On the darker side, we must ask ourselves:  are we really safe out there in cyberspace?  Who or what is lurking around, tracing our steps and actions as we surf the internet?  In our homes, we lock the doors and check the windows to make sure people cannot get in but how do we protect ourselves, our companies and our children when we’re “on the Web?”

Howard College is offering a course that will empower people to protect themselves, their family or company.  Computer Forensics, ITDF 1300, will be held Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during the fall semester.  In a nutshell, Computer Forensics is the process of checking, finding and cataloging information saved to electronic media.  In this class, you will learn to use some of the tools that criminals use to get information.  You will learn how to keep your computer safe from those who are looking to take information that does not belong to them and use it for their own personal gain.

The course, being taught by Associate Professor Lloyd Lacy, offers opportunities for a lay person interested in computers as well as a student interested in pursuing Computer Forensics as a career.  

“In this class, students will learn about different operating systems, how to find information on a computer that has been formatted, how to protect computers from hackers and how to spot incursions into computers,” said Lacy.  

For those students with a stronger interest in computer forensics and law enforcement, this class can be combined with a law enforcement degree at Howard College that includes using computers to find criminals using electronic gear and software.  

“There are jobs in law enforcement and in the business world,” said Lacy.  “Many large and small corporations employ people to check and track down improper use of company computers and electronic devices and this degree program will provide students with the skills needed to land those jobs.”

Registration is going on now at Howard College for this and other classes in the fall semester. Classes begin Aug. 25. Check online at www.howardcollege.edu for more information and online registration or come by the offices at 1001 Birdwell Lane for personal assistance.