Roadmap to Become Cyber Forensics Expert

$20.29 billion!!
The global cyber forensics market is expected to reach $20.29 billion by 2027. This whooping rise in 15.95% CAGR is truly spectacular. Today cyber forensics investigators are among the most sought-after professionals, especially in the domain of law enforcement. Esteemed government organisations like CBI, ED etc. are also looking for cyber forensics expert. Likewise, corporate houses too are increasingly hiring cyber forensics professionals and are ready to offer a generous pay package. The average salary of cyber forensics investigators is around 5.0 LPA INR and can reach over 20.0 LPA INR.

What Is Computer Forensics?

Primarily, the cybersecurity domain is divided into two parts - one that defends against cyber crimes and the other who investigates those crimes. Cyber forensics falls under the latter category. Cyber forensic professionals investigate digital crimes, gather evidence against hackers, and create a report that could be presented at the court.
Currently, there are high cyber forensics job requirements in both the private sector and government departments. Private forensic labs also hire talents in this domain for investigation purposes with high pay packages. However, these organisations mostly look for professionals with industry-leading cyber forensics certification.

What Do Cyber Forensic Experts Do?

The prime responsibility of a cyber forensics expert is to detect the root cause of security breaches and collect evidence against responsible parties. You have to be extremely meticulous with handling evidence as otherwise, the consequences could be disastrous.
Also, it will be your responsibility to train the first responders on safe handling of devices to prevent evidence tampering. Any signs of evidence tampering would make it inadmissible in court. Given the sensitive nature of your job, you should be well-versed in the applicable laws, as well as evidence handling protocols.

Different Branches of Cyber Forensics

Cyber forensics involves collecting and analysing evidence from physical devices, digital documents, or servers. Here are some top-searched cyber forensics jobs:

1. Database forensics: Analysis and retrieval of data or metadata found in a database
2. Mobile forensics: Study and retrieval of data from mobile devices
3. Email forensics: Collection and analysis of email data like messages, contacts, or calendar entries
4. Memory forensics: Retrieval and analysis of data stored in a computer's RAM

Educational Background and Training

Aspiring cyber forensics professionals should start with basic networking and ethical hacking skills, before proceeding to a dedicated cyber forensic expert course. But those with fundamental knowledge of cyber security can directly move to cyber forensics courses.

Relevant Certification in Cyber Forensics

Cyber Forensics Training will give you the much-needed training to become the best in your game. Here are some of the popular cyber forensics courses:
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI): This is an esteemed EC-Council accredited globally-recognised Cyber Forensics Certification. The certification validates the forensics professional’s knowledge of important tools and techniques necessary to become a successful digital forensics expert.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH): The C|EH course works as an introduction to Ethical Hacking. This beginner-friendly course is a stepping stone for potential ethical hackers and penetration testers.
• GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM): This prestigious certification validates your skills in reverse-engineering malicious codes. The certification focuses on training the learner for detecting and examining malware to assist in cyber forensic investigations.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): CISSP-certified cyber forensic professionals help IT organisations prevent network security threats and vulnerabilities with dedicated threat management protocols.
• Certification In Cyber Forensics: Offered by Dataspace Academy, this course primarily focuses on developing essential cyber forensics skills like memory forensics, mobile forensics and password cracking.



Practical training and hands-on experience

Along with cyber forensics training, it is essential to work on your practical training and hands-on experience. The Certification In Cyber Forensics by Dataspace Academy extends live capstone projects to help learners develop hands-on experience. Learners also receive internship programs that help to prepare them for for great cyber forensics job opportunities in the future.

Key Skills and Qualifications

Cyber forensics is an extremely dynamic field. You need to regularly update your skill sets to transition or climb up in this field.
This field requires both technical and analytical knowledge to analyse cybercrime and uncover evidence based on facts. Ideally, cyber forensic experts must be aware of cyber forensics tools such as Kali, Wireshark, Autopsy, etc. Also, proficiency in judging and analysing hard evidence or the ability to reconstruct cyber crime scenarios can also come in handy.

1. Understanding about Network and its operations

A professional in this domain should possess a solid understanding of networking concepts. They should be aware of the network, its internal operations, different ways of data transmission, and data breaches. Extensive know-how of core networking concepts will help to gather the data from the network servers and process them for evidence.


2. Communication Skills

Cyber forensics professionals will have to explain the evidence and investigation procedures in a court in a simplified, non-technical manner. Thus, communication skills are vital.


3. Consistent learning

The cyber forensics domain is evolving by leaps and bounds. Hackers are upgrading their attacks, and the digital investigator has to be on his toes to stay one step ahead of them. Cyber forensic professionals must stay in touch with the current technologies, skills, and trends.

Top Job Titles for Cyber Forensics Experts

Cyber forensics investigators can land a job in both government and mid- to large-sized corporations, as well as private forensics laboratories. Since cyber forensics is a specialisation under the cybersecurity domain, a cyber forensics career path could be non-linear.
A cyber forensics expert salary could range between INR 11 to 25 Lakhs, depending on the professional’s experience and job location. Here are some major job titles:

1. Network Forensic Expert

The job of a network forensic expert is to run a root cause analysis of given digital threats. They record and analyse network traffic and audit files.
• Highest Expected Salary: INR 19.34 L PA
• Top industries hiring: Telecommunication, Tech



2. Mobile Forensic Expert

A mobile forensics expert investigates and collects data from mobile phones or similar electronic devices for investigation purposes.
• Highest Expected Salary: INR 25.0 LPA
• Top industries hiring: Energy, Tech



3. Storage Security Engineer

In this role, the professional runs security protocols to protect the shared network within an organisation. A Storage Security Enginner further investigates the exact reasons for data breach incidents.
• Highest Expected Salary: INR 11.5 LPA
• Top industries hiring: Finance, Education



4. Malware Forensic Expert

These experts work closely with the in-house cybersecurity team of an organisation to identify and prevent attacks or threats.
• Highest Expected Salary: INR 17.8 LPA
• Top industries hiring: IT, Information Management



5. Digital/Cyber Forensics Manager

In this profile, the professional has to identify, investigate, and store evidence from devices used at a crime scene. A digital cyber forensics expert in India can earn over INR 23 Lakhs annually.
• Highest Expected Salary: INR 23.34 LPA
• Top industries hiring: Finance, Tech

Wrapping Up

Cyber forensics is a high-demand specialisation in the domain of cyber security. With sky-high salaries and opportunities to work in different prestigious organisations. If you are interested in building a career in the digital forensics sector, consider the cyber forensics courses from DataSpace Academy. This program covers all essential topics in cyber forensics like forensics imaging and retrieving information, as well as the tools. Along with theoretical knowledge, the course offers the opportunity to take part in capstone projects and internships opportunities as well.