{"id":12871,"date":"2021-10-08T12:34:55","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T19:34:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/?p=12871"},"modified":"2023-08-18T08:49:07","modified_gmt":"2023-08-18T15:49:07","slug":"how-to-become-a-forensic-computer-analyst","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.springboard.com\/blog\/cybersecurity\/how-to-become-a-forensic-computer-analyst\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Forensic Computer Analyst in 5 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on technology, new employment opportunities for IT specialists continue to open in almost every field. Local police departments are no exception. Where once interviews and scientific testing were enough to gather the evidence needed in a criminal investigation, now the work of forensic computer analysts is often needed to unravel the technical evidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cComputer forensic analysts may also be involved in resolving and prosecuting cybersecurity<\/a> cases. Bad actors in the cyber world can include skilled hackers wishing to harm individuals, businesses willing to do whatever it takes to stay ahead of the competition, and even other countries. Skilled computer analysts are needed to catch all of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cThe field of computer forensic analysis is a relatively new one, but it appears to be here to stay. Computer forensic analysts can assist the police, the FBI, other law enforcement agencies, or law firms. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics<\/a> (BLS), this field is likely to see a 17% increase in demand by 2026. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cBelow, you will find tips on how to become a computer forensic analyst as well as information about exactly what they do and how well they are paid to do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cWhat Is a Forensic Computer Analyst & What Do They Do? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u200cA forensic computer analyst, or digital forensic analyst as they are sometimes called, helps law enforcement agencies investigate crimes that have a digital aspect<\/a>. While they frequently spend their time ferreting out hackers and investigating cyberattacks and other cybercrimes, they may also be involved in investigations into theft, murder, kidnapping, stalking, terrorism, and other crimes. If there is a digital component to the crime\u2014and these days there is a digital component to almost everything\u2014then a forensic computer analyst can help to solve it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cThe primary duties of a digital forensic analyst start with finding digital artifacts that may link the possible perpetrators of a crime to that crime. These artifacts may be found on mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, computer networks, storage devices, or in digital correspondence like emails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cOnce those artifacts have been found, it is the responsibility of the computer forensic analysts to present evidence that these artifacts prove the necessary link between the perpetrator and the crime. They may then be asked to present this evidence in court in terms that non-computer experts can understand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cThe case against Pedro Bravo <\/a>for the murder of his roommate, Christian Aguilar, is a great example of how the work of skilled digital forensic analysts can make or break a case. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cWhen Aguilar\u2019s body was discovered in 2012, the police had plenty of circumstantial evidence tying Bravo to the crime, but they needed more. A digital search of Bravo’s smartphone showed that he had recently been looking up information about hiding a body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cIn addition, pings on the cell phone towers from Bravo\u2019s phone showed that he had been in the area where the body was discovered after Aguilar\u2019s disappearance. Finally, the digital analysis showed that Bravo had accessed his phone\u2019s flashlight feature several times the night of the murder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cWhen combined with the physical evidence the police already had, this digital evidence was enough to convince a jury to convict Bravo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cNot all days in the life of a computer analyst are likely to be this successful. Like many investigative jobs, this career involves a lot of tedious work and failed attempts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u200cAs a digital forensic analyst, you need to be prepared to quickly change tactics and priorities as new evidence becomes available. One minute you may be tracking down the physical location of a smartphone and the next be tracing an email chain from a completely different suspect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through it all, the one constant is the need to be a team player. You must be able to take direction from other investigators and effectively communicate your findings to them. <\/p>\n\n\n

Get To Know Other\tCybersecurity Students<\/h4>
\"Dylan<\/a>

Dylan Wood<\/p>

Cyber Threat Analyst at Trustwave Government Solutions<\/p><\/div>

<\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Ed<\/a>

Ed Burke<\/p>

Cyber Security Career Track Student at Springboard<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>

\"Eric<\/a>

Eric Rivera<\/p>

IAM Security Specialist at Dearborn Group<\/p><\/div>

Read Story<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

How to Become a Computer Forensic Analyst in 5 Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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  1. \n

    Pursue Higher Education<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  2. \n

    Get Certified<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  3. \n

    Seek Experience<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  4. \n

    Acquire the Necessary Hard Skills<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n
  5. \n

    Consider Your Personality<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    \u200cIf you are still reading this, then you probably believe that you have what it takes to be a computer forensic analyst. Here are the steps you will need to take to be considered for this position and the skills you will need to acquire to do it well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Pursue Higher Education <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Very few schools offer a computer forensics degree or one geared towards becoming a digital forensic examiner, so a bachelor’s degree in the related fields of computer science or information technology will suffice. If you have earned a degree in criminal justice or other related fields and have the computer experience to do the job, you may also be considered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200c2. Get Certified <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \"forensic<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    \u200cNot all law enforcement agencies require that their computer forensic analysts obtain certification<\/a>, but it is likely that, as time passes, more of them will. Even if the agency you wish to apply to does not require certification, having one will improve your resume and may up your chances of getting hired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200cA Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification is offered by only two institutions, the Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) and the International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE). The IACIS only requires that an analyst pass their exam to be awarded the certificate. The ISFCE requires computer analysts to get approved training, have a set level of professional experience, and pass their exam to earn the certificate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200cRegardless of which entity awards you the certificate, it must be renewed every three years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200c3. Seek Experience<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Your education may be enough to get you an interview but to succeed at the job, you will need to have the type of experience that schools rarely teach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200cYou must be fluent in multiple computer languages, be able to use all the major networks and operating systems, and understand the inner workings of the hardware and software that make them run. In addition, your job prospects will improve greatly if you are a capable hacker, or can at least prove that you understand the techniques used by hackers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u200cAny experience working with the development or testing of digital security systems is also a plus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Acquire the Necessary Hard Skills \u200c<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n