Computer Forensics: A Critical Need as Study Program in Computer Science and Law

Abstract

The increasing use of computers and the Internet to commit crimes and to record criminal activities has lead to a corresponding demand for skills and knowledge in how best to recognize the occurrence of a computer crime, and how best to investigate.This paper will discuss the need for computer forensics to be practiced in an effective and legal way, outline basic technical issues, and point to references for further reading. It promotes the idea that the competent practice of computer forensics and awareness of applicable laws is essential for today’s networked organizations.Computer forensics can be defined as the collection, preservation, and analysis and court presentation of computer-related evidence. Computer forensics is a relatively new, but growing, of study at the undergraduate college and university level. This paper describes some of the course design and selection aspects of teaching computer forensics as program in computer science and law.