Being a cybercrime investigator isn’t just limited to one position. This is because there are many different roles that cybercrime investigators play within major corporations and the government. Additionally, there are many kinds of cybercrimes that need unique training and specializations.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime is a growing problem that is quickly becoming a global problem. Every day, computer and network intrusions result in security breaches and data loss. The most highly sought after information is personal, such as financial information or social security numbers for identify theft. In fact, the Internet is now the primary way that cybercriminals steal people’s identities in order to commit fraud. However, cyber criminals also engage in industrial espionage in order to hack valuable proprietary secrets. Cybercriminals prefer businesses because they can obtain massive amounts of confidential client information. Even worse, corrupt criminals and terrorists seek to destabilize the country and government through online cyber-terrorism. Terrorists can now launch cyber strikes from the convenience of their own homes. However, cybercrime investigators work to combat illegal cyber activities.
Cybercrime Investigator
Most cybercrime investigator work for private IT or technology companies. They are typically part of an investigation team that supports their clients through identifying intrusion sources and providing suggested security solutions. After this, they will also create effective recovery plans for similar future scenarios. Cybercrime investigations involve data collection, threat analysis, forensic evaluations, surreptitious surveillance and even face-to-face interviews. Teams are made up of different kinds of computer and security experts. Members will come from different backgrounds, including former hackers, law enforcement and network security personnel.
FBI IT Job Profile
The FBI relies on their IT professionals to protect both sensitive data and the public. IT professionals in the FBI may work in industry standard positions, such as IT services or engineering. Therefore, students with a bachelor’s degree in computer science are welcome to apply for entry-level FBI positions. Students can have a degree in applications software, database management, network engineering, operating systems and systems administration. However, the FBI’s Cyber Division is tasked with leading the national effort to fight cyber based crime, such as fraud, espionage and even terrorism. FBI cybercrime investigators work with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to document, assess and prevent cybercrime. FBI cybercrime investigators are either assigned to mobile investigative teams that travel to gather intelligence or one of the 56 field offices spread throughout the country.
FBI Intelligence Analyst Job Profile
The FBI’s intelligence analysts are the real cybercrime investigators. The FBI now has shifted their focus to domestic and international cyber threats. There are three set career paths for intelligence analysts to follow: tactical, strategic and collection/reporting. While all three are very different, they all involve every step of the intelligence cycle: planning, collecting, analyzing and reporting. Tactical agents work on investigative squads that assess online threats, collect intelligence data and identify security gaps. Strategic agents conduct threat studies through performing domain and enterprise-wide evaluations. Collection/Reporting agents collect massive amounts of raw intelligence from online sources, such as media and websites, and prepare concise reports. All three intelligence analysts perform the various duties of a cybercrime investigator.
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Looking back, cybercrime investigators work in every possible type of organization to analyze, report and prevent cybercrime. Being a cybercrime investigator is a worthwhile career choice that has plenty of opportunities for advancement.