Wanted: A few good forensics investigators

The Defense Computer Forensics Lab's caseload has grown each year. In 2000, the DCFL investigated 148 crime and intrusion cases. In 2003, that number was 425. Lt. Col. Ken Zatyko, special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigation, expects more than 500 cases in 2004. With 115 employees, the DCFL has a 20% vacancy rate.

The DCFL is what military people call a "purple agency," meaning it's staffed by enlisted people from all branches from the military, along with non-military personnel. For non-military employees, salary ranges from $30,000 to $110,000 per year, says Bob Renko, director of operations for the DCFL.

Entry-level positions are mostly in digital imaging, which calls for skills and knowledge in forensically accepted techniques and tools for copying data. From there, technicians advance to data extraction and analysis, intrusion analysis and information assurance, and then onto management.

For each level, employees undergo rigorous training, testing and laboratory experience that takes months to complete. Others in the military take the training with them to conduct forensics for their particular branches and units. Courses include:

Intro to networks and computer hardware: The basics of operating systems, network devices, connectivity, topology and protocols.

Basic forensic examinations: Understanding computer operating systems, forensics workstation setup, and analysis of Web-related evidence, e-mail and deleted file and password recovery.

Advanced forensic examinations: Covers Windows, comprehensive Internet analysis, keyword searches and data recovery from encrypted files, metadata and erased files.

Incident responders course: Includes first-response evidence collection, network protocol functions, routers and firewalls, network sniffers and intrusion-detection systems.

Managing computer investigations: Students learn field seizure methods, forensics procedures, network investigation procedures, managing personnel, legal issues and ongoing personnel training.