Outline

Course Description

Course Title:

Internet for Investigations (full 12-week course)

Description:

The Internet consists of over ten billion pages of information yet many investigators make only superficial use of this amazing resource.

The distinguishing feature of this course is that it was designed for investigators - those who need to search more aggressively and use information more carefully than the general public.

The intention of this course is to turn those who already have some computer and Internet experience into power users of the Internet and to reveal how the Internet can augment their traditional investigative methodology. It covers not only technical issues, but includes how to formulate good search strategies and how to make sense of the results.

Course Learning Objectives:

Students who receive credit for this course will have added one more tool to their investigative toolbox. They will be able to:

conduct efficient and effective Internet searches using multiple search tools and advanced techniques;
enhance their Internet browser with tools and utilities;
retrieve information from the Historical Web and the Invisible Web;
identify, assess, and recruit experts, allies, and cybersources;
employ strategies and formulate tactics to minimize costs and optimize results;
compliment free information from the Net with information from commercial databases;
shield their identity and protect the integrity of their systems and data while on-line;
utilize a selective list of hundreds of high-value websites relevant to investigators;
assess information obtained via the Internet for accuracy and bias;
organize information visually using link diagrams;
trace websites and email;
preserve websites;
profile individuals using only their email or newsgroup postings; and
appreciate the differences between traditional crime and cybercrime.

Course Outline

1	Investigations & the Net (J. Pyrik)	Provides a realistic idea of the strengths and limitations of the Net as an investigative aid. Includes: the Net in context as one form of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT); some common myths about the Net; a step-by-step case study illustrating the use of the Net in a fictitious investigation; job opportunities for Internet investigators; and some of the best sites on the Web for investigators.
2	Searching 101 (J. Pyrik)	An introduction to the basics. Includes: how browsers and search engines work; search engine limitations, criticisms, and little-known special features; strategies and tactics to optimize searches.
3	Searching 202 (J. Pyrik)	Building on the foundation established in Searching 101, this module includes: how to get more out of Google blogs, wikis, and podcasts; guru pages, megasites, and web rings; electronic mailing lists; newsgroups (over a billion messages) and tips and tricks.
4	Searching Smarter (J. Pyrik)	This module delves into the parts of the Web that search engines can't penetrate. It also shows how to get relevant content pushed to your desktop and presents the Internet as a means to finding high-value primary sources of information. Topics covered include: the Invisible Web; Personalized Alert Services; Finding and using experts and allies; Cybersources - identifying, assessing, and recruiting online sources; how to research hard targets; Elicitation - the art of inducing someone to talk (or email); and active vs passive use of the Net and the implications.
5	Commercial Databases (C. Zeller)	An introduction to commercial databases. Includes free access to a major commercial database (a $500 value). Characteristics - a comparison to Internet sources Commercial Online Vendors - a quick review of some of the best Commercial Online Sources - the major players Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.

"Profile" assignment due (worth 40% of the final course mark).

6	Privacy & Security (J. Pyrik)	How to remain anonymous on the Web. the tattletale computer; how to avoid losing your privacy online; the perils of e-commerce; and Net-proofing for kids. Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.
7	Internet Tools (J. Pyrik)	A survey of software utilities which can enhance use of the Internet. Includes: how to optimize your computer for Internet searching; utilities for power searching; how to preserve websites; and an introduction to the field of computer forensics. Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.
8	Cyberskepticism (J. Pyrik)	Assessing reliability on the Net. How to be a cyberskeptic Media Analysis - How to Use the News Propaganda red flags Statement Analysis - Finding signs of deception and evasion Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.
9	Analysis (J. Pyrik)	Filling in the missing pieces of the puzzle, including identifying the author of anonymous e-mail. Tracing Websites and Email Money Laundering Investigation Whodunit Auto Theft Exercise Link Diagrams Competitive Intelligence Analytical Techniques E-mail Profiling Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.
10	Cybercrime (R. Gardner)	How criminals and the police are using the Internet. A Criminological Perspective Common Misconceptions Cyber Criminals And Their Victims Cybercrime Typologies CyberHate: A Case Study Investigators And Investigations Assignment -The Fantasy Defense Includes an exercise worth 10% of the final course mark.