The Qualities Of A Competent Computer Forensic Examiner

By Elizabeth Gibson


At a time when people have taken to the internet and many social and business transactions are conducted online, investigating a crime or keeping records of activities can be quite hard for one without the right expertise. The expertise of investigating and ascertaining data from digital platforms is possessed by a computer forensic examiner. This professional is charged with uncovering information and explaining it to the concerned parties.

A digital specialist can get employment in a wide range of organizations such as software development firms, law firms, accounting firms and the government as well. Basically, any organization that utilizes digital systems to run operations and record transactions requires the services of a computer forensic specialist. Apart from seeking employment in established firms, some of these experts choose to venture into entrepreneurship by opening firms. However, to succeed at such one must have management skills as well.

Computer forensic experts provide their clients with quite a wide range of services. These services are usually related to the collection of digital information. They include data and computer system investigation so as to present information required for legal suits and tracing the activities of unauthorized system users. The daily tasks of such an expert include: recovering files, protect digital systems, assess data on storage devices and provide the client with feedback or a report.

Being quite a technical line of work, its practitioners must have several unique qualities as to succeed in the profession. These qualities include excellent analytical skills. Carrying out investigative duties is not an easy fit; one has to be very keen as to put tiny pieces together and make sense of them. Without superb analytical skills, such a fit will be impossible to accomplish. These skills are important for investigating, organizing, ascertaining and finally reporting. Critical thinking and being detail oriented is crucial as well.

The information gotten from these investigations is usually used in the courts of law as evidence against crimes committed. This makes it imperative that the information provided by this expert is nothing short of accurate. A good service provider, therefore, must be able to exercise an excellent degree of accuracy and maintain superb records as well. This person must also exercise a high level of professionalism, integrity and accountability for his or her work.

Excellent communication skills are highly paramount in this line of work. A good forensic practitioner should be well spoken as he or she might be called upon to elucidate investigation outcomes in court. The person must also be able to write well detailed reports of his or her findings from the research activities.

Since computer forensic experts and lawyers often work hand in hand as to protect the interests of their clients, it is also crucial that this service provider is familiar with disciplines related to criminal and civil law including: firearms identification, chemistry, document assessment, DNA and fingerprinting among others. Curiosity is another good quality in this profession.

The ability to work well with others is another crucial quality. This expert will have to coordinate his or her activities with several other professionals as to ensure company objective are met. Therefore, excellent interpersonal skills are highly imperative.




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