Fighting Cyber Crime, one computer at a time

Think about the last time you used your credit card online. Did you feel nervous entering the numbers and hitting send? Are you one of the many lulled by the sense of security provided by “https” pages and secure sockets?  If so, you’ve most likely never had your credit card information stolen online. Even if you’ve escaped such a fate and you think you’ve never been a victim of a cyber crime, think again. Thousands of Americans are victims of online crime each and every day, and most of the time it happens without them noticing at all.

Cyber security focuses on issues such as identity theft, computer hacking and viruses, and other horrific crimes such as the use of child pornography and cyber stalking. 20 years ago there was no need for specialists in this area, because our technology simply wasn’t what it is today. Rapid changes have opened up a career path to prosecute those who take advantage of technology and use it against others.

Individuals who are perusing this type of career will focus on data retrieval, digital evidence, and computer techniques for seeking out and solving criminal cases online. Types of positions available to those who are qualified and interested in this area are: 

• Forensic Data Specialist – Specializes in the restoration of lost data, preserving digital evidence, or analyzing encrypted data for the purpose of fighting cyber crime.
• Network Security Specialist – If your network is suddenly shut down by a computer virus, the network security specialist is on the job restoring system and preventing the situation from happening again. A person is this position protects large company networks from hackers and disabling viruses.
• Cyber Crime division of the FBI – Cybercrime is continuing to grow, and agents from the FBI have been specifically assigned to the task of investigating large scale virus attacks, hacking attempts, and pornography tracking.
• Local law enforcement cyber crime division – Most large city law enforcement divisions now has a cyber crime department. These individuals fight cyber crime on a smaller, local scale.

Beyond the computer, those in law enforcement areas will use investigative tools to seek out information on other individuals, companies, or groups that are thought to be involved in cyber crime. Positions fighting cyber crime at an investigative level are available with the FBI and law enforcement agencies.

It has never been so important for big companies to protect their information. The majority of business, including banking, is now done online. Those individuals who hack into computers are seeking large sums of money as opposed to just simple information.

Beyond the need for companies and individuals in the USA to protect themselves from becoming a victim to this type of crime, the Country as a whole needs specialists in this area to fight the more global problem of Cyber Terrorism. After the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Centre, it became obvious that the information used to formulate and carry out the attacks was readily available online. Since that time, terrorists have used the Internet to publicize and promote terrorism around the world. FBI agents specializing in this area focus on tracing and collecting data on these individuals in order to better protect the US from future attacks.

Those seeking a job in this rapidly growing field should start with a degree in a field relating to Cybercrime. You can obtain a Bachelors Degree in Computer Forensics for those who wish to become data specialists. There is a Cybercrime specialty in many Criminal Justice degree programs for those who are seeking law enforcement positions. Once you have your Undergraduate degree, you can also continue your education with a Masters in Cyber security. Each additional educational level will ensure that you have a quick ascension through the ranks of your career.

Computer Forensic is quickly becoming one of the most popular career choices for students in Science degree programs and those interested in Criminal Justice. Choosing a career in this area will ensure that our country is safe for future generations, and on a more basic level, that we feel comfortable in our rapidly changing technological world.

Earn Your Cyber Security Degree Online

Become familiar with one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal justice, which focuses on the recovery of digital information that has been used to commit crimes ranging from identity theft and embezzlement to cyber stalking and homicide.

Explore these accredited online computer security degree opportunities below and request free no obligation information from any that interest you.

We recommend getting information from several schools so you can compare the programs, costs, time commitments and financial aid options.

Utica College

Cybersecurity - Cybercrime Investigations and Forensics (Bachelor's)

Utica College is one of few colleges in the United States offering a fully online Cybersecurity degree program at the undergraduate level.

Walden University

BS - CJ - Computer Information Systems and Security

The B.S. in Criminal Justice - Computer Information Systems and Security program is designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge to prepare for a career in law enforcement, the justice system, corrections, homeland security, and social services.

Find out more about your criminal justice degree online.

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