Are you passionate about investigating criminal cases? Particularly, in cybercrimes? Why not opt for a career in information security and forensics?
The Demand is Great
Cybercrime is taking its toll around the world. These criminals leading the attacks are lurking in every corner of the dark web. For instance, they defraud, hack, steal, and hide from the authorities.
In fact, according to the Economic Impact of Cybercrime report, these data breaches cost about $600 billion all around the world.
Thus, impacting organizations of all sizes and fields.
Who are to counter these crimes?
Digital forensics is the key to bring justice into cybercrimes. This is why the demand for experts in the field is soaring.
What Information Security and Forensics Career Involves
Digital forensics experts are the front liners of any cybercrime attack.
So, here is what a career in information security and forensics involves, for example:
- They collect, process, preserve and analyze pieces of evidence of cyberattacks.
- They also identify vulnerabilities in computer networks. Then, develop security protocols to mitigate their risks.
- Also, these experts search through networks, computers, and smartphones. What’s the goal? They aim to see pieces of evidence of any criminal activity.
- Lastly, these experts deliver these solutions and investigations by scientific investigatory techniques.
Where the Career Applies
If you are using the internet, then you are firsthand benefiting from digital forensics in cybersecurity. Why? It is because companies who collect data from internet users employ people to prevent and investigate cybercrime incidents,
For example, both social media platforms and key government agencies employ digital forensics—namely, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Homeland Security, Target Corp., the FBI, and nearly every banking and finance company.
All of these sectors use digital forensics to protect their internet users from cybercrime under their platforms.
What Skills are Needed to Qualify
As you can see, the demand is great in information security and digital forensics. However, not just anyone tech-savvy can qualify for the position. Not even with a good laptop and internet access.
Because being a digital forensics professional needs expertise. This involves both knowledge and skills.
So, what skills should you develop?
In shaping your career towards digital forensics, aim to learn the following, for example:
- Deep understanding of computers and technology
- Keep yourself updated with the cybersecurity best practices and their principles.
- Working knowledge of networks, computers, and coding languages
- Develop the passion for investigation
- Shape excellent critical-thinking skills and analytical talents in you
- Master the art of communication. For example, both written and verbally, and also with different ranges of people.
Land your Information Security and Forensics Career
Information security and digital forensics is an exciting career. Sometimes, the evidence of incidents is easily accessible. While most times, it is hidden within networks and computers. Worse cases also happen when evidence is deleted by criminals.
Whichever is the case, it is a digital forensics’ job to find the pieces of evidence.
You can help catch people dealing with illegal pornography, track terrorists, locate missing people, and locate insider threats.
