Computer forensics field takes off

Specialists needed to fight cyber crime

There's a new level of international crime developing, where modern-day criminals can commit large-scale larceny without ever handling a gun. Cyber crimes are on the rise. While the perpetrators are often clever and capable of hacking into the systems of some of the largest, most computer-savvy organizations in the world, a new investigative technique is on their trail: computer forensics.

Scott Community College is getting students ready for this developing field with a new course that began in the fall of 2006. Instructor and information technology department coordinator Jerry Wilkerson hopes to develop more courses, giving students the techniques necessary for data protection and recovery, evidence retrieval and preparation for court in computer-related criminal investigations.

"I think this is a very important field," Wilkerson said. "The applications are numerous because with the right training, you can work for any one of a hundred different types of businesses or for law enforcement agencies - from local agencies to the FBI. The students who completed the first class were very excited about these opportunities."

Wayne Holm is a self-proclaimed mystery buff who is "really into" computers." Holm is enrolled in the associate degree networking program at SCC and says he's not sure where he would like to work, but thinks there are several options. "I'd like to work with a company or the police to uncover a crime. I like both, really."

"I figure the computer forensics course will be good experience because some companies have systems administrators doing data recovery, so that's a good skill to have," said Cody Columbia, also a computer networking student. "A lot of data recovery is being able to crack codes, and many people, even outside of the business setting, are having trouble with their hard drives and have had to retrieve information."

"It's a good field," Columbia added, "because it's new, once it gets going there are going to be a lot of jobs."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, companies often give systems administrators the responsibility for planning, coordinating and implementing security measures to safeguard computer databases. Corporate salaries range from $47,250 to $70,500. In law enforcement, salaries range anywhere from $41,700 to $72,924 for police chiefs.

As this field grows, watch SCC for details. Wilkerson has ideas. He already has sought the advice of regional FBI agents and plans to talk with other colleges in the area to form transfer agreements or partnerships for those who want a four-year degree.

For information, call 1-800-336-3907 or drop us an e-mail.