Career change: Cyber crimes and computer forensics?

[Vipergrün]

I am thinking about getting out if the generic IT (Information Technology) and IT Manager world and getting into something a bit more exciting. Is anyone here into computer forensice and/or cyber crimes? Do most of these positions require one to be an officer of the Law? Suggestions and comments welcome.

thanks
-B

[StevoRocket]

I worked at BT (UK national telephone and data carrier) before I retired and one area which appealed was corporate telephone systems and computer fraud. Some of the corporate telephony and computer systems fraud I was involved in was very interesting to say the least. Huge amounts of cash involved and very innovative thieves. Generally staffed with tech people with high intelligence rather than law experience at the sharp end - due to the investigation of software manipulation by the perps.

[azasadny]

I do computer forensics, incident response and IT security work for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. I have an IT background but no law enforcement experience. Ford hires retired police, FBI to do the investigation work and my group provides the "electronic evidence" work. It's a good job and it's pretty secure as these issues (computer crime and security) aren't going away soon. Good luck!

[Vipergrün]

Thanks guys! So, it look like I may be able to get in based on my 12 years of technical experience. Art, sounds like you have a killer job I agree you have to be able to think and perform like a 'bad guy', guess that's why security firms hire crackers and hackers.

[RickM]

Here's a position that just opened up: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20041001/ap_on_hi_te/cybersecurity_chief_10

Good Luck