Computer Forensics Training And Jobs

Computer forensics training, opportunities in computer forensics jobs and average salaries for specialists in this growing field.

Computer Forensics is a rapidly expanding field that focuses on using emerging technology to recover digital data. Jobs in the field can land you a career as a forensic investigator with many organizations, ranging from cyber law enforcement to corporate security professionals to independent as a forensic consultant for businesses and attorneys. The growing number of legal cases involving computer evidence require computer forensics work, creating a vast array of opportunities within the field.

As an emerging career field, there are a wide variety of certifications you can earn as an aspiring computer investigator. Most computer forensics certifications are based upon passing an exam, rather than any specific set of courses. Exams charge a fee for testing and allow you to earn certifications ranging from a variety of programs; the most common certifications include the CCE (Computer Forensic External Certification) designed for law enforcement, EnCE (EnCase Certified Examiner) which includes training for generalists and GFCA (Certified Forensics Analyst) for network analysts.

For those seeking formal education, a growing number of schools offer programs through an associates degree, which helps provide you with training in tools such as intrusion detection systems. Most bachelor's degree college programs focus on software engineering or computer science, leading to a specialist path by way of internships. For existing specialists, there are a number of master's degree programs for those in both the computer security and law enforcement fields which focuses on the technical tools for fraud analysis and data recovery. Professional certificate programs allow working professionals to build on their knowledge base and provide more specialized knowledge. Depending on your intended career, you may want to pursue multiple educational opportunities and skills sets within the forensics field.

Professionals in the field are in high demand, drawing average salaries in the high 5-figure range. Experienced forensics professionals can earn up to $120,000 per year while directors can earn up to $150,000 or more, depending on the role. Many investigators work as consultants, billing several hundreds of dollars per hour. Entry-level positions start in the $50,000 per year range, allowing for promotional opportunities over time as you gain experience and subsequent certifications.

The outlook for new forensics professionals is strong, with growing demand from nearly all sectors as an increasing number of external and internal investigations require certified analysis. Further, computer security concerns increasingly require analysis to understand the causes of intrusion or security leaks. Overall, the field offers a wide variety of opportunities in the rapidly-growing security field.