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At times during an investigation, law enforcement and examiners might need to access and analyze data, media or other information stored on a computer. Investigators will often turn to experts in computer forensics — an investigative field of law and computer science in which researchers search for, find and preserve forensic evidence.

What is computer forensics used for?

Computer forensics is useful in a wide variety of applications and can be used for both criminal and civil cases.��Sometimes known as computer forensic science, it often starts with data recovery. Investigators who need help securing digital evidence from a laptop, tablet, phone or other connected device may turn to these professionals for forensic support.

For example, it may be used in the following circumstances:

• Corporate espionage cases. Forensics experts can prove corporate espionage when locating traded documents containing secrets, formulas, recipes, work processes or business plans.
• NDA disclosure cases. An accidental or intentional breach of a nondisclosure agreement can be proved if the information was disclosed to the public through a traceable piece of technology.
• Traffic accident testimony. Vehicles collect digital evidence on when drivers accelerate and brake. This information can prove valuable in determining fault for a traffic violation.
• Sexual harassment investigations. Messages traced to phones or email addresses can support or refute sexual assault claims.
• Fraud investigations. Advance-fee schemes, Ponzi schemes and other fraudulent strategies often leave behind transaction records, which investigators can use to prove fraud.
• Murder investigations. A killer’s search history is often used to prove intention during murder investigations.

In some cases, investigators spend more time examining the file’s data than they do its contents. For example, many images contain information about when, how and where a particular photo was taken. This digital forensics information is often valuable to investigators as supporting evidence during a trial.

Computer forensics vs. cybersecurity

Computer forensics and cybersecurity are two closely related fields. Experts in both of these fields can assist investigators during active investigations, helping to analyze cyber data and providing valuable evidence that helps determine a defendant’s guilt or innocence.

They focus on a similar goal: protecting digital assets. Both methodologies can be used as effective strategies in virtually any field to ensure forensic data is used only for a particular purpose.

Both fields also include data recovery strategies to help recover forensic data that might have been lost during a security breach, device damage or another issue.

Though similar, these career fields are characterized by a few key differences. While cybersecurity focuses on the prevention of theft, fraud and other kinds of forensic data loss, computer forensics is primarily concerned with data that has already been misused.

Cybersecurity teams work diligently to prevent threats from materializing. For example, they might segment networks, integrate two-factor authentication and require regular password changes to minimize risks. However, sometimes bad actors access protected data without permission.

When data is misused, forensics experts go to work. Using a variety of different data access and recovery strategies, these professionals work to recover forensic data without further harming it. Their findings are useful as evidence in criminal or civil trials, in addition to the value that any recovered data provides.

Jobs in computer forensics

Careers in this field are among the highest-paying computer science jobs in the market today. With the right combination of education and experience, students may be able to pursue a career across a variety of industries. Jobs that may include forensics expertise with computers include:

Computer forensics investigator

Overview: Retrieves sensitive information from devices like computers and phones and helps to preserve evidence. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) doesn’t provide salary and related data for this particular profession, the work and salary range of a computer forensics investigator are similar to that of a forensic science technician.

Computer systems analyst

Overview: Analyzes an organization’s current computer network and determines more effective methods for security and device use.

Education requirements: A , usually but not always in computer or information science.

National salary range: As of May 2023, computer systems analsts , with a median wage $103,800, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Jobs in this field are projected to grow , according to BLS.

The salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of ������ý. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. ������ý does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website.

BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2022-2032 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to ������ý students or graduates.

Information security analyst

Overview: Proactively assesses and protects an organization’s software and hardware systems and works to mitigate threats that do arise.

Education requirements: A  or related field is typical, and work experience is desirable.

National salary range: As of May 2023, information security analysts , with a median wage of $120,360, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The  from 2022 to 2032, according to BLS.

In addition to the above career choices, there might be opportunities for employment in a role that integrates forensics into other IT tasks. For example, security consultants regularly depend on forensics best practices when searching devices for data.

Alternatively, there might be employment opportunities as a forensic computer analyst, working alongside other analysts on larger investigative projects.

Skills for a career in computer forensics

Whether at a physical crime scene or accessing forensics through files in the device of a person of interest, a specific skill set can help investigators close cases and deliver accurate verdicts. These include:

• Technical proficiency: Forensics professionals need a deep knowledge of operating systems, hardware and software functionality, and security protocols when searching devices for evidence.
• Investigative law: An understanding of investigative law is critical for helping determine which types of evidence are permissible in court.
• Interpersonal communication: The capacity to communicate with investigators, computer experts and fellow computer forensic analysts will be important for meeting project deadlines.
• Programming: HTML, C++, Python and other coding languages are often useful when accessing data stored on secure hardware.
• Cybersecurity: Despite the differences between cybersecurity and computer forensics, it's likely important to understand basic cybersecurity and IT terminology when accessing files and bypassing firewalls.
• Data analysis: After accessing data files, they need to be analyzed to see which ones are most useful in assisting investigators.
• Data sensitivity: The ability to comfortably work with sensitive, sometimes disturbing, data is critical.

Education and experience for a career in computer forensics

A career in computer forensics requires an education.��Several different technology degrees could prepare students for this career. These include:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science
• Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology

In addition to education, one or more certificates may be helpful, including:

• Cybersecurity Digital Forensics Certificate
• Information Assurance and Security Certificate
• Cybersecurity Policy and Governance Certificate

These brief certificate courses can complement a college education and demonstrate commitment and aptitude to a potential employer.

Contact a ������ý admissions representative for more information.��