How to build a career in Digital Forensics?

Do you know who Sherlock Holmes is? If yes, then understanding what Digital Forensics is will be easy. A Digital Forensics expert is a virtual Sherlock Holmes, who has to use his wits against bad guys, investigate complex cyberattacks. Digital Forensics, also known as Computer Forensics, is a branch of Forensic Science in which scientific investigation techniques are used to probe digital attacks and crimes. With the constant advancement of technology, Digital Forensics has become a crucial aspect of business and law and is also a lucrative and rewarding career option. 

Cybercrimes have been on the rise ever since the dawn of the digital age. The increase in the number of digital crimes has resulted in the explosion of career opportunities available for people with a degree in cybersecurity. 

Job Opportunities and Salary with a degree in Digital Forensics 

The job description of Digital Forensics expert involves the investigation of data breaches and security incidents, in cases where cyber attack alarms have already been raised. They are responsible for compiling all the pieces of evidence available for the preparation of a legal case. Digital Forensics experts need to be proficient in the dismantling and rebuilding of any affected system or network to retrieve sensitive data. 

According to payscale, the average salary for a digital forensics expert ranges between $45,000 to $115,000. 

Career options with a degree in Digital Forensics –  

• Forensic Analyst 
• Chief Information Security Officer 
• Cyber Crime Investigator 
• Information Security Officer 
• Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst 
• Information Assurance Security Officer 
• Incident Responder 
• Chief Security Officer 

Video – Forensics and Incident Response In The Cloud By Mark Houpt 

4 Skills that every Digital Forensics expert must have 

Candidates who wish to pursue a career in Digital Forensics must have certain skills to stay in this ever-evolving industry – 

1. Technicalaptitude 

Digital Forensic experts should have a proper understanding of working with digital devices, networking, technical concepts, and experience in computer systems. 

2. Comprehension ofcybersecurity 

Candidates who aspire to become digital forensics experts need to know all the latest threats, breaches, and vulnerabilities that attackers can easily take advantage of. They need to stay prepped with in-depth components of cybersecurity or information security. 

3. Analyticaltalent 

Candidates need to have high–speed analytical thinking with precise observation abilities to spot, uncover, and examine digital evidence carefully. 

4. Communicationskills 

Digital Forensics experts need to convey technical information concisely. This is why communication skills are of utmost importance. They are often required to work in teams, and communication skills will play an important role in this situation. 

5. Knowledge of law and investigation

Digital forensic experts deal with cybercrime; this is where knowing criminal law and investigation comes in. While their role does not require them to have a law qualification, having a good understanding of white-collar crime, criminal law, and investigation will give them an advantage. 

How to acquire the skills required by a Digital Forensics expert 

Candidates who pursue a career in Digital Forensics can take up a degree in the same. EC-Council University is an institution that offers multiple online degree programs in cybersecurity. One such program is the Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) with a specialization in Digital Forensics. This program helps candidates learn the different aspects of this field that also includes mobile forensics along with investigating Network Intrusions. Candidates who get enrolled for this program will receive Computer Hacking Forensics Investigator (CHFI), Certified Network Defender (CND), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification at the end, along with the degree. The program includes the following specialized programs: –  

Investigating Network Intrusions and Computer Forensics 

The Investigating Network Intrusions and Computer Forensics program focuses on cyber–attack detection, prevention, planning, and incident response to counteract digital crimes and cyber predators. Additions topics covered under this program include – forensic duplication, fundamentals of computer forensics, network surveillance, computer security policies, and more. 

Advanced Mobile Forensics and Security 

The Advanced Mobile Forensics and Security program under Digital Forensics focuses on advanced analysis and manual acquisitions using reverse engineering. The design of the program makes the candidates understand how mobile operating systems are hardened to defend against attacks and exploits. Topics included under this are – mobile hardware design and architecture, mobile forensics process and challenges, boot process, OS architecture, application reverse engineering, mobile forensics reporting, and expert testimony. 

Cyber Law 

This part of the degree focuses on the legal issues that are affected by cybercriminal conduct and electronic evidence. It also includes the legal ramifications of neglecting trademarks, copyrights, patents, and digital rights. Topics like privacy laws governing law enforcement investigations in cyberspace, laws, regulations, and international standards, implications of cybercrimes upon the traditional notions of sovereignty, and more included under this. 

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