Career as a Cyber Forensic Expert – Latest Guide

We have watched movies thrilling movies like Snowden that highlight the power a person can hold on another just by controlling their digital data. The entertainment field frequently explores this theme. 

To an extent, it is true to say that the current technological advancement and digitalization have eased our lives, yet put us at potential risk. Here’s where cyber security experts step in. To safeguard our digital information and prevent malicious activities. 

Sounds noble right? Want to be a digital expert guardian? Cyber Forensic Expert might just be for you. Read the article for information on a career as a Cyber Forensic Expert, the role and responsibilities, top industries and recruiters, and the skills required. 

What does a Cyber Forensic Expert do?

Cybersecurity experts or computer forensic experts employ investigative and analytical techniques to gather and preserve information from particular computing equipment so that it can be used as evidence in court.

The nature of the job may differ based on the position and experience. Here are a few durties of a Cyber Forensic Expert-

• Retrieve data from devices that were used to commit a crime
• Gather digital proof while upholding the chain of custody. 
• Gather and examine signs of malicious network activity and network intrusion artifacts.
• Implement security measures to stop data leaks
• Inform users about appropriate security procedures
• Avoid data breaches on law enforcement computer systems.
• Make reports on data analysis and recovery
• Reconstruct the set of events leading to a compromise or breach
• Collect, process, analyze, and store digital evidence in criminal proceedings.
• Make sure the digital evidence has a chain of custody.
• Work with the legal, compliance, and HR teams and the police.

Job Roles for a Cyber Forensic Expert

To become a Cyber Forensic Expert, one will be expected to work on different positions before reaching the expert level. These are a few roles one will have to work as:

• Computer Forensics Technician :
  A computer forensics technician, often known as a computer forensic tech, works with senior analysts to investigate criminal activity and cybersecurity problems and searches for data that is pertinent to the inquiry.

• Information Security Analyst :
  Information security analysts develop strategies to prevent data from being used maliciously or accidentally, prepare for emergencies, and instruct users on security procedures.

• Forensic Computer Analyst :
  Forensic computer analysts extract and evaluate data from computer systems or digital storage devices using specific methodologies and techniques.
  They aid law enforcement in cybercrime investigations by assessing unlawful cyber-attacks.

• Security Software Developer :
  Security software developers create enhanced security technologies and strengthen existing security solutions. They might also add additional security measures to software that already exists.

• Security Architect :
  Security architects identify information security dangers and create methods to counter them. These seasoned specialists plan, carry out and manage network and computer security solutions.

Career path for a Cyber Forensic Expert

The people who hold these positions at organizations are essential to protecting the information. A person with excellent computer, coding, and other technical knowledge is required for the post. As a result, acquiring the proper experience is required to possess such skills.

Path I

• Minimum of 55% in Grade 10 + 2 or equivalent (science stream)
• Diploma in Cyber Security/ Network Security/ Ethical Hacking
• B.Sc./ B.Tech./B.Eng.in Cyber Security/ Computer Science/Cybernetics
• Internship + work experience
• Post Graduation in cyber security
• Certification (CCE, CIPP, etc.)

Path II

• Minimum of 55% in Grade 10 + 2 or equivalent (science stream)
• B.Sc./ B.Tech./B.Eng.in Cyber Security/ Computer Science/Cybernetics
• Internship + work experience
• Post Graduation in cyber security
• Certification (CCE, CIPP, etc.)

Salary in different stages of a career as a Cyber Forensic Exper

Following is an estimated annual income of cyber forensic roles based on experience and title. 

Role	Computer Forensics Technician	Information Security Analyst	Forensic Computer Analyst	Security Software Developer	Security Architect
Avg. Salary p.a.	₹5.6 lakhs	₹6.2 lakhs	₹4. 9 lakhs	₹11. 2 lakhs	₹ 24.0 Lakhs.

Skills Required to become a Cyber Forensic Expert 

• Technical Aptitude:
  As you might be aware, cyber forensics is a part of digital forensics, therefore one needs to be not just well versed with the technical knowledge of computers, but most electronic devices. 

• Attention to details
  The potential breach that one might encounter might be a deceptively planned idea, that requires attention to the minutest details.

• Analytical skills
  Analysing the data acquired and finding the relevant information from it to present in the court is a part and parcel skill that one needs to master.

• Cyber security legalities
  There are cyber security laws and regulations that one needs to be aware of, in tangent with cyber security.

• Organization skills
  One is expected to communicate with multiple stakeholders and present reports on the findings, and data which require organization skills. 

• Curiosity
  The technological advancement in the recent years has crossed limits of human imagination. Thus, the curiosity to know and learn new things is essential to the field. 

• Adaptability
  As a cyber security expert, you might be expected to work in extreme time crunch, or stressful environment. It is therefore important to be adaptable to the different working conditions. 

Is a Cyber Forensic Expert a good career option?

Computer forensics is relatively new in India, yet the job prospects for cyber forensic individuals are increasing. In reality, most businesses are eager to hire Cyber Forensics professionals to monitor cyber fraud and to improve the organization’s data and information security.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 2020 to 2030, demand for this occupation will increase by 33%. It is a promising number considering the job market. One might have to gain a postgraduate degree and professional certification to be qualified for the position of a cyber security expert. Not to mention, relevant experience in the field is also considered. 

