Computer Forensics Specialists Job Description & Career Outlook

Computer Forensics Specialists Job Description

Computer forensics, or digital forensics, is a fairly new field. Generally, Computer Forensics Specialists, also known as Computer Forensics Investigators or Computer Forensics Examiners, are charged with uncovering and describing the state or existence of a digital artifact, including computer systems, hard drives, CDs, and other storage devices, and electronic documents and files (like e-mails and JPEG images). The fast-growing field of computer forensics includes several smaller branches related to firewalls, networks, databases, and mobile devices.

Computer forensic examiners may provide many services, from investigating computer systems and data in order to present information for legal cases to determining how an unauthorized user hacked into a system to gathering digital information that will assist in the termination of an employee. The computer forensics examiner does many things in the course of these tasks – protects the computer system, recovers all files (including those that were deleted or password-protected), analyzes all data found on various disks, and provides reports, feedback, and even testimony, when required. A computer forensics degree will help you develop the skills necessary for a successful career.

Computer Forensics Specialists Salary

The salary range for computer forensics specialists and investigators varies widely, depending upon whether the job is in the private sector or the public sector. Civilians who work in government law enforcement doing computer forensics typically earn between $50,000 and $75,000 yearly. Private computer forensic consultants may start in the same range, and may eventually earn well into the six-figure range.

Computer Forensics Specialists Career Outlook

The employment outlook for computer forensic examiners and investigators is very positive, as careers in investigations are expected to increase at a rate of more than 20% in the next decade. Increased security concerns and the rapid advancement of technology increase the demand for these professionals.

Online Computer Forensics Degrees, Programs and Schools

Page Edited by Charles Sipe.