COMPUTER FORENSICS KNOWLEDGE; A MUST FOR EVERY FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS

WHAT IS COMPUTER FORENSICS?


Computer forensics is the investigative arm of computer science that handles investigations in order to bring out evidences that could be used in the law court to prosecute a suspect when found guilty of an offence. Computer forensics investigators perform their duties through data analysis. The nature of forensic accounting requires that investigations be carried out in certain cases.

One may be asking; what concerns investigation with computer? Well, the answer is simple, most frauds if not all frauds are committed through the computer and other electronic devices.

HOW TO BECOME A COMPUTER FORENSICS PROFESSIONAL

You can become a computer forensics professional by becoming a member of any of the professional computing forensic organizations like; IACIS (International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists) one of the oldest bodies created by police officers that wanted to formalize credentials in computing investigations. Apart from joining a professional body, the most important thing in becoming a computer forensics professional is knowledge and experience. As a basic requirement, you must have a first degree.

This experience and knowledge can only be acquired through reading, learning and doing. I knew nothing in computer forensics when I started but today, I can reasonably conduct computer forensic analysis and investigation with little help from professional bodies where I belong. Since you are looking at becoming a computer forensics from the perspective of an accountant, it will really be nice if you top it up with a credential in fraud examination like the ACFE.

BASIC TOOLS NEEDED IN YOUR COMPUTER FORENSICS LAB

Note that the list of computer forensics tools listed here cannot be a comprehensive one but just to give an idea of what you need to ensure you take care of. Below are some of the tools needed in your office/ work area:

A work room built with copper

A well ventilated and well lighten place

Electrostatic discharge bags and other forensics storage bags

Software for data analysis like; spydrive, Encase, etc

Scheduled and routine lab auditing procedure

A well equipped library

Computers with different OSs like Macintosh, windows, vistas and other older operating systems.

You also need to consider the office ergonomic

Like I said before, you will get more requirements from your professional body.

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A COMPUTER FORENSICS PROFESSIONAL

A lot of benefits accrue to all those that have credential in computer forensics and other investigative fields in the society. The most prominent of them all is respect and honour in the society. Note however that there are risks associated with computer forensics credentials. But, that wouldn’t deter people from becoming computer forensics professional. Your professional organization will link you up to security agents that will see to your basic security needs. Even life itself is full of risk so do not be afraid of that.

Wow! A lot has been discussed about computer forensics, now that you have known all these, wouldn’t you rather become a computer forensics professional today? If you consider joining any of the professional bodies mentioned above, also consider buying any of these books on computer forensics displayed below.

To your success as a computer forensics professional!



Search Amazon.com for computer forensics

FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS, ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Forensic accountants are accountants that carryout investigative activities to; discover, prevent and deter fraud and other assets misappropriation. The high degree of fraud and financial crime today made it compulsory that every accountant should have forensic skill needed to fight fraud.


There are certification bodies now offering to train you as an accountant with the prowess to fight fraud. Do not hesitate to join one today.

The important question is; what are the roles of forensic accountants? This question will be addressed in this article. Before you read on, you may consider buying some of the books on forensic accounting displayed below:















LINKS TO MORE AMAZON BOOKS ON FORENSICS

Forensic accountants

ROLES OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS

Whistle blowing: forensic accountants are known for their whistle blowing ability. Whistle blowing is the term used to mean reporting of frauds or suspected frauds. This is usually made to superior authority in an organization. As an accountant employed to fit into the position of forensic personnel, it is your duty to always look for signs of fraud and blow whistle to help uncover the fraud.

Fraud detection, deterrence and prevention: there is no how fraud and other financial crime can be successfully perpetrated without being noticed by the accountants. The position of the accountant as information measurement professional places him or her at the heart of every information that comes in and goes out of a business entity. Forensic accountants employ the various internal control technique, auditing and information systems management skills acquired during the course of their training to read the handwriting before others could see it. Forensic accountants should be able to see the three elements of fraud present themselves and work to ensure that they either disappear or are made redundant. The three fraud element is also called the fraud triangle. They are; opportunity, pressure and rationalization.

The best way to fight fraud is to lookout for any sign that tells you when the fraud triangle is present.

Again, the institution of reasonably sound internal control is the surest way to detect, deter and prevent frauds and financial crimes. Therefore, forensic accountants should endeavor to set up internal control system and monitor it to ensure proper implementation.

Educating management: it is part of the duty and responsibility of forensic accountants to constantly educate the general public. Information on what to do in order to prevent and deter fraud should be spread by forensic accountants.

Forensic accountants are the backbone of fraud fighting profession. The importance of their services cannot be overemphasized. We all need them to save our already threatened business world and the global economy at large. I would like to point out one thing; forensic accountants and fraud examiners are not the same thing. Although the difference between forensic accounting and fraud examination is just a tiny line, it is good you know it. Both professionals are out to fight crime but, from different perspective. A fraud examiner is called in when fraud has been suspected while a forensic accountant is the one to suspect fraud and then figure out how, when and how it was perpetrated. I really wish not to bother you with this distinction but, would be giving you incomplete information if I don’t.

You too can join the forensic accountants and fraud examiners to make this fight against fraud and other misappropriations work. Together, we can achieve a relatively fraud free society!