How to Become a Cyber Crime Agent
The FBI has aligned its Cyber Investigations Division with both the National Cyber-Forensics and Training Alliance and Infragard. Both of these organizations enable the FBI to partner with private sector businesses in order to prevent cyber threats. The NCFTA offers training for college students seeking to pursue a career in cyber crime investigation. Infragard allows amateur cyber agents the opportunity to apply for membership and assist in the fight against cyber crime.
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Instructions
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Identify organizations affiliated with cyber crime investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has aligned its Cyber Investigations Department with the NCFTA, and therefore, recommend it for all prospective employees. The NCFTA states that many graduates have gained employment with government, intelligence, and private cyber crime agencies.
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Pursue an educational pathway that is tailored to the requirements for becoming a cyber crime agent. In order to qualify for an NCFTA internship, you must be a college student enrolled in a program focusing on Information Security, Business, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, International Studies, or a related course of study. It is also advisable to enroll in Arabic, Russian, or other Eastern European language courses, as fluency in any of these would give potential candidates special consideration. If your course of study does not offer the extensive computer or networking experience that you think you might need for such a position, not to worry, because while it is preferred, it is not required. Carnegie Mellon University and West Virginia University have partnered with the NCFTA; therefore, admission to these schools may be advisable for perspective cyber agents.
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Research and adhere to the eligibility requirements for the position. The NCFTA's internship is a 12-week program located in Pittsburgh, Pa., and Fairmont, W. Va. To qualify for the NCFTA internship, you must be a U.S. resident, maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, be proficient in Microsoft Word, and possess exceptional writing and analytical skills. Applicants who are selected for the internship will be subject to a criminal background check prior to acceptance. Internship sessions at the NCFTA are available during the spring, summer, and fall.
Application deadlines are as follows: spring -- January 1; summer - May 1; fall -- September 1. Applicants may submit their resumes via email by sending them to recruiting@ncfta.net.
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Seek nonprofessional routes to engage in cyber crime prevention. Amateur cyber crime agents who would like to contribute to the collective effort to secure the United States and its citizens may want to become a member of Infragard. Infragard is a cooperative between the FBI and the private sector to secure the U.S. from physical and cyber threats. Those wanting to apply for membership in Infragard can log onto their website at http://www.infragard.net/member.php.
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