STC instructor, digital super sleuth writes book for dummies

Rey Anzaldua, South Texas College business computer systems instructor, ain’t no dummy, but he writes for them. His bestselling new book (#1 in the Forensic Category on Amazon.com), “Computer Forensics for Dummies” hit the shelves in October 2008 and is helping consumers sleuth their own digital trails.

"People underestimate the amount of digital information they leave behind on digital devices and throughout the Internet during the course of their lives,” said Anzaldua. “Computer forensics gives people the ability to retrieve data and literally piece together their lives and, sometimes, highlight their mistakes. The book will help you understand your digital footprints and how you can take steps to protect your privacy.”

In the book he co-authored with Dr. Linda Volonino, Anzaldua takes consumers through step by step processes for digging out and documenting electronic evidence, examining “E-evidence,” performing basic computer forensics investigations and using the information in court cases and other scenarios. The book also provides information about computer forensics tools and programs to enhance success.

Written for those with limited technical knowledge, attorneys, business managers and others who are not technically oriented, but need a good grasp of computer forensics, are the target audience for “Computer Forensics for Dummies.”

“We leave digital ‘evidence’ everywhere from our computer hard drives, to PDAs, cell phones, E-mail, GPS devices, Web browsers, Myspace and other social networking sites, chat rooms, and basically any devices or site that has a memory,” said Anzaldua. “This book is not only aimed at helping consumers find information and use it when necessary, but to educate folks about how little privacy they really have in the digital world. Noting is sacred and nothing is ever really deleted.”

And Anzaldua would know. He has been working in the computer forensics field since 1987. He is frequently called on to help law enforcement agencies across the Rio Grande Valley, state, nation and world extract digital data for use in criminal and civil investigations. His work also extends to the consumer realm, assisting companies and small business owners with a wide array of needs. So his students can be sure they are learning from one of the best in the field.

“The skills used in computer forensics are the same ones needed to rescue files that have been accidentally deleted, extract files from a corrupt hard drive or retrieve password information that was once cached,” said Anzaldua. “ So the skills are needed every day in the business and computer repair worlds. My students are well prepared to address the computer support and forensics needs of any institution.

“Also, those who read my book get a quick take on what is possible with computer forensics. I know it will be a great resource for anyone, especially fathers like me who want to keep their kids safe in this new digital world.”

Those interested in learning more about Anzaldua’s take on computer forensics and technology can catch his talk show segment on News Talk 710 a.m. KURV on Wednesday’s from 5:30 to 5:45.

For more information about Anzaldua’s new book, his courses at South Texas College or his radio program call 956-872-2730 or e-mail him at rey@southtexascollege.edu or r.anzaldua@csi-worldwide.com.