Just as a murder scene needs to be secured so too do electronic crime scenes. There are particular ways of securing evidence and students learn how to do this. Electronic crime scenes often involve child pornography, blackmail, financial fraud and data theft. Criminal prosecutors have used computer forensic evidence to form the backbone in murder cases and robberies through the use of technologies such as mobile phone forensics.
Computer forensics is the application of the scientific method to digital media in order to establish factual information for judicial review. This process often involves investigating computer systems to determine whether they are or have been used for illegal or unauthorised activities.
What is the BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (Computer Forensics & Security)?
The BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security) is a full-time, four-year, honours degree course of study that can be chosen within the SE600 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry). This course is designed to equip graduates with the specialised skills and knowledge needed to secure, monitor and examine electronic crime scenes and digital environments.
Course Aims
This stream will develop a strong underlying knowledge of how data, storage and communications work down to bit level. Graduates are aware of the value of data in storage and in transit and the need for security. When reconstructing what has happened on a digital device, they are able to adapt to the use of new tools to aid in their analysis. They explore issues relating to system and network security as well as ethical hacking techniques for penetration testing.
Students will learn how to respond to a suspicious incident and the importance their actions can have. They will also learn how to collect and examine network data for types of evidence as well as to generate statistical, session and alert information. Being a strong programmer helps with skills such as secure software development and reverse engineering. Modules in law and business help prepare the graduate for working a range of roles that they may pursue as a career.
SETU Waterford is in the top 3 digital investigations courses nationally,
Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security):
2 subjects: H5 4 subjects: O6/H7 English or Irish: O6/H7 Mathematics: O3/H7
How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security) on the CAO:
The entry route for this programme is from SE600 Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Computer Science (Common Entry). Applicants who select degree option SE600 CFS (Computer Forensics & Security) are guaranteed a place in that programme, subject to meeting the entry requirements and points. Applicants who are undecided about their degree option should choose SE600.
At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.
Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Applied Computing (Computer Forensics & Security):
The domain of computer security and forensics is growing and has become more essential than ever before. Virtually all organisations now need and use internet technologies (email, the web, ecommerce) in their daily business.
With this growth comes the need to protect sensitive data such as customer’s personal details and credit card information, confidential files and internal documents. Many companies employ full time security personnel to fulfil these roles, whilst other organisations outsource them to external firms. Insurance companies, corporations, civil litigations, individuals and law enforcement all can and do make use of evidence revealed by computer forensic specialists.
Graduates could expect to enter the following career paths:
Anti-Malware
Analyst Cybersecurity
Specialist Information
Security Specialist
Ethical Hacker
Network Security Specialist
Software Developer
Cybersecurity
Software Engineers
Data Analyst
What area could I expect to work in?
Security Consultancy
Investigation Consultancy
Law Enforcement
Forensic Auditing
Research
Education
Follow on Study
Students who complete the BSc (Hons) in Computer Forensics & Security may avail of a taught or research masters course (MSc) in the area. On completion of an MSc students will have the opportunity to pursue a PhD Course.
Career Opportunities
The domain of computer security and forensics is growing and has become more essential than ever before. Virtually all organisations now need and use internet technologies (email, the web, ecommerce) in their daily business.
With this growth comes the need to protect sensitive data such as customer’s personal details and credit card information, confidential files and internal documents. Many companies employ full time security personnel to fulfil these roles, whilst other organisations outsource them to external firms. Insurance companies, corporations, civil litigations, individuals and law enforcement all can and do make use of evidence revealed by computer forensic specialists.
Graduates could expect to enter the following career paths:
Anti-Malware
Analyst Cybersecurity
Specialist Information
Security Specialist
Ethical Hacker
Network Security Specialist
Software Developer
Cybersecurity
Software Engineers
Data Analyst
What area could I expect to work in?
Security Consultancy
Investigation Consultancy
Law Enforcement
Forensic Auditing
Research
Education
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges
