Two types of professionals work to fight cybercrime: those who focus on preventing cyberattacks, and those who investigate them after they’ve occurred. Digital forensic examiners fall into the second category.
Sometimes referred to as computer forensic analysts or digital forensic technicians, digital forensic examiners investigate cyberattacks to uncover how they happened and who was responsible. Their expertise is needed now more than ever, as incidents of cybercrime continue to rise. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received a record number of complaints in 2023: more than 880,000, a 10 percent increase from 2022. Meanwhile, Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for cyber and emerging technologies, recently reported that the global cost of cybercrime is expected to soar from $8.4 trillion in 2022 to more than $23 trillion by 2027.
Those who seek to combat cybercrime should consider enrolling in an advanced cybersecurity degree program to develop the state-of-the-art skills needed to make an impact. Exploring the employment outlook and potential salary of digital forensic examiners can help individuals decide whether this career path aligns with their goals.
What Does a Digital Forensic Examiner Do?
Much like forensic investigators who collect and analyze physical evidence such as fingerprints and weapons from a crime scene, digital forensic examiners parse evidence from cybercrimes to gain insights into the source of the data breach (or attempted breach). They may also investigate other types of crimes, such as violent crimes or national security crimes, that involve digital evidence.
Digital forensic examiners work for either law enforcement agencies or private sector organizations in collaboration with law enforcement. Their work can help lead to the capture of cybercriminals and even prevent future attacks.
The job descriptions of digital forensic examiners can vary depending on where they’re employed and the exact nature of their work. However, some of their common responsibilities include the following:
- Collecting digital evidence from cybercrimes or other types of computer-based crimes
- Extracting data from networks and devices, such as computers, mobile devices, security cameras, drones and Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Reconstructing the events that led to a cyberattack
- Recovering compromised data
- Restoring data that was damaged or erased from devices
- Identifying vulnerabilities within an organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure
- Preparing reports detailing their findings and opinions
- Providing expert witness testimony during court proceedings
Although digital forensic examiners are typically called on in the aftermath of a cybercrime, their work can help prevent future security incidents. Their investigations can provide answers as to how or why a cyberattack occurred, helping organizations address their exploitable security flaws. Examiners may also make recommendations on how to better secure a network.
How to Become a Digital Forensic Examiner
Developing the skills and expertise needed to become a digital forensic examiner generally entails a combination of education and practical experience, along with optional additional training that can enhance an individual’s technical competencies and employment prospects.
1. Education
A bachelor’s degree in a computer science field is typically the minimum educational requirement for digital forensic examiners. By studying fundamental computer science principles, like programming languages and operating systems, and cybersecurity concepts, such as risk management and cybersecurity ethics, students can build a strong foundation of technical expertise that they can put to use as a digital forensic examiner.
Some employers may prefer or require that candidates hold a graduate degree for certain roles. Having an advanced degree may also enable individuals to command a higher salary as a digital forensic examiner.
Though it’s typically optional, some digital forensic examiners earn a professional certification. For example, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) certifications can help professionals hone their digital forensic skills.
For cybersecurity professionals, these types of credentials demonstrate expertise and commitment to the profession, and can offer an advantage in a competitive job market. It also helps them stay abreast of the latest research and trends in the rapidly evolving field of digital forensics.
2. Experience
Besides education, there’s no better way to develop a cybersecurity skill set than through practical experience. Aspiring digital forensic examiners can pursue an internship, fellowship or entry-level role in cybersecurity. These experiences allow individuals to apply the theoretical knowledge they gained in the classroom to real-world situations, helping them develop the technical competencies and investigative skills that are essential in digital forensics.
3. Skills
To effectively carry out investigations, digital forensic examiners need a diverse skill set made up of both technical competencies and soft skills. The following are just a few of the key skills examiners should possess:
Technological Proficiency
Digital forensic examiners need a comprehensive understanding of how computer networks function and a familiarity with various operating systems, such as Linux and Windows, to be able to navigate and uncover information on a variety of platforms. They also need to know how to use different programming languages, including Java, Python and HTML, as well as digital forensic tools like Xplico EnCase and FTK.
Attention to Detail
A keen eye for detail is critical for any investigatory role. A detail-oriented mindset enables digital forensic examiners to identify trace evidence and ensure its accuracy and integrity. Examiners also need to be able to meticulously document their findings.
Communication Skills
Digital forensic examiners prepare written reports and summaries of the results of their investigations, often for nontechnical audiences. They must be able to translate complex concepts into language that can be easily understood by various stakeholders, including individuals working in law enforcement agencies and legal firms, who use examiners’ reports as evidence. Verbal communication skills also are critical for when examiners testify as expert witnesses in court.
Digital Forensic Examiner Salary and Employment Outlook
Because of the specialized skills the role demands and the high-stakes nature of their work, digital forensic examiners are generally well compensated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), for example, reports that forensic science technicians — which includes digital forensic examiners — had a median annual wage of $63,740 as of May 2022, $17,000 more than the median for all occupations.
Similarly, Payscale reports that the median salary for digital forensic examiners was approximately $69,600 in February 2024, with actual salaries ranging from $48,000 to $101,000. Several factors can influence an individual’s salary, including their education level and experience.
In addition to competitive salaries, digital forensic examiners enjoy a strong job market, with plenty of demand for their services. According to the BLS, employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow by 13 percent between 2022 and 2032 — four times faster than the average growth rate projected for all occupations — while employment of information security analysts is expected to grow by a whopping 32 percent.
The growing frequency of cyberattacks is the main factor driving demand for cybersecurity professionals. The BLS also cites the increasing number of employees shifting to remote work and the rise of e-commerce as additional variables that will contribute to demand for cybersecurity workers.
Combat Cybercrime With a Master’s in Cybersecurity
In the fight against cybercrime, digital forensic examiners play a vital role. Their technical expertise and investigatory skills help bring cybercriminals to justice and ensure organizations and individuals are better protected from future cyberattacks.
If you’re interested in working as a digital forensic examiner, explore the online Master of Science in Information Security Management program at Augusta University Online. Our program can help you develop the cutting-edge skills needed to excel in this growing field. With a focused curriculum crafted around the core content of the CISSP and the CISM certifications, the program is designed to prepare you for an impactful career in cybersecurity.
Prepare to serve on the front lines of cyberdefense with AU Online.
Recommended Readings
Identity and Access Management Tools and Examples
IT Auditor: Salary, Job Description and Requirements
How to Make a Career Change to Cybersecurity
Sources:
EC-Council, “What Is a Digital Forensic Analyst?”
FBI, Digital Forensic Examiner
FBI, “Internet Crime Report 2023”
GIAC, GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
Indeed, “How to Become a Computer Forensic Investigator”
Indeed, “What Does a Computer Forensic Investigator Do? (With Skills)”
Payscale, Average Digital Forensic Investigator Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forensic Science Technicians
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Information Security Analysts
U.S. Department of State, Digital Press Briefing With Anne Neuberger, Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technologies
