There are many modern career paths you might take, but could it be that something like computer crimes defense lawyer or cyber detective might be the right choice for you?
There’s a solid future as a cybercrime investigator. Read on, and learn what this growing field is all about, and how this path might be the perfect career option for you.
What Does a Cybercrime Investigator Do?
In a nutshell, it’s a cybercrime investigator’s responsibility to look into cases of computer-related crimes. These might be crimes against individuals, such as cyberstalking and online harassment, but they might also be acts perpetrated against organizations, such as data theft, ransomware attacks, and other large-scale, big money criminal activities.
This isn’t the only path available to prospective investigators, however. Some cybercrime experts ally themselves with law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, to take on serious offenses like drug smuggling, human trafficking, and more. This is a varied career field that offers a wide range when it comes to specific focuses.
Skills Cybercrime Investigators Possess
Because of the nature of their work, cybercrime investigators commonly possess a number of shared skills. These include some of the following:
- Analyzing computer networks
- Gathering evidence
- Testifying in court
- Data recovery
- Computer forensic principles
- Network security
- Penetration testing
- Common computer languages
- Incident response
- Meeting with clients
Of course, getting those skills takes time, which is where background and education for this field come into play. Let’s take a look at that next.
Education for a Cybercrime Investigator
In most cases, cybercrime investigators have at least a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or criminal justice to get themselves started down this career path. While there are some community colleges that offer two-year associate’s degrees on related topics, the more typical option is to go for the four-year degree and build from there.
For higher-level criminal investigations, cybercrime experts may opt for a master’s degree program in computer forensics, information systems, or some related specialty. This provides prospective job seekers with further qualifications that can make them eligible for top-tier positions that require advanced knowledge on trickier legal procedures.
Of course, any candidate for cybercrime investigative roles will benefit from real life experience as well. Some programs may provide a pathway to internships or starter roles that may grant candidates with the experience they need to get ahead, but in other cases it falls to the candidate themselves to search hard for a place to get their proverbial foot in the door.
Wrapping Up
The outlook for jobs investigating cybercrimes is good, so interested candidates should make the preparations they need to start gaining education and experience, in preparation for that dream job as a cybercrime expert down the line.