How To Become A Computer Forensics Technician

October 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

In the current IT age, computers around the world are at risk from the growing pandemic called “cyber-crime.” As security firms work tirelessly to develop better safeguards to protect the personal information of consumers, cyber-criminals are figuring out new ways to bypass them are reach their target. The fight seems hopeless as every new anti-virus or computer management program eventually falls swiftly to new viruses and security loopholes. But all is not lost since the cyber-criminals still have to sweep up their tracks before the authorities can track them. And when all else fails to prevent cyber-theft, the authorities turn to their one and only hope for catching the crooks; a computer forensic technician.

 

What Is A Computer Forensic Technician?

To understand what a computer forensics technician is, one must first understand what computer forensics is. Computer forensics can be described as the process of finding incriminating evidence stored in computer data for legal purposes. The goal is to procure, secure, analyze and present the incriminating data in an investigation. Hence, a person who specializes in this process is called a computer forensics technician.

How To Become A Computer Forensic Technician?

Obviously, a person requires a sound education in IT to become a successful computer forensics technician. Though the minimum requirement is a certificate, an undergraduate degree or higher degree from a college or university is highly recommended. The proper degree types can range from a focused degree in computer forensics to a well rounded degree in computer science. A person could even study a degree in law enforcement to pave their way to computer forensics. These degrees may take between two to four four years to complete but an internship in the filed of computer forensics is obtainable.

Is A Career In Computer Forensics Really Worth It?

A career in computer forensics is a diverse one – computer forensic technicians are hired by law enforcement, corporations and government agencies around the world and the need for them is growing by the year.  Also, a computer forensics technician is given a high salary that ranges from $40k to $90k a year.

Contact Stephen Ryan at steve@technicianinabox.com for further information.

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How To Protect Yourself From Scareware

September 23, 2011 By Leave a Comment

For over the past four years, millions of internet users have come under siege from “scareware.” Cyber-criminals who use this type ofrogue software as part of their online scams have successfully generated potentially incredible amounts of income over those years.

Scareware is scam software that contains malicious payloads and are delivered to users through pop-ups.  The name “scareware” comes from the method these pop-ups use to infect personal computers. They try to sell a false product, usually in the form of anti-virus program to a user through scare tactics. For example, a pop-up will claim, “your PC may be infected with viruses,” and will offer to sell an anti-virus software. Another example are those pop-ups that put up porn images on the user’s screen and force them to pay up in order to remove them.

Users will encounter scareware on malicious websites and once they appear they will not go away until the user buys into the scam by following its instructions, usually by clicking it. Once clicked on, the scareware will infect the PC with its malicious payload that includes viruses, spyware, and more malicious programs. What’s worse is that some scareware don’t require the cooperation of the user and can infect the PC automatically as soon as they appear on the screen or “pop-up on the screen.”

So how do you protect yourself from such a threat? The most recommended action is to install a legit and powerful anti-virus software on your computer and keep it updated every time you use the computer. It also helps to avoid pop-up ads that don’t appear legit especially those who offer a service that sounds to good to be true.

 

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New Trojan Virus Targets PC Motherboards

September 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Researchers have discovered a new and dangerous Trojan Horse virus that can infiltrate PC motherboards, infect the system whenever the PC is turned on and remain undetected.

According to the security firm Symantec, the new virus is called “Trojan.Mebromi” and is the first roolkit malware (malicious software that hides within infected systems) to specifically and effectively target system BIOS built into the motherboard. Mebromi made its existence known when it began attacking Chinese computers several weeks earlier, prompting an aware Symantec and other security firms to perform research and try to develop a solution for it.

The infection starts like any other Trojan attack; with an attached corrupted file. Once it infiltrates the Bios system, Mebromi then loads itself onto the PC’s master boot record (MBR) and infects it as well. Once stored in the BIOS system, Mebromi can prove difficult to treat since anti-virus software would have to locate the hidden Trojan and remove it without damaging the motherboard.

Mebromi can also prove persistent given its potential to execute itself every time the infected PC is turned on, making its removal more imperative.

Symantec has posted a solution for removing Mebromi from infected motherboards. You can read it here.

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