Digital forensics expert
Also known as: information forensics expert, cyber forensics expert, digital forensics specialist, digital forensics experts, digital forensic expert, ICT forensics expert
About this occupation
Digital forensics experts retrieve and analyse information from computers and other types of data storage devices. They examine digital media that may have been hidden, encrypted or damaged, in a forensic manner with the aim to identify, preserve, recover, analyse and present facts and opinions about the digital information.
Essential skills and knowledge
- ICT security standards
- computer forensics
- manage data for legal matters
- implement ICT network diagnostic tools
- ICT network security risks
- use software for data preservation
- information confidentiality
- identify ICT security risks
- perform security vulnerability assessments
- manage IT security compliances
- perform forensic preservations of digital devices
- educate on data confidentiality
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Digital Forensics Analysts (O*NET 15-1299.06). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Duplicate digital evidence to use for data recovery and analysis procedures.
- Preserve and maintain digital forensic evidence for analysis.
- Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
- Write reports, sign affidavits, or give depositions for legal proceedings.
- Perform forensic investigations of operating or file systems.
- Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Realistic
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Learning
US median pay: US$116,580 a year (2025), 435,370 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsExtremely important (4.7)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (3.7)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.7)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Security Engineers
- Intelligence Analysts
- Penetration Testers
- Security Management Specialists
- Security Managers
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Document Management Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.