Metropolitan State University offers new computer forensics program

Searching how a hacker wrought incalculable damage to a computer system. Tracing mysterious, harassing emails. Identifying an embezzler who misappropriated thousands or even millions of dollars.

Computer forensics specialists might be asked to investigate, analyze and present digital evidence on all the above matters and much more. The need for such professionals is expected to mushroom, which is one reason Metropolitan State University will be offering a bachelor of applied science in computer forensics this fall.

The four-year, 124-credit program will be only one of a handful in the country and the only one offered by a Minnesota higher education institution, said Jigang Liu, chair and professor of computer science at Metropolitan State.

“The use of computers and the Internet is so pervasive; they’re involved with all aspects of life,” said Liu. “That’s good and bad, because criminals can exploit certain situations. In fact, that’s happening every day and a lot of people aren’t aware of it.”

Computer forensics played a role in the aftermath of the recent shooting spree that killed 10 people at Red Lake High School. Authorities discovered a lengthy trail of emails and instant messages between the shooter who killed himself and another student, who has been charged with conspiracy in the killings. Similarly, computer forensics work helped reveal financial fraud in the Enron scandal.

Computer crimes against businesses and organizations are widespread. So, a computer forensics professional might be expected to uncover forged documents, evidence of price fixing and whether trade secrets were copied. The specialist might also be asked to investigate the intent of a will or trust, supply documents supporting an employee’s termination, and conduct an internal audit to assure regulatory compliance.

Unlike investigations on the popular “CSI” TV shows, computer forensics specialists do not assist with identifying fingerprints, blood stains and other traces at crime scenes. The goal is to identify, preserve, analyze and present legal digital evidence.

Fortunately for graduates, computer forensics is a high-demand occupation. Computer security is receiving special attention and funding at many organizations. But no matter how secure, computers will be breached; identifying how that digital information was seized is a job for computer forensics investigators.

“A lot of information technology (IT) work has been outsourced or moved to overseas locations,” said Liu. “But you need to have domestic IT operations to work on computer forensic evidence, because you still need to physically confiscate computers and other digital devices.”

Students will be grounded in both basic computer program fundamentals and more sophisticated systems-level issues. They will learn about ethical practices and computer security standards and laws. Students will complete the program by submitting a capstone project, perhaps an internship, in which they will document what they learned in real-world situations.

People interested in the program can learn more by visiting http://redhat.ics.metrostate.edu/cfs or by contacting Liu at jigang.liu@metrostate.edu or 651-793-1472.