Besides the legal aspects involved with digital forensics, people are often surprised to learn that the profession taps into many scientific principles, methodologies and techniques.
In other words, not only does digital forensics require a significant amount of specialized training and skills, it also is somewhat of an art form where analytical experience comes into play.
There are several skills required for a successful career in digital forensics – foremost is a technical aptitude.Having a proper understanding of the working of digital devices, technical concepts, networking, and experience in computer systems are the basic technical skills expected from those working in digital forensics.
This can be broken down further:
- Digital Comprehension – A cyber forensic specialist needs to interact with various endpoints such as mobile phones, printers, IoT (Internet of Things), USB, external hard drives, iPads, tablets and digital cameras.
- Networking — Knowledge of computer networking, LAN and server is extremely important. As an investigator, networking concepts and connectivity knowledge should be of concern as the investigation will not be limited to the individual system, but every system connected in the LAN has to be examined.
- Operating System Knowledge – Knowing you way around the various computer operating systems is a key to cybercrime investigations. Android and Windows are the common operating systems in smartphones, whereas other endpoint devices may work on a different OS, which you should be able to operate.
Analytical talents also play a major role in the career of digital forensic specialists. Having the ability to connect the dots by fast analytical thinking and pinpoint observation is required to carefully sort, uncover and examine digital evidence.
On the other side, knowledge of law and investigation is very important since digital forensics commonly focuses on cybercrime. While a digital forensics investigator is not required do have a degree in law or police sciences, a good understanding of white-collar crime, criminal law, and investigation will be an added advantage
Want to learn more? Tonex offers Digital Forensics Training Bootcamp, an intense 2-day course designed to train digital forensics examiners, Analysts and Fraud Investigators as students are taught electronic discovery and advanced digital forensic techniques. This course is essential to anyone encountering digital forensic and evidence while conducting an investigation.
Additionally, Tonex offers nearly 400 classes, seminars and workshops in close to four dozen categories of systems engineering training.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.