Following are a few certifications:

• Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
• EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)

Type of industries Hiring a Cyber Forensic Expert

In the age of technology and globalization, an estimated 85% of business information is stored virtually. Thus it becomes crucial for businesses and government agencies to strengthen the security of this information. Following are a few industries that hire cyber security experts. 

• IT security industry
• Cyber Security Specialists firms
• Digital service partners
• Government agencies 
• Private Businesses
• Research and Education
• Software Development Services

Top Recruiters for a Cyber Forensic Expert in India

Following are a few organizations that hire and train Cyber Forensic Experts in India. They range from central, and semi-government to private organizations.

• Skylark Information Technologies Private Limited
• Incognito Forensic Foundation
• Cyberops Infosec LLP
• Hicube infosec
• Positive Software Pvt Ltd
• K7 Computing Pvt. Ltd.
• Quick Heal Technologies Ltd.
• The VP Techno Labs International
• Wi-Jungle
• Hike QA

Courses to upskill as a Cyber Forensic Expert

Online certificate programs are available for a range of specialized cyber security topics. Only a few of these programs offer professional certifications. However, most of these courses require either a high school diploma or some familiarity with cyber security.
Check out the JuniorMBA Technology Officer Program to upskill and compliment your potential in Cyber Forensics.

Name of the course	Duration
Cyber Security Leadership and Management	1- 3 months
IBM Cyber Security Analyst	1- 3 months
Introduction to Cybersecurity by New York University	3- 6 months
Introduction to Cyber Security and Risk Management by University of California	3 – 6 months
Python for Cybersecurity by Infosec	3 – 6 months

Qualifications to become a Cyber Forensic Expert

After Grade 10, one must select the science stream and continue working toward an engineering degree or equivalent. After this, they can gain a few years of experience, and pursue a postgraduation degree and certification to become a Cyber Forensic Expert. 

Degrees in India

The best candidates for the field will have outstanding communication, technical proficiency, and attention to detail. You will learn about ethical hacking, penetration testing, malware analysis, footprinting techniques, etc. during the duration of the course. 

Need to develop your decision-making abilities early on? View the Clever Harvey JuniorMBA Data Analytics course.

UG degree names

The eligibility criteria for undergraduate degrees are – 

1. Candidates with a minimum of 55% in 10 + 2 or its equivalent.
2. Candidates should have PCM backgrounds—Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
3. Qualify for merit-based admission or entrance tests for particular universities, such as JEE Mains, BITSAT, etc.

Here are a few four years undergraduate courses one can pursue: 

• BTech CSE in Networking and Cyber Security
• BSc in Cybersecurity
• B. Electronics and Communication Engineering: AI and Cybernetics
• B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering: Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
• B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering: Cyber Security 

PG 

To apply for a postgraduation in Cyber Forensics, one should have a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the B.E/B.Tech. Degree or BSc or related degree from a recognized university. 

Name of the course	Duration
MSc in Digital Forensics and Information Assurance	2 years
M.Tech in Cyber Security and Incident Response	2 years
M.Tech in Information Security and Computer Forensics	2 years
M.Sc Computer Science and Engineering with Specialization in Cyber-Physical Systems	2 years
M.Sc Cyber Security Systems and Networks	2 years

Degrees Abroad

The eligibility criteria, courses and colleges for cyber forensics are discussed in How to become a Cyber Forensic Expert blog. Cybersecurity undergraduate courses cover subjects like cryptography, security design fundamentals, computer networks, and systems, among others.

The eligibility criteria for postgraduation courses abroad are-

• A four-year bachelor’s degree and a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0/4.0 are requirements for applicants (or its equivalent) or
• First Class with Distinction from an Indian university with a NAAC Grade “A” or above is required for three-year bachelor’s degrees.
• TOEFL score of 90/120
• PTE score of  63/90
• IELTS score of min. 6.5/9
• GRE score 295/340

Here are a few estimated 1-2 years postgraduation courses you can try:

Name of the course	Duration
M.A.S in Cyber Forensics and Security	1.5 – 2 years
Master’s in Computer Forensics and Cyber Security	1 year
MSc Cyber Security with Advanced Practice	1.5 – 2 years
MSc Information Security and Digital Forensics	1 year
MSc Computer Science (Cyber Security)	1.2 years

References for a Cyber Forensic Expert

Books on Cyber Forensics:

1. Practical Linux Forensics: A Guide for Digital Investigators by Bruce Nikkel
2. Digital Forensics Explained by Greg Gogolin
3. Forensic Digital Image Processing: Optimization of Impression Evidence by Brian Dalrymple, Jill Smith
4. Introduction to Cyber Forensic Psychology
5. Understanding the Mind of the Cyber Deviant Perpetrators by Majeed Khader, Loo Seng Neo, Whistine Xiau Ting Chai
6. The Humanized Internet
7. Dignity, Digital Identity and Democracy by Akram Alfawakheeri, Monique J. Morrow
8. The Humanized Internet
9. Dignity, Digital Identity and Democracy by Akram Alfawakheeri, Monique J. Morrow
10. Python Forensics: A Workbench for Inventing and Sharing Digital Forensic Technology by Chet Hosmer

This courageous profession might be right for you if you wish to use your computer expertise to protect the country from potential attacks and breaches.

FAQs about the career as a Cyber Forensics Expert