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Fraud Edge: A forum for fraud-fighting faculty in higher ed

As fraudsters become more sophisticated, schemes more complex and technology more innovative, fraud examiners' approaches must also evolve. Common investigative techniques include interviews, document review, data mining and digital forensics. With technology playing a larger role in fraud schemes, digital forensics and data mining are becoming increasingly important tools. This column is a six-part series for educators and practitioners that will examine the importance of integrating digital forensics and data mining aspects of investigations, key technologies, methodologies and future applications and how to present them to budding fraud examiners. For some readers, these columns will contain review material, but hopefully all will benefit from information that we need to transmit to higher-education students.

The rate of change in most, if not all, areas of business is accelerating with each passing year. Most professionals view these changes with mixed emotions. On the one hand, new innovations and technology tend to enhance professionals' abilities to provide their services effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, the more that's possible, the more that's expected.