The Perfect Forensics Candidate

Computerworld - Exodus Communications Inc. has a team of 22 incident response analysts, and it can always use a few more people with expertise in the field to support internal and client investigations. But Charles Neal, incident response director at the Santa Clara, Calif.-based firm, is picky.

The following is Neal's list of the skills an ideal job candidate would have:

• Strong computer skills with knowledge of hardware, software and multiple operating systems.


• An investigative background that has given the candidate an understanding of basic investigative procedures.


• Good written and oral communications skills to document all findings and procedures used. These skills are also necessary because a forensics professional may have to testify about those findings and procedures in court.


• An understanding of state and federal statutes relating to the collection and preservation of evidentiary data. Candidates must also understand the criminal statutes on which the investigation is based to assist an investigator in determining whether a case supports all the elements of the crime.


• High ethical and moral standards, as well as credibility and integrity.

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