Computer Forensics For Dummies [Paperback]

Linda Volonino (Author), Reynaldo Anzaldua (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0470371919 | ISBN-13: 978-0470371916 | Publication Date: October 13, 2008 | Edition: 1

Uncover a digital trail of e-evidence by using the helpful, easy-to-understand information in Computer Forensics For Dummies! Professional and armchair investigators alike can learn the basics of computer forensics, from digging out electronic evidence to solving the case. You won’t need a computer science degree to master e-discovery. Find and filter data in mobile devices, e-mail, and other Web-based technologies.

You’ll learn all about e-mail and Web-based forensics, mobile forensics, passwords and encryption, and other e-evidence found through VoIP, voicemail, legacy mainframes, and databases. You’ll discover how to use the latest forensic software, tools, and equipment to find the answers that you’re looking for in record time. When you understand how data is stored, encrypted, and recovered, you’ll be able to protect your personal privacy as well. By the time you finish reading this book, you’ll know how to:

• Prepare for and conduct computer forensics investigations
• Find and filter data
• Protect personal privacy
• Transfer evidence without contaminating it
• Anticipate legal loopholes and opponents’ methods
• Handle passwords and encrypted data
• Work with the courts and win the case

Plus, Computer Forensics for Dummies includes lists of things that everyone interested in computer forensics should know, do, and build. Discover how to get qualified for a career in computer forensics, what to do to be a great investigator and expert witness, and how to build a forensics lab or toolkit.

Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

When the crime scene is a computer or handheld device, you can uncover a digital evidence trail!

Pressing Delete doesn't hide anything! Professional and armchair investigators alike can learn the basics of computer forensics, from digging out electronic evidence to solving the case. You don't need a computer science degree to master e-discovery! Find and filter data in mobile devices, e-mail, and other Web-based technologies.

• Protect personal privacy — understand how a digital evidence trail is stored, hidden, and recorded

• Dig out evidence — learn how to extract and transfer evidence without contaminating it

• Analyze findings — distinguish between the science of forensics and the art of investigation, which requires your intuition and creativity

• Prepare to crack the case — anticipate legal loopholes and opponents' methods

• Succeed in court — prepare yourself to sit on the stand and expertly exhibit evidence

Visit the companion Web site at www.dummies.com/go/computerforensics for links to free trial downloads of the latest computer forensics software, resources, and more

Open the book and find:

• Basics of computer forensics and e-discovery

• How to find and filter data

• E-mail, Web-based, and mobile forensics information

• How to handle passwords and encrypted data

• Tips for voicemail, legacy mainframes, and databases

• Dangers of avoiding best practices

• A guide to software, tools, and equipment

• How to work with the courts to win your case

About the Author

Linda Volonino (PhD, MBA, CISSP, ACFE) is a computer forensic investigator and expert witness with Robson Forensic, Inc. and a member of InfraGard.

Reynaldo Anzaldua (MBA, CISSP, EnCE, CHFI, IBM I-Series) teaches computer forensics and information security at South Texas College and works with private organizations and government agencies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (October 13, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470371919
• ISBN-13: 978-0470371916
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,783 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This technical professional needed a crash course!, April 2, 2009

By 

E. P. Griffin (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Forensics For Dummies (Paperback)

I am a system engineer who needed a refresher on the topic. The logical segregation of topics makes it very easy to pinpoint the information since this topic is far-reaching and spans the legal, criminal and technical disciplines. I have some experience with CF and this book does a good job of giving you a comprehensive understanding of the subject. It's also an interesting read and keeps your attention. You won't want to put it down for long.

Careers in this area are growing fast. I plan to keep this close as I move into this exciting field of work and will use it as a reference book going forward.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Computer Forensics for Dummies, December 11, 2008

By 

Patrick E. Allaire - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Forensics For Dummies (Paperback)

WoW! This is a book that should be read by everyone. Especially corporate heads and some in government. What you discover is that the electronic trails are everywhere and someone in the know can and will retrieve them, if need be. So be careful what you write or do on your computer, there are no secrets!
Good writing, technical enough to keep us geeks in the read, but not so technical that everyone couldn't read it and learn a great deal. This is a book that I found myself going back to for additional information on a subject I believed I understood. It exceeded my expectations in every way.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Demystifying computer forensics, October 26, 2008

By 

Hugh J. Watson (Athens, GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Computer Forensics For Dummies (Paperback)

If you use a computer, you probably know that there is an electronic trail that follows you, and that the trail potentially lasts forever and can cause serious legal problems. This book demystifies how computer forensics is performed, what to do if you are ever in trouble (or trying to help someone who is in trouble), and tools that can help you. Though the topic is potentially complex, the book is an easy, interesting read. Statements like "An IP address is like a phone number for your computer" help make the material understandable. It is clear that the authors have considerable practical experience in the area and understand current best practices, computer technology, and the law. The book is appropriate for a wide variety of people -- those with a casual interest in the topic, in legal troubles related to materials on their PC, and lawyers who either work or want to work in the area.