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Computer forensics is a new and growing specialty that serves both the public and private sectors. IT forensics specialists are not only competent in software related matters, but in those relating to computer hardware issues as well. Computer forensics comes into play in both ethical and criminal issues, including intellectual property law, theft, and fraud. There was a time when those people committing computer crimes weren't at risk from the law - now they are.
These forensics follows traditional principles for scientific investigation. Work in computer forensics is systematic, well recorded and documented, and acceptable within a court of law. The methodology of computer forensics follows several steps. The first is to identify sources of digital evidence. The second is to preserve that evidence from loss, change or corruption. The third step in the process is to analyze the evidence, and the fourth is to present the evidence within the context it is required.
A good forensic specialist can manage the computer system and the data it contains while protecting sensitive evidence. Computer forensics explores both the individual computer, and any relevant networks or server connections. Forensics allows for the discovery of obvious and hidden data, as well as allowing access to password protected, encrypted and otherwise secured data on a computer system. Forensics may also allow for the recovery of deleted files.
As a matter of fact a lot of modern IT forensics work involves recovering files that have been deliberately deleted from computers and cellphones. The drugs trade relies on cellphones to communicate but now they're realizing that a good forensics team can retrieve information on every text message and phone call they've ever made.
You can think of these specialist forensic teams as like the ultimate data recovery specialists. No matter what lengths the guilty have gone to trying to hide the evidence of their crimes these guys can find it and use it against them in court. An example is the guy who set his laptop on fire but realized it was going to take forever to burn. So he threw the laptop into a river and figure that was enough.
It wasn't. Police were able to recover the laptop and almost all the data from his hard drive. He was prosecuted for the crime in question and is now serving his sentence. The only safe way to protect your data against a computer forensics team is to set the computer on fire, smash it to bits with a sledgehammer, put it in a container and have it shot into the heart of our sun on a rocket. And even then you can't be sure....
Industrial applications, the insurance industry, legal professionals, the courts and more rely on computer forensics for many functions, ranging from preventing the spread of illegal materials to avoiding corporate fraud. Computer forensics is a growing field, and one that will continue to provide evidence and insight to prevent growing criminal computer related activity.
Are you worried that your computer might be at risk? Your computer security is something you should take very seriously - it only takes one mistake to cause you major problems. If you want more info and help with your computer security problems then click here.
Cloud computing has taken off and is now accepted in the business world as an viable and safe alternative to the traditional network server and hardware based IT Infrastructure. For some though the terminology can still be overwhelming to the beginner. In simple terms, Cloud Computing means your IT (information technology), your files and applications are stored in the 'cloud', another term for the internet, instead of being on your own network server hardware.
It can be a cheaper option for some businesses as you now no longer need to purchase applications, hard drives or back up disks or software every again. All of your data and files are stored on the 'Cloud' and rented through a cloud hosting provider.
IT as a Service on the Cloud
Moving IT infrastructure to cloud computing sees delivery of IT resources as services incorporating infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS) over the internet. The advantages, beside the cost benefits of not need to constantly upgrade hardware, are that business operations tend to be faster, more flexible and highly efficient.
To access the 'Cloud' and all your data and applications, all you need is a cloud computer called a Notebook or Netbook and an internet connection with a cloud hosting service provider. You do not need expert technology knowledge or cumbersome computer hardware. If you can operate a lap top and a browser you can easily become a user of cloud computing.
A Cloud computing service provider allows for common business applications online, as mentioned above, accessed from a web browser. Business software and data are stored on the servers of your cloud host.
The Benefits of Moving to the Cloud
* Reduction in capital expenditure over the long haul (no need to constantly invest in new infrastructure)
* Increases business operations efficiency
While security and monitoring have been issues in the past with moving to the cloud, much of this is sorted out now with the military and Governments moving off hardware. This move has seen a dramatic maturation of cloud security. Security is becoming less of a problem as more larger companies move their entire IT infrastructure to cloud computing. It is still always a good idea to check with your cloud host or provider, what their back up and security protocols are and be satisfied you data and files will be in safe hands.
For more information visit the Cloud Computing Guide.
The quest for convenience is a two edged sword. In our quest for speed, efficiency and walking as little as possible, we strive to make life as simple as possible. It was not so log ago that business was done face to face; meetings and paper letters were how we communicated. When we shopped we walked or drove to a store, loaded a trolley or basket and checked out.
Now, we can sit in the comfort of our own home and have face to face meetings through video conferencing, send a letter in less than a second and most importantly, shift our hard earned cash from one bank to another.
But there is a price some pay and it goes beyond the fees and any appropriate software. The more convenient we make life, the more potential avenues for theft and fraud we create.
Internet security is of paramount importance. When you live in a city, you lock your house door, lock the car, engage the alarm and leave lights on when you go out.
We speak of a ‘global village’, but I think this gives a false impression. Life on the internet is not a village – it’s a global city – and city mentality is needed.
So how can you lock up and alarm your virtual doors?
ANITVIRUS
For some reason, there are some people out there who get kicks out of writing little programs that cause computers problems. These range from annoying little bugs to complete computer breakdown. It can either be irritating or catastrophic leading to a loss of all data.
The solution – anti-virus (a virus killer). There are many programs that can spot a virus when it comes via a website or email – and kill it outright – is like cyber-bleach. These programs stay in the background, get updated with the latest threats and jump into action when needed.
SPYWARE
Although spy ware doesn’t usually cause computer meltdown, it can actually be more damaging. Spy ware are other little programs that run in the background of your computer – the monitor you online activity and report back to the sender. The threat? If you're banking online or dealing with sensitive data, it could be under threat.
Like anti-virus software – there is a host of good spy ware checkers and removers.
It pays to get protected before you need it – there is no use locking the stable door after the horse has bolted. You can see the cyber locksmith at [http://online-security-solutions.com].
© 2006 Copyright Steve Holloway. You may republish this article as long as it remains unchanged and the resource box is included.
