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Career Details
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Career Details

15-1299.06 - Digital Forensics Analysts


Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.


Key Facts
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Bright Outlook
Career Details
Green Job
Career Details
Current Employment
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Forecasted Employment
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Change in Employment
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Tasks
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Tasks
The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.
Generic
  • Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
  • Analyze log files or other digital information to identify the perpetrators of network intrusions.
  • Conduct predictive or reactive analyses on security measures to support cyber security initiatives.
  • Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
  • Develop plans for investigating alleged computer crimes, violations, or suspicious activity.
  • Develop policies or requirements for data collection, processing, or reporting.
  • Duplicate digital evidence to use for data recovery and analysis procedures.
  • Identify or develop reverse-engineering tools to improve system capabilities or detect vulnerabilities.
  • Maintain cyber defense software or hardware to support responses to cyber incidents.
  • Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations, policies or other issuances pertaining to digital forensics or information privacy.
  • Perform file signature analysis to verify files on storage media or discover potential hidden files.
  • Perform forensic investigations of operating or file systems.
  • Perform web service network traffic analysis or waveform analysis to detect anomalies, such as unusual events or trends.
  • Preserve and maintain digital forensic evidence for analysis.
  • Recommend cyber defense software or hardware to support responses to cyber incidents.
  • Recover data or decrypt seized data.
  • Write and execute scripts to automate tasks, such as parsing large data files.
  • Write cyber defense recommendations, reports, or white papers using research or experience.
  • Write reports, sign affidavits, or give depositions for legal proceedings.
  • Write technical summaries to report findings.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Knowledge
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Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.
No specific knowledge is listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Tools
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Tools
The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
No specific tools are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Technology
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Technology
The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.
No specific technologies are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Certifications
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Certifications
FastForward at Virginia's Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs and salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification, and get you into a career that can support you and your family. Explore the latest training program offerings by visiting FastForward
The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific certifications are listed for this career
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Licensing
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Licensing
The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.
No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.
All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.
Related Programs
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Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

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Appalachian College of Pharmacy
Averett University
Blue Ridge Community College
Bluefield University
Bridgewater College
Brightpoint Community College
Central Virginia Community College
Christopher Newport University
Danville Community College
Eastern Mennonite University
Eastern Shore Community College
Emory & Henry University
Ferrum College
George Mason University
George Washington University College of Professional Studies
Germanna Community College
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College
James Madison University
Laurel Ridge Community College
Longwood University
Marymount University
Mountain Empire Community College
Mountain Gateway Community College
New River Community College
Norfolk State University
Northern Virginia Community College
Old Dominion University
Patrick & Henry Community College
Paul D. Camp Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Rappahannock Community College
Regent University
Richard Bland College
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
Southside Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
The University of Virginia's College at Wise
Tidewater Community College
University of Lynchburg
University of Mary Washington
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Highlands Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Virginia Western Community College
William & Mary
Wytheville Community College