Careers in forensics do not follow a set path, and job titles can vary widely
The discipline of digital forensics has emerged as a fast-growing and critical field in cybersecurity, with demand for professionals surging as businesses and governments grapple with a new wave of sophisticated attacks. These highly specialised investigators are tasked with a crucial mission: to uncover the truth hidden in the digital breadcrumbs left behind by threat actors.
According to Rob T. Lee, chief of research for the SANS Institute, it is a “very juicy and very sought after” area of work. Digital forensics professionals pride themselves on not only investigating cybersecurity incidents, but also on reconstructing attack paths and analysing malware and the tactics used by hackers. Their findings are essential for organisations to understand and remediate incidents, and in many cases, to provide legal evidence.
New Kind Of Investigator
Digital forensics is far from an entry-level job. Practitioners must first acquire a solid, broad, and hands-on set of cybersecurity knowledge before moving into more detailed learning. Beyond a firm understanding of enterprise systems, a long list of skills is now required, including knowledge of national and international legal requirements, security ethics, and security operations.
The work is not purely technical. As veteran investigator Brett Shavers explains, a deep understanding of operating systems and file systems is crucial, but so are non-technical skills such as critical thinking, evidence sequencing, and professional report writing that can survive cross-examination from a lawyer. “The skill is knowing what to ask, where to look, what it means, and how to defend it,” he says.
Fast-Evolving Career Path
Careers in forensics do not follow a set path, and job titles can vary widely. While salaries may be modest in the early stages, highly specialised roles can pay exceptionally well, reflecting the immense value these professionals bring to an organisation.
The field is also rapidly evolving with the emergence of new technologies. Professionals must now understand how to defend against a new breed of threats from artificial intelligence (AI) and synthetic media, and how to conduct forensics on emerging tech such as augmented reality devices and connected vehicles.
For those looking to gain experience quickly, recruiters suggest working for top consulting firms, but this often comes with a trade-off of long working hours and a demanding schedule. As a career progresses, experts advise moving to a larger enterprise, where they can continue to gain experience while achieving a more sustainable work-life balance.
