A computer forensics expert is trained to extract evidence from a computer of a suspect.  Unlike most fields, you are not strictly required to have a specific education to become a computer forensics expert. In fact, many of the people who become experts either teach themselves or are taught by the police or are IT specialists who venture in to this field.

Qualifications

Even though it is preferential to have a degree in computer sciences if the aim is to become a computer forensics expert, it is in no way necessary. Experience and training are the main source of concern for those who employ computer forensics experts. However, if a private detective wants to work as an expert in computer forensic with law enforcement, then he will be required to have a clean slate in crime. This is necessary as the expert may be called to court, where past misdemeanors may result in credibility of the evidence being questioned.

Job Of A Computer Forensics Expert

As mentioned earlier, the main task of a computer forensics expert is to extract data from the computer of a suspect and use the data as evidence in order to either convict or release the suspect, as the evidence may dictate. If the expert works with the police, he may be called to a crime scene to transport the computer and ensure that no evidence is tampered with or deleted from the computer. A private detective may also need to preserve the information located on the laptop of the accused. This data needs to be immediately duplicated it in order to ensure its preservation.

Documenting The Findings

Simply duplicating and extracting the data is not all there is to this job of course.  Once the data has been analyzed, it has to be presented in the form of a report. If the expert is with a law enforcement agency, the report will detail the findings and submit it to a superior. On the other hand, if the expert is a private detective, he will submit the report to his client, who may then decide further action on the basis of the report. Whether the person works for the law enforcement or as a private detective, he may find the need to present the evidence in court.

Tools For Computer Forensics

With the advances made in technology, computer forensic experts have come up with a multitude of tools that helps to make their task easier. These tools can have a variety of functions, from reconstructing the entire hard drive piece by piece to using file recovery programs that help the private detectives regain the files that have been erased or deleted. There are also tools that can quickly copy the contents of the hard drive while also analyzing the data that it contains. Other tools are designed to preserve the RAM of a computer.