As computer forensics has become increasingly important to civil and criminal trials, certification for computer experts has been a growing business. The growing demand for computer forensic experts has created a growing profession without a standard training model.

The primary purpose of certifications is to establish credibility in court. Because there is little in the way of professional training available, computer forensics examiners today are largely self-taught, learning on the job. Unfortunately, this can open computer experts up to legal challenges. If digital evidence cannot be challenged, the person who collected it may be an easy target for opposing counsel.

Part of the challenge is that computer forensics demands technical, investigative, and legal expertise to successfully perform an investigation. The technical demands include data processing and production. Investigative skills include understanding computer evidence and building a case. In addition, computer forensics experts have to be able to manage legal challenges like maintaining chain of custody and managing digital evidence according to the rules of evidence.

Read more: Law.com