Exploring Careers in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics

Lucy K. Tsado, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice at Lamar University, where she teaches cybersecurity, digital forensics, cybercrime, corrections, criminal justice policy, planning and evaluation, class, race, gender and crime to criminal justice students. Robert Osgood is an engineer, CPA, and a 26-year veteran FBI Computer Forensics Examiner and Technically Trained Special Agent. His specialties include: digital forensics, data intercept, cyber-crime, enterprise criminal organizations, espionage, and counter-terrorism. In the course of his work, he has performed digital forensics research and development and created unique new software tools for digital forensic law enforcement. He also serves as a digital forensics consultant to Probity Inc. working with the Truxton development team. He formed the first FBI computer forensics squad in 2000, served as the Chief of the FBI's Digital Media Exploitation Unit and was part of the team that executed the first court-authorized digital computer intercept at the FBI. Osgood managed and deployed the Washington, D.C. gunshot detection system.

Chapter One: What Is Cybersecurity? Cybersecurity and The Criminal Justice Connection The Evolution of Digital Forensics Chapter Two: The Cybersecurity Skills Gap: An Opportunity for Criminal Justice Students Criminal Justice Students and The Infusion of Cyber Forensic Skills What Educators, Advisors, And Career Counselors Need to Know How Can A Student Attain A Successful Cybersecurity Career? Chapter Three: It's All About Skills Digital Forensics Swim Lanes Digital Media Forensics Network Forensics Cloud Forensics Memory Forensics Mobile Device Forensics Reverse Engineering What Baseline Skills Do I Need to Bring? Programming Operating Systems Networking Soft Skills Written Communications Skills Interviewing Skills Legal Skills Chain of Custody Other Legal Stuff Non-Examiner Based Analytical Skills Chapter Four: Education and Certifications Cyber Security Programs Certificate Programs (Certs) Formal (Academic) Education Undergraduate Programs Graduate Programs Components of An Effective Digital Forensics Program Online Programs Cost How to Pick an Institution? The Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE) Designated Institutions Chapter Five: Cybersecurity Career Opportunities in The Field of Criminal Justice Current Opportunities and Jobs Needing Cybersecurity in Criminal Justice Jobs Within the Federal Government (Public Sector) Jobs Within State and Local Governments (Public Sector). Courts and Corrections Jobs Within the Private Sector National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cyberseek National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Workforce Framework Other Important Roles Chapter Six: Planning Your Path into The Cybersecurity Field A Proposed Model for A Successful Cybersecurity Education and Career. Education Training and Certifications Other Activities That Are Important for Students' Success Networking Conferences School Career Advancement Activities Internships Apprenticeship Clubs and Social Organizations Competitions The Role of Colleges and Their Community Chapter Seven: Getting the Job and Entering the Digital Forensics Field Setting Up A Home Digital Forensics Lab Looking for The Job Posting. Persistent but Not Annoyance The Resume Conclusion: Career Advancement in Cybersecurity Recap of Previous Chapters Questions Students Should Ask Themselves Before They Begin A Career/As They Progress Through Their Career Tips for Advancement in The Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Field. After A Cybersecurity Career, What Next? Retirement: Was It All Worth It? Appendix 1: Complete List of Feeder Roles According to Cyberseek.Org Appendix 2: Cybersecurity Roles Suitable for Criminal Justice Students Adapted from Cyberseek.Org Appendix 3: Cybersecurity Roles for Criminal Justice Students. Adapted from The NIST SP 800 181