What Is Computer Forensics? Types, Techniques, and Careers

Computer forensics, also known as digital or cyber forensics, is a branch of digital forensic science. Using technology and investigative techniques, computer forensics helps identify, collect, and store evidence from an electronic device. Law enforcement agencies can use computer forensics in a court of law, as can businesses and individuals, to recover lost or damaged data. Explore the field of computer forensics and how to pursue a role in it as you begin planning your career path. 

Why is computer forensics important?

Computer forensics becomes more relevant daily as the world becomes increasingly digitally connected. The management of digital evidence is critical for solving cyber crimes and recovering important, compromised data. A computer forensic investigator's job is to collect, examine, and safeguard this evidence. 

Types of computer forensics

Computer forensics always involves gathering and analysing evidence from digital sources. Some common types include the following:

• Database forensics: Retrieval and analysis of data or metadata found in databases

• Email forensics: Retrieval and analysis of messages, contacts, calendars, and other information on an email platform

• Mobile forensics: Retrieval and analysis of data like messages, photos, videos, audio files, and contacts from mobile devices

• Memory forensics: Retrieval and analysis of data stored on a computer's RAM (random access memory) and/or cache

• Network forensics: Use of tools to monitor network traffic like intrusion detection systems and firewalls

• Malware forensics: Analysis of code to identify malicious programs like viruses, ransomware, or Trojan horses

Common computer forensics techniques

When conducting an investigation and analysis of evidence, computer forensics specialists use various techniques, such as the following:

• Deleted file recovery: This technique involves recovering and restoring files or fragments deleted by a person—either accidentally or deliberately—or by a virus or malware. 

• Reverse steganography: The process of attempting to hide data inside a digital message or file is called steganography. Reverse steganography happens when computer forensic specialists look at the hashing of a message or the file contents. A hashing is a string of data that changes when the message or file is interfered with. 

• Cross-drive analysis: This technique involves analysing data across multiple computer drives. You can use strategies like correlation and cross-referencing to compare events from computer to computer and detect anomalies. 

• Live analysis: This technique involves analysing a running computer's volatile data, which is data stored in the RAM or cache memory. This helps pinpoint the cause of abnormal computer traffic. 

Is computer forensics a good career?

According to statistics from the UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey, around 50 per cent of UK businesses have experienced some form of cybercrime in the previous 12 months, resulting in serious economic costs to individuals and companies [1]. Consequently, computer forensics jobs are more prevalent than ever. The global digital forensics market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.9 per cent from 2023 to 2028 [2]. 

Computer forensics career paths

Computer forensics professionals can work in a variety of industries. Career insights like salary and job requirements can differ from role to role. You can discover more about specific jobs in the field of computer forensics in the following sections.

Note: All UK salary information was sourced from Glassdoor in October 2024. It represents the median base salary, excluding additional pay.

Digital forensics analyst

Average annual salary: £28,968

Educational requirements: For this role, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and sometimes a master’s in subjects such as cybersecurity or computer forensics. You can also undertake a cybersecurity level 6 apprenticeship instead of a degree.

As a digital forensic analyst, you will examine the scenes of cybercrimes and assist in investigations. To do this job, you'll need to thoroughly understand computer hardware and software, systems, databases, and programming languages. Job duties include:

• Conducting digital surveillance

• Identifying compromised data and hacking patterns

• Detecting hidden or encrypted data and file recovery

Information security analyst (or cybersecurity analyst)

Average annual salary: £43,237

Educational requirements: You’ll typically need a degree in a relevant STEM subject, preferably cybersecurity or IT. Some employers accept an apprenticeship in lieu of a degree.

As an information security analyst, you'll protect computer networks and systems by planning and implementing security systems. Job duties include:

• Installing and maintaining firewalls and encryption programs

• Auditing and testing security software

• Monitoring access to high-security data

• Identifying cybersecurity threats

• Investigating cybersecurity breaches

Cyber threat intelligence analyst

Average annual salary: £41,454 

Educational requirements: You might need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant subject or an apprenticeship, or you might be able to enter the field and learn in an entry-level role.

As a cyber threat intelligence analyst, you'll focus your attention on malware or malicious software installed to destroy computer systems or access sensitive data. Types of cyber threats you'll deal with include viruses, bots, worms, rootkits, ransomware, and Trojan horses. Job duties include: 

• Documenting and researching cyber threats

• Identifying procedures and techniques to avoid cyber threats

• Keeping updated on the latest cyber threats

• Keeping an organisation’s software updated to defend against the latest cyber threats

Additional job titles in the computer forensics field include:

• Information security analyst

• Digital forensics investigator

• Information technology auditor

• Cryptographer

• Computer crime investigator

How to get a job in computer forensics

Educational backgrounds vary from job to job in the computer forensics field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree or a relevant professional apprenticeship. If you're transferring from a related career or you already have a degree, consider supplementing your academic credentials with a certificate or specialised training to increase your competitiveness as a job candidate.

Examine relevant degrees, graduate certificates, and Professional Certificates for aspiring computer forensics professionals and consider the options that are best suited for your career goals, budget, and prior work experience.

Gain essential computer forensics skills.

Computer forensics often requires diverse duties, which demand an equally diverse skill set. Examples of technical skills that can prepare you for a computer forensics role include the following:

• Ability to understand mechanical processes, spatial awareness, numerical concepts, and data interpretation

• Understanding of computer hardware and software

• Knowledge of computer programming languages

• Familiarity with law and criminal investigation

• Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals like cyberattack forecasting, threat detection, and system and network protection 

• Knowledge of cybersecurity standards

A few workplace or non-technical skills for computer forensics professionals to master include the following:

• Ability to think analytically to organise, understand, and make conclusions about data efficiently 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to explain complex information clearly and concisely

• Attention to detail for thorough investigative processes

Earn a degree or certification in computer forensics.

It's okay if you still need to gain the skills mentioned above. You can qualify for a job in computer forensics in various ways. A few relevant degrees and graduate certificates for you to consider include the following:

• Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of London

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London

Certificates for aspiring computer forensics professionals include the following:

• Computer Forensics Specialisation by INFOSEC

• Penetration Testing, Incident Response, and Forensics by IBM

• Identifying, Monitoring, and Analysing Risk and Incident Response and Recovery by (ISC)² Education & Training

• Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)

• GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA)

• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator

• CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)

Begin mastering computer forensics today

Computer forensics is a growing field with many opportunities to apply skills in IT security. If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This beginner-friendly programme can help you develop in-demand skills and prepare for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and your first job in cybersecurity.