Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3B Linux Artifacts

Study information

• Your learning outcomes

  The aim of this program is to ensure that the quality of computer forensic investigation is of a high level, guaranteeing legal protection and the right to privacy.

  General competence

  After completion of the module candidates will be able to:

  • perform professional tasks in the role of digital forensic investigator with increased insight and confidence
  • see the role of digital forensics in a broader perspective during an investigation
  • identify ethical and legal issues during investigation

  
  Knowledge

  After completion of the module candidates will have knowledge of:

  • different Linux distributions
  • the artefacts available within a Linux system and their potential evidential value
  • the distinctions between different Linux file systems 

  
  Skills

  After completion of the module candidates will be able to:

  • utilise Linux artefacts in an investigation
  • evaluate the relevance of Linux artefacts
  • conduct live data forensics on Linux systems

• Admission criteria

  The primary target group is police staff in the Nordic countries whose main task is handling and investigating digital evidence. It is a prerequisite that participants are selected in accordance with local competency plans.
  
  Employees in other International police services or governmental agencies who work, or will work, with digital evidence are also eligible to apply. 

  Applicants for module 3B must:

  • possess higher Education Entrance Qualification
  • be employed by a national or local governmental agency
  • have passed NCFI Module 2A Advanced Computer Forensics, NCFI Module 2B Online Investigation, NCFI Module 2C Network Forensics and Cybercrime or NCFI Module 2D Mobile Extraction and Artifacts. The former NCFI Module 2 (25 ECTS) is also accepted
  • have at least one year's experience in digital forensics or cybercrime investigation

  
  Foreign applicants are only entitled to apply if:

  • the applicant's country has a partnership with PHS
  • they have been selected in accordance with the partner's competency plans

  
  Applicants who do not have the higher education entrance qualification have to provide:

  • a minimum of 5 years work experience, of which maximum 2 years can be education, replace the requirements for Higher Education Entrance Qualification. This arrangement only applies to applicants over the age of 25

  
  The prerequisite of having completed NCFI modules may be overridden if the applicant can:

  • either provide documentation for having completed equivalent education
  • or demonstrate qualifying skills and knowledge necessary to follow the module

  
  To be considered as equivalent education or qualifying experience, the following topic must be documented:

  • computer forensic methodology

  
  and in addition document education or experience in at least one of the following topics:

  • network forensics
  • cybercrime
  • mobile forensics

  
  The total workload of the education should be equivalent to approximately 30 ECTS. For they who are applying on the basis of their experience, a relevant test will be provided in order to demonstrate necessary skills and knowledge.

• Practical information

  This course will be delivered on-line through a combination of lectures, exercises, quizzes and assignments. The approximate duration of the module is 210 hours. Students may choose to study at their own pace, however, it is expected that the course is completed within a single semester.

  The student needs to pass a number of course requirements in order to sit the exam. Students may have multiple attempts at these tests if necessary.
  
  The module concludes with an examination consisting of two parts; one individual assignment and oral examination based on the submitted assignment. Grading is on a scale of A – F (in which A – E are passing grades and F is a fail). Both parts of the examination must be passed. An overall grade is given, which may be adjusted one step up or down based on the oral examination.

• Schedule for tuition and assesment

  Spring 2024 

  Exam: Assessment + Oral. Date: 13.05.2024

• Tuition fee

  A semester fee is required.

  An external student is defines as a student from another Nordic coutry, or an agency outside the police service (including police special agencies). The tuition fee is not applicable to students coming from insttitutions which have a reciprocal agreement with NPUC, or an agreement involving contributions to the study programme. The student fee is NOK 15 000,-.

• Contact information

  Academic questions

  Academic inquiries should be adressed to e-mail: cybercrime@phs.no.

  Questions relating to the admissions procedure

  Questions regarding the admission process (deadline, application process, documentation) should be adressed to e-mail: opptakevu@phs.no.

  Administrative questions about the study programme

  If you do not find what you are looking for, please send an email to: studiekontoret.oslo@phs.no

The course is one of a series of modules in the NCFI Programme

• All modules

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Introduction to Digital Policing

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 1 Core Concepts in Digital Investigation and Forensics

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 2A Advanced Computer Forensics

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 2B Online Investigation

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 2C Network Forensics and Cybercrime

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 2D Mobile Extraction and Artifacts

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3A Forensic Tool Development

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3B Linux Artifacts

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3C Linux as an Investigative Platform

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3D Macintosh Computer Forensics

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3E Windows Forensics

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3F Memory Investigation

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3i Macintosh Forensics, Advanced

  Nordic Computer Forensic Investigators - Module 3K Report Generation Visualisation