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Computer Forensics Investigators or Private Investigators: Who Is Investigating the Drive?

The number of states requiring a Private Investigator (PI) license to practice computer forensics is growing despite the wealth of evidence that demonstrates the requirements are inconsistent with the actual qualifications needed to be an effective digital forensics investigator. This paper explores the current trend, the early observed effects of this trend, the types of certifications available outside of the PI licensing requirements, and concludes with some alternatives that should be investigated in order to ensure that the ever-widening array of scenarios that involve digital evidence can be investigated thoroughly and properly by practicing professionals with the proper credentials to secure, investigate, analyze, and present the digital evidence.