IT 664  COMPUTER AND INTERNET FORENSICS- SPRING 2009

PROFESSOR
Dr. Constantine Coutras
Office: 163 William Street, 2nd Floor, Room 216
Phone number: (212) 346-1006
e-mail: ccoutras@pace.edu  
Office Hours: Mondays 2:45 - 6:00 and Tuesdays 2:45 - 4:30

DESCRIPTION
This course introduces students to the techniques and tools of computer forensics investigations. Topics include coverage of the latest technology including PDAs, cell phones, and thumb drives. Many hands-on activities are included, which allow students to practice skills as they are learned. Specific topic coverage includes: Computer Forensics and Investigation as a Profession, Understanding Computing Investigations, The Investigator's Office and Laboratory, Data Acquisitions, Processing Crime and Incident Scenes, Working with Windows and DOS Systems, Current Computer Forensics Tools, Macintosh and Linux Boot Processes and File Systems, Computer Forensics Analysis and Validation, Recovering Graphics Files, Network Forensics, E-mail Investigations, Cell Phone and Mobile Device Forensics, Report Writing for High-Tech Investigations, Expert Testimony in High-Tech Investigations and Ethics for the Expert Witness

PREREQUISITE
Graduate status.

REQUIRED TEXT
Guide to Computer Forensics & Investigations, 3rd Edition, by Bill Nelson, Amelia Phillips, Frank Enfinger & Christopher Steuart, ISBN-10: 1418067334, ISBN-13: 9781418067335

GRADING
Hands-On Projects: 20% (Ten Projects 2% each)
Case Projects: 20% (Ten Projects 2% each)
Midterm: 30%
Final: 30%

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
01/27 Computer Forensics and Investigations as a Profession, Understanding Computer Investigations
02/03 Understanding Computer Investigations, The Investigator's Office and Laboratory
02/10 Data Acquisition, Processing Crime and Incident Scenes
02/17 Processing Crime and Incident Scenes, Working with Windows and DOS Systems
02/24 Current Computer Forensics Tools
03/03 Midterm Exam
03/10 Macintosh and Linux Boot Processes and File Systems, Computer Forensics Analysis and Validation
03/24 Computer Forensics Analysis and Validation, Recovering Graphics Files
03/31 Network Forensics, E-mail Investigations
04/07 Cell Phone and Mobile Device Forensics, Report Writing for High-Tech Investigations
04/14 Expert Testimony in High-Tech Investigations, Ethics for Expet Witness
04/21 Final Exam