Reviewed by Paul Bingham, Senior Vice President and Executive Dean
OVERVIEW
What Is a Digital Forensic Investigator?
Digital forensic investigators are professionals who specialize in collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic evidence to be used in legal proceedings. These investigators are trained in techniques to recover data from computers, mobile devices, and other digital storage media. They utilize various tools to extract and analyze data such as deleted files, internet history, and emails. A digital forensic investigator may work for law enforcement agencies, government organizations, or private companies. These professionals must have strong attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and knowledge of computer systems and hardware. They play an essential role in investigating cybercrimes, fraud, and other illegal activities committed through digital means.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Do?
The day-to-day duties of a digital forensic investigator involve the following:
Collecting and analyzing digital evidence: One of the primary responsibilities of a digital forensic investigator is to collect and analyze digital evidence. This includes examining computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices for evidence of criminal activities such as hacking, fraud, or identity theft.
Recovering deleted data: Another important responsibility of a digital forensic investigator is recovering deleted data from computer systems and other digital devices. This involves using specialized software to restore files that have been deleted from hard drives or other storage media.
Investigating cybercrimes: Digital forensic investigators must be able to identify the methods used by hackers or other criminals to gain access to sensitive information or disrupt computer systems. Once the methods have been identified, they must be able to trace the activity back to its source to prosecute those responsible.
Writing reports: Investigators write detailed reports about their findings to provide documentation for the prosecutors or attorneys involved with a case. These reports will include details about the evidence collected during an investigation as well as any analysis performed on it.
Testifying in court: Digital forensic investigators need to understand legal procedures so that they can explain their findings accurately and effectively when testifying in court proceedings. This requires them to present their findings clearly and concisely so that they can be understood by all parties involved in a trial or hearing.
Staying up-to-date with technology: As new computer systems are developed and new software programs are released, it is important for digital forensic investigators to understand how these changes could potentially impact their day-to-day work and analyses of ongoing cases.
Networking with other professionals: To keep up with industry trends, new investigative techniques, and best practices related to collecting and analyzing evidence, digital forensic investigators must network with other professionals such as law enforcement officers, private investigators, forensic scientists, and computer security specialists.
Where Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Work?
Digital forensic investigators can work in a wide range of industries, including law enforcement agencies, government agencies, private sector enterprises, and consulting firms. They may conduct independent investigations, work within a team, or collaborate with other departments, all to help solve digital crimes and protect their organization or clients.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Digital Forensic Investigator?
Digital forensics is a specialized IT field that requires unique skills and experience. If you’re thinking about becoming a digital forensic investigator, here are the steps you’ll likely need to take:
Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity is a great place to start in this field. Either degree will help you gain the computer experience and knowledge you need to enter this career field. You'll learn about security systems, programming languages, operations systems, and networks, which are all vital for a digital forensic investigator.
Step Two: Gain experience
Start with an entry-level role before advancing into information security. By working as a network analyst, IT support specialist, or systems engineer, you'll build technical knowledge that can serve as a foundation for when you’re ready to learn more complex digital forensic skills.
Step Three: Earn a master’s degree
As with any career, earning an advanced degree will help you to stay competitive and potentially make more money. In the field of digital forensic, getting a master’s degree in cybersecurity is the next step, especially if you want to move up in your career.
Step Four: Consider certifications
Some employers may require specific cybersecurity or forensic certifications and training to ensure you’re qualified for their specific work. The most common certifications in the forensic field are:
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
- GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)
Best Degrees for a Digital Forensic Investigator
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – B.S.
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree....
Protect your career and earning potential with this degree.
- Time: 60% of graduates finish within 29 months.
- Tuition: $4,265 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Certifications included in this program at no extra cost include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP) - Associate of (ISC)2 designation
- ITIL® Foundation Certification
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst Certification (CySA+)
- CompTIA IT Operations Specialist
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Network Vulnerability Assessment Professional
- CompTIA Network Security Professional
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Security Analytics Professional
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Secure Systems Analysis & Design
- Data Management
- Web and Cloud Security
- Hacking Countermeasures and Techniques
- Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Technology
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance – M.S.
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe....
Become the authority on keeping infrastructures and information safe.
- Time: 63% of graduates finish within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,555 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 9 total courses in this program.
Certifications in this program at no additional cost include:
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA PenTest+
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) Optional Voucher
- ISACA Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Optional Voucher
- (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Cybersecurity Strategy
- Information Assurance
- Incident Response
- Penetration Testing
The curriculum is closely aligned with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework. The program was designed in collaboration with national intelligence organizations and IT industry leaders, ensuring you'll learn emerging technologies and best practices in security governance.
How Much Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Make?
$112,000
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary in the field of information security, which includes digital forensics, is $112,000.
What Is the Job Outlook for a Digital Forensic Investigator?
32%
The job outlook for a digital forensic investigator is very promising. The BLS projects that employment is expected to grow by 32% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Digital Forensic Investigator Need?
A digital forensic investigator requires a variety of skills, most notably:
Technical knowledge: Digital forensic investigators need to be knowledgeable about computer hardware and software, networks, operating systems, and programming languages. Additionally, they must also understand how data is stored on digital devices and how to extract it.
Problem-solving skills: Investigators must have strong problem-solving skills to identify the source of a digital security breach or uncover evidence from a crime scene. They need to be able to think logically and use deductive reasoning to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately. Additionally, they should be able to develop creative solutions for complex digital problems.
Investigative skills: Digital forensic investigators need to be able to conduct interviews with suspects or witnesses and analyze data from digital devices such as computers, phones, tablets, and other electronic devices. Additionally, they should be proficient at gathering evidence from various sources and analyzing it for patterns or clues that could help them solve the case or identify the perpetrator of a crime.
Computer forensic tools: Investigators should be familiar with computer forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK Imager, Autopsy, X-Ways Forensic, Cellebrite UFED Physical Analyzer, and Oxygen Forensic Suite, which are used for recovering deleted files or analyzing data on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Additionally, they should understand how these tools work and when it is appropriate to use them in an investigation.
Writing skills: Digital forensic investigators need strong writing skills to document their findings clearly and concisely for court proceedings or internal reports. They need to be able to write detailed reports that explain their investigative process step-by-step so that any reader can follow along easily without getting lost in technical jargon or complicated language.
Communication skills: Digital forensic investigators often rely on excellent written and verbal communication skills to inform clients or colleagues about their findings or progress on a case. Investigators also must be able to explain complex concepts related to digital forensic clearly without using overly technical language so that anyone can understand what is being discussed.
Organization and time management skills: Investigators utilize strong organization and time management skills to stay organized while working on multiple cases at once as well as to complete tasks by the deadlines set by clients or employers.
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