What Is Computer Forensics?

If you’ve ever watched a true crime documentary, you might associate the term “forensics” with investigators gathering physical evidence at a crime scene. Computer forensics does involve investigation, but instead of collecting fingerprints or DNA, computer forensics professionals uncover information stored in digital assets. 

Computer forensics professionals use sophisticated computer science techniques to extract information from computers, smartphones, network servers, and databases. The evidence discovered through computer forensics is often used during legal proceedings, but computer forensics may also support data recovery efforts after a system crash or file loss.  

The field of computer forensics, or cyber forensics, encompasses a wide range of practices, including:

• Database forensics. Forensic investigators search databases for signs of data tampering, unauthorized access, or other cybersecurity incidents. They may also use file carving and other file recovery techniques to restore deleted files. 
• Email forensics. Emails often contain crucial information during legal investigations. Forensic professionals work to recover deleted or hidden emails, determine their origin, and validate the authenticity of email messages. 
• Malware forensics. Hackers can use malicious software to gain unauthorized access to a system and steal confidential information. Forensic analysts examine malware to understand how the software was installed and where it originated. They help cybersecurity teams identify security vulnerabilities and prevent future malware attacks. 
• Network forensics. This branch of computer forensics involves analyzing network traffic to identify cybersecurity threats and gather evidence of illegal activity. Network forensics may also help law enforcement establish timelines by determining when certain network connections or data transfers occurred. 
• Cloud forensics. Data stored in an off-site, cloud-based platform can be especially challenging to access. Cloud forensics enables the collection, analysis, and preservation of information contained in public or private clouds.  
• Mobile device forensics. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices store vast quantities of data, but uncovering that data requires specialized forensics techniques. Forensics analysts extract information from text messages, call logs, applications, browsing history, metadata, and other artifacts. 

Cybersecurity is a significant concern in the digital age. Many computer forensics professionals investigate phishing attacks, malware attacks, data theft, and other cybercrimes. Some work directly for police or government agencies, while others work for private firms that support law enforcement efforts. Forensics experts recover documents, photos, videos, emails, and other digital evidence of illegal activity. They help determine how and why a security incident occurred so that the targeted organization can take steps to better protect data in the future. 

Computer forensics professionals use various techniques to find, extract, or restore data from digital devices. Often, the data discovery process is like piecing together a complex puzzle, and they must methodically assemble and analyze technological information to reveal the whole story. Cross-device analysis involves collecting information from multiple devices or systems to gain a comprehensive understanding of an event. For example, a forensics analyst may combine data from a cloud platform, mobile device, and laptop to assemble evidence important to an embezzlement investigation. 

Suspects in a criminal case often attempt to hide evidence of wrongdoing by deleting files or destroying devices. However, computer forensics professionals are adept at restoring seemingly lost data. They can examine file signatures, cache data, metadata, and remnants of deleted files to reconstruct part or all of the deleted information. 

Computer forensics professionals may also focus on data recovery unrelated to illegal activities. Anything from a natural disaster to a hardware failure can lead to detrimental data loss. Forensics professionals are often able to restore lost files, sparing companies from extensive financial setbacks and operational delays. 

While they often intersect, computer forensics and cybersecurity are two different domains. Cybersecurity primarily focuses on preventing and mitigating cybercrime by optimizing an organization’s security protocols. By contrast, computer forensic professionals concentrate on extracting files, data, or information from digital devices, cloud platforms, or wireless networks. While they often support cybersecurity efforts, their work is not confined only to cybercrime investigations. And while both fields involve similar educational paths, there are different job responsibilities and titles associated with the two fields. 

Technology touches nearly every aspect of our modern lives. Computers propel societal advancement across countless domains ranging from healthcare and finance to education and remote work. Unfortunately, technology can also be exploited for illegal purposes. Hackers leverage technology to extort money, steal intellectual property, and disrupt critical operations, leaving a wake of destruction in their path. Studies show that hacking attempts occur every 39 seconds on average. Computer forensics is instrumental in discovering and preventing cybercrime. 

Computer forensics plays a crucial role in other types of criminal investigations, including those related to drug trafficking, child exploitation, domestic violence, and fraud. Nearly 90% of criminal cases involve digital evidence, and forensics professions are frequently tasked with finding it. 

Computer forensics, also called digital forensics, is a fast-growing field. As technology becomes a more integral part of our everyday lives, the need for skilled computer forensics professionals grows proportionally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the employment of information security analysts, including computer forensics professionals, will grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than the average job growth rate.  

The typical duties of a computer forensic professional can vary, but they spend most of their time meticulously scouring digital systems for information. They assess data, network traffic, user activities, and logs to gather evidence of unlawful activities or help an organization rebuild after a network breach or data loss. They construct detailed reports of their findings, which often require them to interpret and explain highly technical details in a way that the average person can understand. Forensic analysts and other forensics professionals collaborate with lawyers, law enforcement officers, government agencies, and cybersecurity teams. 

Computer forensics professionals often specialize in specific subsets of the field. There are many job titles associated with cyber forensic work, including: 

• Forensic computer analyst. This profession lies at the intersection of criminology and computer science. Computer analysts’ data collection and analysis efforts often directly impact the outcome of criminal and civil legal cases. 
• Digital forensic investigator. Digital forensic investigators are digital detectives who gather evidence from devices and systems, present expert testimony in court, and actively fight against cybercrime. 
• Computer forensics technician. Technicians perform hands-on analysis of electronic devices, networks, and cloud platforms. They often work in tandem with cybersecurity teams and law enforcement. 
• Information security analyst. Information security analysts protect organizations against cyberattacks and other security incidents by installing firewalls and other security measures, simulating cyberattacks to test the strength of the security system, and training staff on how to identify and prevent cybercrime. 
• Network security engineer. Network security engineers design and manage network security systems. They test networks to identify vulnerabilities and continuously optimize defensive protocols to reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack. 
• Security consultant. Organizations hire security consultants to assess and improve their systems. Consultants often work closely with IT departments and managers to ensure that everyone understands their role in protecting sensitive information. 

If you have solid technical and analytical skills, enjoy solving complex problems, and are passionate about emerging technologies, then a career in computer forensics may be right for you. An online degree from WGU can help you acquire the skills and knowledge needed to build a thriving career. Our IT degree programs are designed with input from leading industry professionals, so you know you’re learning the relevant career skills you need to succeed. At WGU, we charge a flat-rate tuition fee per six-month term, and students can progress through courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the material. Apply today!