal level, but with local, state authorities—necessary to safeguard networks and identify thieves.
Likewise, members who have listed FBI Computer Forensics as a skillset can provide media commentary to journalists, wanting to write an article or produce a story about computer networks being hacked and/or thieves stealing data. Members with FBI Computer Forensics as an expertise can often provide information and facts about stolen identities and network thieves, useful to enhance and/or document a story. And many FBI Computer Forensics members also have media experience, working with print, television and radio mediums, providing in-depth commentary and/or interesting sound bites depending on what’s needed.
Looking for an FBI Computer Forensics—visitors need only use the website’s search feature, entering the appropriate skill, as well as the geographical area of preference to make contact with an FBI Computer Forensics using the information provided.
______________________________________________
Retired FBI Agents and Analysts, interested in securing a Directory listing and/or a personal email address who have a background that includes FBI Computer Forensics, need only submit a brief online application to join the website.