Course Brief

Computer forensics is emerging as an important tool in the fight against crime and malicious activity. Crime involving computing technology is on the rise - a computer itself may be the target of a crime, or it may hold an arsenal of information that is used or generated during the commission of a crime. Computers can be involved in a wide variety of crimes to include white collar crimes, violent crimes such as murder and terrorism, counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterfeiting, and drug dealing. This new discipline is based on forensic science and computer security technologies, and involves the application of scientific methods for the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of potential evidence. In order to be able to operate as a computer security practitioner, students must be able to conduct a forensic analysis of data for regulatory, internal compliance and legal purposes. The aim of the course is to provide students with knowledge and hands on experience of tools, technologies and scientific methods used, for conducting forensic analysis of electronic devices of all kinds as well as managing the forensic analysis process. The practical tool based approach will equip potential practitioners with the necessary awareness of real-world expertise and competence in the use of technologies used by police and forensic investigations.

On successful completion of this course a student will be able to:
1 Critically evaluate different types of crime scenario that may befall an information system
2 Appreciate the need for and the role of the forensic analyst in various situations
3 Use, adapt and appraise a commercially available software forensic tool eg EnCase
4 Use, adapt and appraise diagnostic and investigative techniques to identify and retrieve data from various types of computer media and electronic devices
5 Critically discuss Criminal profiling, legal processes and understand the role of the expert witness.

Computer systems organisation and ways in which various electronic devices can be involved in a crime;
Operating systems technology – organisation and architecture;
Physical and logical storage methods for different types of electronic devices;
Tools to recover and analyse data from electronic devices (offline-online);
Memory Recovery – Memory Based Investigations;
Crimes and Criminal Profiling
Computer Miss-use Act, Police and Justice Act;
Incident Response and approaches to Conducting An Investigation;
Understanding disk architecture, disk-based Investigations and Procedures;
Information Hiding Techniques: Steganography;
The importance of deleted files and the artefacts left by the Windows OS
Use of a Forensic Tool used by police and forensic investigators, eg EnCase.
Introduction to the Law and court procedures for Expert Witness testimony

Concepts will be introduced in lectures and problem solving will be done through practical work in the laboratory sessions.

Coursework: 50% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 3 & 5.
Outline Details: Expert Witness Practice.

Exam 50% weighting, 50% pass mark.
Learning Outcomes: 1, 2, 4 & 5.
Outline Details: 2 hour closed book exam.

  • MSc Computer Forensics & Cyber Security

    The MSc Computer Forensics & Cyber Security, awarded by the University of Greenwich, is structured to provide a viable option to graduates of:

    • An honours degree 2:2 or above in computing or computing science or a suitable numerate subject (e.g. mathematics, physics, engineering, information systems or multimedia) that includes software development experience.
    • University of Greenwich's BSc (Hons) Computing and Information System with Upper Second Class Honours or above 
    • Mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential and work experience can also be assessed for eligibility.
    • Applicants with a similar level qualification may also be eligible for more information or email us at [email protected]

    Students on the MSc Computer Forensics & Cyber Security will learn a wide range of practical and theoretical skills which will develop a sound knowledge of cyber security and its application in real life situations.

    Our Computer Forensics and Cyber Security course allows students to familiarise themselves with the most recent technologies, scientific innovations and best practice in protecting digital infrastructures, from enterprise networks to Internet of Things environments. Students are also trained on modern tools and methodologies for conducting digital forensics investigations, spanning the whole range from the collection of evidence to analysis and acting as expert witnesses.

    This course is suitable for both newcomers to computer security and computer forensics and practitioners who wish to further their skills. It covers practical skills for network security, penetration testing and digital forensics, as well as the theory and scientific basis that underpins everyday practice. It also ensures that students have a basic understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements and the standards pertaining to computer security.

    Enrol by December 16, 2024, to receive a 10% discount.

    SBCS GLI alumni(degree graduates) will receive a 5% discount.
    Students paying in full will receive a 5% discount.
     

    Highlights at a glance

    • This programme is offered blended/online - part-time and comprises four (4) semesters
    • Total duration - 2 years (Part Time)
    • All material provided digitally
    • Blended approach to learning with a combination of self study, online sessions and workshops

    Programme Content at a glance

    • Modern methods and techniques for cyber security, including penetration testing and IT auditing.
    • Throughout this course you will study cyber security and digital forensics, system administration and security.
    • You will learn how to apply police and forensic methods to detecting cyber crime, using related software and hardware technologies.
    • This course includes hands-on training in current forensic tools as used by the police. Students can therefore contribute quickly to the well-being of corporate IT and informational assets.
    • University of Greenwich is an academic partner with The Council for Registered Ethical Security Testers (CREST) and with the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec).
    • The degree is provisionally certified by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a part of GCHQ.

     

    At SBCS we focus on