Computer Forensic and Investigation Specialist (CF31)  Technical Certificate of Credit

Provides an overview of information systems, computers and technology. Topics include: Information Systems and Technology Terminology, Computer History, Data Representation, Data Storage Concepts, Fundamentals of Information Processing, Fundamentals of Information Security, Information Technology Ethics, Fundamentals of Hardware Operation, Fundamentals of Networking, Fundamentals of the Internet, Fundamentals of Software Design Concepts, Fundamentals of Software, (System and Application), System Development Methodology, Computer Number Systems conversion (Binary and Hexadecimal), Mobile computing.

Provides an overview of modern operating systems and their use in home and small business environments. Activities will utilize the graphical user interface (GUI) and command line environment (CLI) This will include operating system fundamentals; installing, configuring, and upgrading operating systems; managing storage, file systems, hardware and system resources; troubleshooting, diagnostics, and maintenance of operating systems; and networking.

This course provides a broad overview of information security. It covers terminology, history, security systems development and implementation. Student will also cover the legal, ethical, and professional issues in information security.

This course provides knowledge and experience to develop and maintain security policies and procedures. Students will explore the legal and ethical issues in information security and the various security layers: physical security, personnel security, operating systems, network, software, communication and database security. Students will develop an Information Security Policy and an Acceptable Use Policy.

This course examines the use of computers in the commission of crimes, collection, analysis and production of digital evidence. Students will use computer resources to explore basic computer forensic investigation techniques.

Provides an orientation that contains a step-by-step approach to the investigation, seizure, and evaluation of computer evidence. Topics include: computer-related evidence, crime scene investigation, evidence evaluation and analysis, passwords and encryption, networks, and investigative computer systems. The second part of this course provides an orientation that focuses on corporate fraud as it relates to computerized accounting systems and its technology, the various types of corporate computer fraud and simple audit techniques that can assist in investigating and detecting fraud. Topics include: history and evolution of fraud, mindset: step one in fraud auditing, corporate fraud in the current environment, corporate fraud investigation in the electronic data processing era, defenses against corporate fraud, theft and embezzlement, and auditing for inventory shortage.

Provides an orientation to the development, philosophy, responsibility, and function of the private security industry. A historical and philosophical perspective of private security will help students better understand the present stage of private security, its principles, its legal authority and its effect on society in general. Topics include: private security: an overview; basic security goals and responsibilities; when prevention fails; and security systems at work: putting it all together.

This course presents the fundamentals of criminal investigation. The duties and responsibilities of the investigator both in field and in the courtroom are highlighted. Emphasis is placed on techniques commonly utilized by investigative personnel as well as the procedures used for investigating various crimes.