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The legal world operates in a digital, computerized environment. The job market has grown to include the skills to support the integrity of the technology with:
- Digital Forensic Examiners
- Certified Fraud Examiners
- Certified Forensic Accountants (also called auditors)
- Advanced degrees in finance and business with several years of considerable background working in disputes resolutions, fraud and forensic work to gain on the job training.
The type of work a Digital Forensic Examiner can do is:
- Loss/Damage Determination
- Business Valuation
- Electronic Discovery.( the process of securing electronic documents like Excel, Word, spreadsheets, emails, or other electronic records.)
The work is not limited to these areas and there is much more work for the Digital Forensic Examiner where ever digital data is used.
Responsibilities: The Candidate will be able to:
- Apply industry accepted principles in retrieving, recovering and preserving digital evidence.
- Co-jointly work with clients to appropriate and take pictures of various digital devices and give information concerning the workings of the digital devices for investigative purposes.
- Examine and do technical analyses of evidence such as Floppy disks, Hard disks, Memory cards, Magnetic tapes, Optical disks
- Can use forensic software tools such as Encase to search for information and evidence.
- Do database research in the public information databases.
- Maintain memberships in organizations such as:
High Technology Crime Investigators Association (HTCIA)
International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist (IACIS) and Department of Justice
Job Requirements:
- Education - Bachelor's Degree in Digital Forensic Science, Computer Science/Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics, or a related field.
- 1 to 3 years professional experience (manager and senior level positions)
- Certifications such as:
- Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
- Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
- Forensic Certificate
- AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
Employers will have different requirements and use different software programs in which they may request their candidates have experience. Sometimes knowledge of the rules of evidence and with chain-of-custody issues can be expected. An Entry level position is less ominous and requires only the very basics in Digital Forensic Examination skills.
The salary for a Digital Forensic Examiner will range beginning at $30K and up to $60K. The Examiner has an inside office job working with computers, programs, and networking systems. The work into data files to locate problems can be stressful when collecting data for a case with time limits. Computer work requires a lot of time sitting at a desk and using a keyboard.
The job outlook for Digital Forensic Examiners and all forensic related positions is promising. Forensics is responsible for many new job positions in the market and it is expected to fare well during the years to come.