Here are some examples of Information Technology Jobs in Criminal Justice. Follow along to learn more about this career.
1. Computer Forensics
Computer forensics is a subfield of forensic science that handles the legal information found on computers and related equipment. Computer forensics professionals analyze digital media to discover, obtain, maintain, and evaluate information. They examine various computer devices and components, including hard drives, email, cell phones, video game systems, and MP3 players to obtain evidence for use in investigations. They work on many different cases, including fraud, identity theft, and security breaches. They also provide advice about the availability and dependability of evidence found on electronic equipment. These professionals commonly communicate with individuals working in the legal field to assist in the building and presentation of court cases.
Featured Schools
Education
An undergraduate degree in forensics, information security, or cybersecurity is commonly needed for these types of positions.
Salary
The average pay for computer forensics professionals is around $58,000 per year. Exactly yearly wages depend on numerous factors including employer, position, education, and experience.
2. Computer Fraud Investigator
Computer fraud involves using information technology, such as computers, mobile devices, and the Internet to falsely obtain money or other benefits. Computer fraud investigators are experts in forensic science who work closely with individuals and organizations to investigate fraudulent activities affecting computers and related equipment. They investigate various cases including identity theft, taxes, and social benefits. Computer fraud investigators commonly work with other forensic science professionals to put an end to computer fraud activities.
Job Duties
Computer fraud investigators evaluate databases to obtain background information about criminal activity. They then interview individuals to compose a list of potential suspects. Some computer fraud investigators go undercover to gather information from secure computer programs. Computer fraud investigators may act as witnesses in legal proceedings.
Salary and Job Outlook
Computer fraud investigators earn an average salary of $61,000 per year. Exactly annual pay for these professionals varies significantly depending on the employer, location, education, and experience. With the constant evolution of computer systems and the Internet, computer fraud investigators are likely to become in increased demand over the next decade.
3. Cybercrimes Agent
People who solve crimes that occur on the Internet are referred to as cybercrime agents. Sometimes, these agents investigate crimes that occur on multi-user computer networks other than the Internet. Since there are many types of crimes that can occur on computers, cybercrime agents must be knowledgeable in the skills that they carry out.
Some of the most common types of crime that cybercrime agents fights are spam emails and cyber terrorism. For the most part, these types of agents identify a crime that is taking place, followed then by identifying where the crime originated from. In some instances, the agents can identify the exact computer that the crime occurred on; however, for the most part, they can only identify the server and/or network that it occurred through.
Become a Cybercrime Agent
To become a cybercrime agent, a person will need to obtain a formal education from an accredited college. In this line of work, professionals can expect to make between $85,000 to $92,000 a year.
4. Cybercrime Prevention Specialist
In today’s highly technological society, cybercrime is increasing at an alarming rate. Highly trained cybercrime prevention specialists are needed to deter criminal activity and quickly working to minimize the effects of security breaches that do occur. Cybercrime prevention specialists work to prevent a variety of crimes, such as computer hacking and identity theft. They assist in the development and implementation of programs that prevent cybercrimes and many also educate the public of how to avoid criminal activity.
Education
Cybercrime prevention specialists commonly complete degree programs in computer forensics, criminal justice, cybercrime, or related area. The programs focus on security issues and ways to prevent cybercrime. Common courses include: computer security, virus protection, computer hardware, criminal investigation, and cybercrime prevention methods.
Salary
The average yearly pay for cybercrime prevention specialists is between $40,000 and $60,000. Exact annual wages differ greatly in many aspects, such as location and education.
5. Cybersecurity
Since computers and other information systems are essential to daily function in today’s society, cybersecurity is essential for protecting all types of sensitive information shared on computers and electronic devices, including personal and business information. Cybersecurity professionals work to prevent, identify, and effectively respond to various online attacks. They strive to secure various types of networks and protect them from harmful attacks by hackers, viruses, and spyware. They also maintain security practices to make sure sensitive information remains confidential. Cybersecurity employees plan and develop policies and fix any security weaknesses for their organizations.
Education
To work in cybersecurity or related computer fields, individuals must complete specialized education in information technology, computer security, or another related area. These programs provide instruction on various types of networks and common network security protocols.
Salary
The median pay for cybersecurity professionals is around $80,000 per year, with the highest 10 percent making more than $117,000 annually.
6. Gaming Surveillance Officer
Students who are interested in pursuing security jobs should consider working as gaming surveillance officers. These individuals specifically work for casinos and other gaming establishments to protect the property, staff, and patrons. They ensure the establishment is operating smoothly and they monitor suspicious activities, like cheating. Gaming surveillance officers enforce gaming laws and make sure all individuals follow the rules and regulations of the facility.
Job Tasks
Gaming surveillance officers spend most of their time behind closed doors in observation areas to monitor the activity on the gaming floor. They may leave the area for short periods of time to physically monitor the casino areas. In the event of an investigation, gaming surveillance officers provide video and audio records to the appointed individuals.
Education
Gaming surveillance officers and other security jobs must have at least a high school diploma or GED, but some complete courses in gaming surveillance or casino security.
Salary
Gaming surveillance officers are an average pay of around $33,000 annually.
7. Information Security
Since technology is a major part of nearly all organizations, a great deal of information is stored on computers and electronic devices. Information security involves safeguarding information from access by unauthorized individuals. Information security professionals work to protect information on various devices, including computers. Even with the necessary precautions, criminals use complex methods to access information and information security professionals do their best to fight the attacks and minimize the harmful effects of the intrusion. They work to identify how an attacker gained access and develop ways to improve security procedures. Many information security workers specialize in a certain area, such as user accounts, digital files, or network security.
Education
Information security professionals usually have at least a bachelor’s degree in information security, computer science, or another related area.
Salary
The average yearly pay for information security professionals is around $65,000, but actual wages depend on specific aspects, such as location and employer.
8. Information Security Management
Information security management involves overseeing the activities related to protecting various types of information. Information security managers work to help develop and execute security policies and procedures to protect valuable information from getting into the hands of the wrong people. They work to significantly reduce computer hacking, viruses, spyware, and other cybercrimes. They also handle audits on risk management and make sure employees are abiding by the set policies. Information security management professionals must stay current on potential threats against information systems to develop effective prevention strategies.
Education and Experience Requirements
Information security management professionals usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in information technology, security management, computer science, or another closely related discipline. Since information security management is an advanced area of information technology, management professionals typically have significant work experience in the field. Many start out in entry-level careers and work their way up to management positions.
Salary
The average annual pay for information security management is around $57,000 per year.
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