Computer Forensics

Would your company be prepared in the event of:

* Computer-driven espionage
* A devastating virus attack
* A hacker's unauthorized access
* A breach of data security?

As the sophistication of computer technology has grown, so has the rate of computer-related criminal activity. Subsequently, American corporations now lose billions of dollars a year to hacking, identity theft, and other computer attacks. More than ever, businesses and professionals responsible for the critical data of countless customers and employees need to anticipate and safeguard against computer intruders and attacks.

The first book to successfully speak to the nontechnical professional in the fields of business and law on the topic of computer crime, Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers provides valuable advice on the hidden difficulties that can blindside companies and result in damaging costs.

Written by industry expert Michael Sheetz, this important book provides readers with an honest look at the computer crimes that can annoy, interrupt--and devastate--a business. Readers are equipped not only with a solid understanding of how computers facilitate fraud and financial crime, but also how computers can be used to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes.

If you want to know how to protect your company from computer crimes but have a limited technical background, this book is for you. Get Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers and get prepared. Introduction.

Acknowledgments.

1 A Definition of Computer Forensics.

Introduction.

Forensic Science.

History of Computer Forensics.

World Wide Web.

Hacker Community.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Suggested Reading.

2 Basics of Computer Forensic Concepts.

Introduction.

Understanding Digital Evidence.

Input.

Storage.

Processing.

What Computer Data Is.

Output.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Suggested Reading.

3 Preservation and Collection of Digital Evidence.

Introduction.

Rules of Evidence.

Preservation.

Collection.

Conclusion.

Note.

Suggested Reading.

4 Analysis of Digital Evidence.

Introduction.

Forensic Analysis.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Suggested Reading.

5 Reporting and Rendering the Opinion.

Introduction.

Preparing the Report.

Presentation.

Trial Process.

Conclusion.

Suggested Reading.

6 Computer Attacks.

Hackers and Phreakz Oh My.

Hackers: Unauthorized Use and Trespassing.

Wireless Hacking.

Malware.

Attacks from the Inside.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Suggested Reading.

7 Computers as Tools for Evil.

Introduction.

Computers and Crime.

Identity Theft.

Concealment.

Auction Fraud and Retail Cons.

Counterfeiting and Forgery.

Prostitution.

Securities Fraud.

Conclusion.

Notes.

8 Computer Tools and the Forensic Examination.

Introduction.

Assuming Control of the Case.

Understanding the Case.

Evaluating the Evidence.

Examining the "Live" System.

Collecting Data from a Dead System.

Imaging the Drive.

Data Extraction.

Data Analysis.

Conclusion.

Notes.

9 Presenting Digital Evidence in Court.

Introduction.

Evidence.

Types of Evidence.

Expert Witnesses.

Legal Requirements of Evidence.

Search and Seizure.

Conclusion.

Notes.

Index.

"Two chapters in Sheetz's book - "Computer Tools and the Forensic Examination" and "Computer as Tools for Evil" - are immensely enjoyable. The book's most important lesson is that digital evidence is fragile and ripe for inadvertent damage if improperly handled during an examination." (The Federal Lawyer, March/April 2008)

"In conclusion, Mr. Sheetz's new book is comprehensible, accessible and a valuable contribution to this increasingly important area of our jurisprudence and justice system." (New York Law Journal, May 29, 2007)

"This book is a well-written, useful resource on the topic of computer forensics, enhancing the reader's understanding of computer crime, how it occurs, and what to do about it." (Legal Information-Alert; 5/2007)

"Solid advice for those without a strong technical background who want to be aware of the threats lurking out there in cyberworld." (PQ Magazine, November 2007)

MICHAEL SHEETZ, JD, is Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Law at American InterContinental University. He has a combined twenty years experience in civilian and military law enforcement with expertise in the area of white collar and high-tech crime investigation. Mr. Sheetz is a former appellate law clerk and graduate of the University of Miami—School of Law. While the Internet, E-mailcommunication, and corporateintranet have made corporations from the Fortune 500 multinational to the mom-and-pop business more efficient and profitable, it has also made companies more vulnerable to financial fraud, identity theft, and unwanted intrusions. With an increasing number of crimes now committed using computers and computer networks, business professionals need to be well versed in the evidentiary, technical, and legal issues related to digital evidence.

A must-have reference for the nontechnical business professional and law enforcement official, Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers equips readers with an understanding of how computer crime occurs and what to do when it is found and suspected. Industry expert Michael Sheetz skillfully prepares professionals with solid coverage in order to identify, manage, and successfully exploit the computer forensic process.

Part One introduces readers to the science of computer forensics, providing a thorough understanding of the basic concepts that underpin this science. Part Two examines the role that computers play in the commission of financial crimes, frauds, and corporate espionage, with a look at the world of hacking, identity theft, and other incidents of computer crime. Finally, Part Three explains the role that computers play in uncovering, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes, with a detailed examination of computer tools and the forensic examination.

Topics include:

• The History of Computer Forensics
• Attacks from the Inside
• Presenting Digital Evidence in Court
• The Hacker: Unauthorized Use and Trespassing

Exceptionally readable while avoiding technical language, this timely book provides professionals and law enforcement officials with little technical background with the methods and tips to enable them to readily recognize, investigate, and prosecute progressively sophisticated computer crimes.

Would your company be prepared in the event of:

• Computer-driven espionage
• A devastating virus attack
• A hacker's unauthorized access
• A breach of data security?

As the sophistication of computer technology has grown, so has the rate of computer-related criminal activity. Subsequently, American corporations now lose billions of dollars a year to hacking, identity theft, and other computer attacks. More than ever, businesses and professionals responsible for the critical data of countless customers and employees need to anticipate and safeguard against computer intruders and attacks.

The first book to successfully speak to the nontechnical professional in the fields of business and law on the topic of computer crime, Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers provides valuable advice on the hidden difficulties that can blindside companies and result in damaging costs.

Written by industry expert Michael Sheetz, this important book provides readers with an honest look at the computer crimes that can annoy, interrupt—and devastate—a business. Readers are equipped not only with a solid understanding of how computers facilitate fraud and financial crime, but also how computers can be used to investigate, prosecute, and prevent these crimes.

If you want to know how to protect your company from computer crimes but have a limited technical background, this book is for you. Get Computer Forensics: An Essential Guide for Accountants, Lawyers, and Managers and get prepared.