CRJ 4880 - Cyber Crime investigations

Credit Hours: 3

As computers become more common in businesses and households, it is inevitable that the information or evidence an investigator seeks will be stored in those computers or will involve use of the Internet. Data networks now in place allow us to transmit information to and from virtually any location on Earth in a timely and efficient manner. But what has this tremendous enhancement in communications technology brought us? Another opportunity for criminal activity to take place. Who are the criminals in cyberspace? Understanding cybercrime requires an understanding of the technology that is being used to commit the criminal acts. The investigation of cybercrimes requires highly specialized skills. This course is designed to expose students to legal and technical aspects of cybercrime investigation. The guidelines of the collection, preservation, analysis and presentation of digital evidence will be presented to properly conduct a cybercrime investigation. The focus of this course will be on how law enforcement investigate a cybercrime and obtain electronic evidence, maintaining the evidentiary chain, as well as the legal aspects of the search and seizures of computers, smart phones and related digital devices.