Digital Forensics Analysts

Overview

Digital Forensics Analysts has a national median salary of $116,580 per year, with +5.1% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Duplicate digital evidence to use for data recovery and analysis procedures.
• Preserve and maintain digital forensic evidence for analysis.
• Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
• Write reports, sign affidavits, or give depositions for legal proceedings.
• Perform forensic investigations of operating or file systems.

Work Activities

• Working with Computers
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Analyzing Data or Information
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Getting Information
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Processing Information
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Detailed Work Activities

• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Digital Forensics Analysts:

Video Resources