CS 346/CCJ 346                  Computer Forensics (Online)                Winter 2008

 

Instructor                    Rahul Tikekar, http://www.sou.edu/cs/tikekar

Office                          CSC 222

Telephone                   552-6975

Email                           TikekarR@sou.edu

Class Homepage        http://www.sou.edu/cs/tikekar/CS346Winter08

 

Required Text            Eoghan Casey

Digital Evidence and Computer Crime – Forensic Science, Computers and the Internet

                                    Elsevier Academic Press

 

Recommended Texts

·   Searching and Seizing Computers and Obtaining Electronic Evidence in Criminal Investigations (DOJ – 2002) http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/cybercrime/s&smanual2002.htm

·   Best Practices for Seizing Electronic Evidence (USSS – 2002) http://www.treasury.gov/usss/electronic_evidence.htm

·   Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders (DOJ – 2002) http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/187736.pdf

 

Prerequisites              Students should be comfortable with using a PC and surfing and searching the web. In addition, students should have completed all lower division General Education requirements.

 

Objectives                  Surveys the technologies, techniques, and responsibilities of a criminal or civil investigation involving computers, digital devices, networks, network service providers and electronic evidence.  Examines rules of evidence and proof and emphasizes maintaining an evidentiary trail through computer data and network activity.  Reviews the responsibilities of the computer forensics investigator.  Discusses the fragility of computer evidence and the techniques used to protect evidence. Specifically, the objectives are to:

1.    Find evidence of individual behavior on a computer.

2.    Seize digital devices.

3.    Search, preserve and document digital evidence.

 

Outcomes                   At the end of the course a student should be able to:

·      Discuss the many ways that a digital device may be involved criminal or illegal activities.

·      Discuss the legal and ethical aspects of computer forensics.

·      Describe the many vulnerabilities to your personal and professional life that computers and computer networks pose.

 

Grading                       Quizzes             10%

Assignments     40%

Midterms (2)     25%

                                    Final                 25% (cumulative)

 

Late Work                  Late work will not be accepted without prior approval.

 

Other                          Visit the class homepage regularly for informative links,

                                    Unless otherwise stated all assignments should be the result of individual effort.

                                    Cheating on any component of this course is not acceptable. The penalty can range from a failing grade for the component to a failing grade for the course.

                                               

If you are in need of academic support because of a documented disability (whether it is learning, mobility, psychiatric, health-related or sensory) you may be eligible for academic accommodations through disability services for students.  Contact Disability Services for Students, Director, DSS, 552-6213, or schedule an appointment in person at the Access Center, Stevenson Union, lower level.