What Is Computer Forensics? Types, Techniques, and Careers

Computer forensics is also known as digital or cyber forensics. It is a branch of digital forensic science. Using technology and investigative techniques, computer forensics helps identify, collect, and store evidence from an electronic device. Computer forensics can be used by law enforcement agencies in a court of law or by businesses and individuals to recover lost or damaged data.

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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 forensics investigator collects, examines, and safeguards this evidence. 

Types of computer forensics

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

• 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; here are a few examples:

• 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, which changes when the message or file is interfered with. 

• Cross-drive analysis: This technique involves analyzing data across multiple computer drives. Strategies like correlation and cross-referencing are used to compare events from computer to computer and detect anomalies. 

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

Is computer forensics a good career?

Canada, like many other places around the world, is facing a shortage of skilled professionals ready to take on cybersecurity jobs. These positions are important to fill since Canadians are experiencing increasingly high levels of cyber threats. 

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. Learn more about specific jobs in the field of computer forensics in the following sections.

Digital forensics analyst

Average annual salary: $85,342 CAD [1]

A digital forensic analyst examines the scenes of cybercrimes and assists in investigations. A thorough understanding of computer hardware and software, systems, databases, and programming languages is necessary to do this job.

Job duties:

• Conducting digital surveillance

• Identifying compromised data and hacking patterns

• Detecting hidden or encrypted data, and file recovery

Educational requirements: Working as a digital forensic analyst typically requires a degree such as an associates degree in computer forensics or bachelor’s degree in an area such as cybersecurity or digital forensics. 

Information security analyst (or IT security analyst)

Average annual salary: $74,625 CAD [2]

Information security analysts protect computer networks and systems by planning and implementing security systems.

Job duties:

• Installing and maintaining firewalls and encryption programs

• Auditing and testing security software

• Monitoring access to high-security data

• Identifying cybersecurity threats

• Investigating cybersecurity breaches

Educational requirements: Becoming an information security analyst requires a bachelor’s degree in an area such as computer science or information technology.

Malware analyst

Average annual salary: $64,994 CAD [3]

A malware analyst focuses on malware or malicious software installed to destroy computer systems or access sensitive data. Prepare to deal with different types of cyber threats, including viruses, bots, worms, rootkits, ransomware, and Trojan horses.

Job duties:

• Documenting malware threats

• Identifying procedures and techniques to avoid malware threats

• Keeping updated on the latest malware threats

• Keeping an organization’s software updated to defend against the latest malware threats

Educational requirements: Earning an associate or bachelor’s degree is necessary for malware analysts, with common degree fields including computer science, software engineering, or a similarly related field.

Additional job titles in the computer forensics field:

• Information security analyst

• Computer forensics investigator

• Information technology auditor

• Cryptographer

• Cryptanalyst

• Computer crime investigator

How to get a job in computer forensics

Educational backgrounds vary from job to job in the computer forensics field. Typically, working in computer forensics requires a bachelor’s degree in one of several relevant fields. Some of these degree options include a bachelor’s in cybersecurity, computer science, software engineering, or digital forensics. However, in some cases, the minimum requirement is only a two-year diploma in cyber forensics or computer science. Completing relevant certifications will also improve your opportunities. 

Examining relevant degrees, graduate certificates, and professional certificates are helpful initial steps for aspiring computer forensics professionals. Think about the options best suited for your career goals, budget, and prior work experience.

Gain essential computer forensics skills.

Examples of technical skills that can prepare you for a computer forensics role include:

• 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 cyber-attack 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:

• Ability to think analytically to organize, 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 certification in computer forensics.

If you lack some of these key skills, you can still qualify yourself for a job in computer forensics by earning a relevant certification. Some popular certifications include:

• Computer Forensics Specialization by INFOSEC

• Penetration Testing, Incident Response and Forensics by IBM

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

• GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst

• GIAC Security Essentials

• CompTIA Security+

Get started in computer forensics today

If you’re interested in starting a career in cybersecurity, consider the Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate on Coursera. This program is designed ​​to help individuals with no previous experience learn in-demand skills and prepare for Microsoft’s SC-900 exam and a first job in cybersecurity, all at their own pace.

professional certificate

Microsoft Cybersecurity Analyst

Launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst. Build job-ready skills – and must-have AI skills – for an in-demand career. Earn a credential from Microsoft. No prior experience required.

4.7

(1,840 ratings)

94,036 already enrolled

Beginner level

Learn More

Average time: 6 month(s)

Learn at your own pace

Skills you'll build:

Cloud Computing Security, Computer Security Incident Management, Network Security, Penetration Test, Threat mitigation, AI in Cybersecurity Analysis, Cybersecurity, Information Security (INFOSEC), Encryption techniques, threat intelligence, Compliance techniques, Cybersecurity planning, Record management, Data Management, Cloud Architecture, Computer Architecture, Cloud Computing, Operating Systems, Threat Model, Access Control, Asset Management, Cybersecurity strategies, Regulatory Compliance, Security Analysis, Event Management, Security Response, System Testing, Security Testing, Authentication Methods, Access Management, Enterprise security, Identity governance, Network Monitoring, Computer Network