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Computer forensics, or digital forensics, is a fairly new field. Computer forensics investigators, also known as computer forensics specialists, computer forensics examiners, or computer forensics analysts, are charged with uncovering and describing the information contained on, or the state or existence of, a digital artifact. Digital artifacts include computer systems, hard drives, CDs, and other storage devices, as well as electronic documents and files like emails and JPEG images. The fast-growing field of computer forensics includes several branches related to firewalls, networks, databases, and mobile devices. Digital forensics technicians can find work with many types of organizations: government (local, state, and federal), accounting firms, law firms, banks, and software development companies. Essentially, any kind of organization that has a computer system may have a need for a digital forensics specialist. Some digital forensics specialists opt to start their own businesses, giving them an opportunity to work with a variety of clients.
Computer forensics investigators provide many services based on gathering digital information, from investigating computer systems and data in order to present information for legal cases to determining how an unauthorized user hacked into a system. A digital forensics examiner does many things in the course of these tasks - protects the computer system, recovers files (including those that were deleted or encrypted), analyzes data found on various disks, and provides reports, feedback, and even testimony when required. A computer forensics degree can help you develop the skills necessary for a successful career in this field.
Computer Forensics Careers
A bachelor's degree in computer forensics or a similar area is generally required to earn a position as a computer forensics investigator. Some community colleges offer two-year associate degrees in computer forensics, which allow aspiring digital forensics investigators to then transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor's degree.
*The degree level required depends on the job. Sometimes relevant experience may be used to supplement an educational requirement. Check the job posting for details.
**Optional. While certification in computer forensics may not be mandatory to find a position, experts recommend taking the time to get certified. Some organizations require it while others look more favorably upon applicants who have earned certification.
Meet Sam, Digital Forensic Investigator
Computer forensics investigators can enhance their degrees and their experience by completing training courses and programs with such organizations as the National Institute of Justice and the National Computer Forensics Institute.
An interest in technology, the desire to constantly learn to stay abreast of the latest technological advances, and the ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in written form are all common traits of successful digital forensics specialists. Analytical and problem-solving skills are also key. Work experience in a computer-related position or in law enforcement could also prove beneficial.
The salary range for computer forensics analysts and investigators varies widely depending on whether the job is in the private sector or in the public sector. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn't provide salary data for computer forensic specialists but does provide data for the related occupation of information security analysts, who earn a median salary of $98, 350 per year.
Which Top 5 Computer Forensics Certifications Are In Demand?
The employment outlook for digital forensics examiners and investigators is favorable due to the rapid growth of crimes involving computers (cybercrime). According to the BLS, the related occupation of information security analysts is expected to grow by 28% between 2016 and 2026.
Computer forensics examiners generally work a typical full-time work week. However, the employer may require the specialist to be on call and available to work evenings and/or weekends in the event of an emergency.
Technology is constantly evolving, making it essential for digital forensics specialists to have a desire to continuously learn. Continuing education courses and networking with others in the field, both in person and online, are both effective ways to keep up with industry developments and news.
Day In The Life Of A Computer Forensics Analyst
While certification exams vary, computer forensics investigators must have a firm grasp of ethical and legal issues in digital forensics, must know and understand the tools a digital forensics examiner uses, and must know how to recover evidence from a computer's hard drive.The rate of cyberattacks has been on the rise for the last two years. In 2018, about two million cyberattacks happened and it cost over $45 billion in losses worldwide, according to a source . India ranks 3rd among nations that are most prone to cyberattacks. In 2018, 76 per cent of Indian businesses were hit by cyberattacks.
This boom in the rate of cyberattacks has made companies realise the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals. However, while there are companies that are hiring white hat hackers, there is one more job role that is gaining traction — computer forensics analyst.
In this article, we are going to take a look at how the computer forensics domain is growing big and how one can start a career in this domain.
Meet Laura, Digital Forensic Investigator
Computer forensics a.k.a cyber forensics is a crucial branch of the cybersecurity ecosystem. While network analysts, white hat hackers, all are important in the domain, cyber forensics experts have also a major role to play.
Cyber forensics is the application of investigation and analysis techniques to gather and preserve evidence from a particular computing device or a victim device such as an electronic document, computer, laptop, and storage mediums such as USB drives, hard disks etc.
Cyber forensics expert performs a thorough investigation to find out exactly what happened on a computing device and who was responsible for it. And for that, they also perform extraction of existing or deleted information from a storage or computing device.
Computer And Digital Forensics Bsc (hons) Course
If you are wondering if there is a set of protocols that an expert needs to follow, then yes, there are a standard set of procedures. One of the examples of the procedures is to always have a soft copy of the device that is going to be inspected and keeping the device locked in a safe and secure facility. Once they are done investigating and gathering all the evidence, they create an in-depth report that could be used for legal proceedings of the entire case.
Just like every other profession from the cybersecurity domain, computer forensics analyst also has a set of prerequisites. To pursue a course on cyber forensics, one needs to have a bachelor’s degree in computer forensics. Further, one also needs to have a post-graduation in Cyber Forensics or need to get a certification in Information or Cybersecurity in order to land a cyber forensics analyst job.
As companies are looking to hire more and more cyber forensics analyst, the concept of cyber forensics courses in India has started to gain that much-anticipated traction. While many schools and training centers ask for a bachelor’s degree, there are other schools as well that provide certificate and associate’s degree programs in this field.
Online Master's (ms) Degree In Digital Forensics
Furthermore, these courses are considered to be a good choice for people who don’t have a cybersecurity background or want to learn things from scratch. From the introduction of the domain to realtime training and audits, these courses cover everything.
But if someone is from the IT domain or have enough knowledge about cybersecurity, they might not have to take up a course; however, they need to get a certification done to work as a computer forensics expert. Here are some of the certifications:
Furthermore, during the course, you also have to make sure that you put in your efforts and consume enough knowledge about some of the most important aspects of cyber forensics. Here are they:
A Day In The Life: Digital Forensics Analyst
After completing your cyber forensic course and getting your certification, the thought of joining a company and start working as a cyber forensic analyst might be really intriguing; however, there are few things you have to keep in mind as you are new to the domain.
Whatever you learn in a training centre is not the entire thing, the real learning starts when you enter the industry. Therefore, try to learn more by interacting with fellow cyber forensic analysts.
There are other roles besides the usual cyber forensic analyst – computer forensics analyst, computer forensics investigator, computer forensics specialist, computer forensics technician, digital forensics specialist, forensic computer examiner that one can explore.
What Is Data Acquisition & How To Handle In Digital Forensics
The need for computer forensic experts is growing rapidly. Talking about market growth, according to a source , the Global Digital Forensics Market is estimated to reach $7 billion by 2024.
Also, one of the major benefits of this job role is the fact that it not only allows you to work with private firms but also let you join government bodies. With so much cyber-attacks happening every single year, Government agencies from all across the world are spending a huge amount of money on cyber forensics; they on a spree to recruiting the best talents from the industry to prepare a cyber incident response and recovery teams. If you have been thinking of making a switch or joining this domain, then it is definitely the right time to do so.
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