If you're from a computing, legal or law enforcement background you can extend your professional interests and profile in an area that is quickly becoming crucially important to organisations, as the involvement of computers in criminal activity constantly increases.
A computer can be used as the tool, the target or the storage area of a crime. The investigator is required to collect the involved digital media, examine and analyse the digital evidence and report the evidential findings.
There is a rapid growth and continued demand in the digital forensics industry. A number of very specific factors are contributing towards the growth of digital forensic investigation:
- Cyber-attack threat levels have increased the requirement for intelligent analysis of information and the investigation of digital devices
- An increasing multitude of digital devices capable of storing evidence have made the issue of investigation more complex
- Increased capacities in memory storage mean that computer investigations require more time. Many police forces are struggling to deal with a back log of digital cases.
This programme brings together the core skills of forensics and security. During the course you will learn about fundamental as well as advanced research concepts in both computer forensics and security. There is an emphasis on professional research and you will be given opportunities throughout the programme to get involved with key research areas, including industry based projects developed through our excellent links with industry.
The Derbyshire Information Security Consortium (DISC) regularly hosts talks from industry professionals which you can attend to enhance your learning and development in this area. Find out more at www.derby.ac.uk/disc
You will study in a state-of-the-art computer forensics laboratory equipped with the latest specialist software and you will develop knowledge to apply the computer forensic process.
