Overview of Forensic Expert Jobs
A Forensics Expert is a digital agent/ detective, who gathers and analyzes evidence found in the hard ware of computers, networks and other forms of data storage devices to investigate cyber crime. Forensic Experts are often employed through the government, law enforcement, global firms, corporations, and private consultants. The individual may be required to spend time in court. Of note is that many investigative cyber security roles engage in forensics, and that many different job titles may include facets that require forensics expertise. For example, a security analyst may be utilized in an organization largely in a forensics capacity. Or other common cyber security job types may become involved in forensics for the timeframe of a project.
Forensics Expert Job Duties
Forensics Experts regularly engage with with electronic evidence through analysis, written report, and training. Some of the responsibilities of a forensic expert include:
- Investigate Cybersecurity data breaches
- Recoup and review data from computers and other devices for the purposes of cybersecurity
- Engage in current and emerging technology and software such as Paraben Suite, Cellebrite and others
- Give oral counsel to attorneys
- Retrieve lost, stolen, or damaged data.
- Determine systems/networks compromised by cyber attacks
- Identify systems, networks etc… that have been tampered with/ compromised in cyber attack episodes
- Gather and compose supporting evidence for legal cases
- Prepare evidence for trials
- Provide electronic evidence in a court case
- Perform Reverse Engineering tasks using dex2jar, Apktool, diStorm3, edb-debugger, and others
Forensic Expert Career Progression Example
As this position includes entry level, mid level, and advanced levels, there are many entry points to the career.
Based on your starting point (whether you’re already a junior forensic analyst, senior forensic analyst, a senior forensic manager, or a student) there are a few paths to entering the field of forensic. We’ve listed some different levels at which you can engage in digital forensics below. These levels will depend on the typical number of years of experience associated with career stages (entry, middle, senior) as well as how specialized your education is. For an in-depth look at how job experience in
cyber security and education levels compare and contrast, check out our guide on how to prepare for a career in cyber security.
A note on the positions below: Some job titles are tiered within that position- a position labeled “mid-level” for example, may have a range between mid to advanced.
- Entry level:Junior Forensic Analyst, Digital Forensics Technician
- Mid-Level Level:Digital Forensic Technician, Computer Forensic Engineer, Digital Forensic Engineer
- Senior Level: Principle Computer Forensic Analyst, Linguist Analyst, Digital Forensic Engineer
There are many facets to the job of Forensic Expert. Some individuals may wish to enter into the field through law enforcement. Others may enter the profession through government or private IT departments.
Technical Skills
- Technical counsel
- Forensic Analysis
- Forensic Toolkit
- Paraben Suite
- BlackBag Forensic Suite
- Cellebrite
- Forensic Investigating
- Symantec Backup
- Norton Ghost
- Virtual Machines
- Dell Switching Technology
- Hypervisor
- Drafting US Government Reports and Documents
- SIFT Workstation
- Sleuthkit
- Secondlook
- F-Response
- Enterprise
- EnCase
- FTK
Soft Skills
- Supervision
- Oral and Written Communication
- Fluency in Foreign Languages
- Enjoys tackling difficult challenges
- Innovative and creative problem-solving
Resources
- For In-depth information regarding forensic experts and cyber security check out The American Board For Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
- For information how to utilize the G.I Bill Head
to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs - Ready to investigate the world leader in digital forensics training? Head to The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists
- If you’re looking to get certified as a forensic expert, try The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners
