What does a computer forensics technician do?
A Computer Forensics Technician investigates cases from a digital perspective. They specialize in gathering and analyzing digital evidence from devices such as computers, flash drives, cell phones, tablets, and other technologies. There are also instances where they use special software and tools, recover or retrieve files, and unseal documents while adhering to government laws and regulations. When it comes to employment, they may work for government agencies, law enforcement, or even private investigators.
Computer forensics technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer forensics technician resumes:
- Set up and manage all Linux labs campus-wide.
- Identify, collect, preserve and impound evidence including developing fingerprints and/or footprints and collecting DNA and stain evidence.
- Train employees and subcontractors on the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of genetic analysis and real-time PCR system instrumentation and software.
- Compose comprehensive DNA analysis reports.
- Increase customer satisfaction by validating a more sensitive extraction method which produce more informative results.
- Serve statements of claims, subpoenas, summonses, jury summonses, orders to pay alimony, and other court orders.
Computer forensics technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 21% of Computer Forensics Technicians are proficient in Extraction, Physical Evidence, and Digital Evidence. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Detail oriented, and Math and science skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Forensics Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Extraction, 21%
Conducted manual punching of blood samples -DNA extraction and separation methods performed include: differential, non-differential, and EZ1DNA automation.
- Physical Evidence, 12%
Responded to and participated in crime scene investigations and identified and evaluated physical evidence.
- Digital Evidence, 11%
Provide guidance to criminal investigators and non-technical audiences on computer search strategies and digital evidence recovery.
- Laboratory Equipment, 8%
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and apparatus.
- Maintenance Logs, 8%
Follow quality control procedures; maintain laboratory records, maintenance logs, quality control charts, reagent and standard logs.
- Immunoassay, 5%
Analyzed biological specimens for the presence of drugs using an enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT).
Common skills that a computer forensics technician uses to do their job include "extraction," "physical evidence," and "digital evidence." You can find details on the most important computer forensics technician responsibilities below.
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer forensics technician to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what computer forensics technicians do because "forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court." Additionally, a computer forensics technician resume shows how computer forensics technicians use communication skills: "provide communication via computer technician and fellow assistant technicians. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform computer forensics technician duties is detail oriented. Computer forensics technicians responsibilities require that "forensic science technicians must be able to notice small changes in mundane objects to be good at collecting and analyzing evidence." Computer forensics technicians also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "keep records and prepare reports detailing findings, investigative methods, and laboratory techniques. "
Math and science skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer forensics technicians is math and science skills. This skill is critical to many everyday computer forensics technician duties, as "forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze evidence." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "photographed and/or video-taped all major crime scenes and potential evidence (homicides and sexual assault). "
Problem-solving skills. A big part of what computer forensics technicians do relies on "problem-solving skills." You can see how essential it is to computer forensics technician responsibilities because "forensic science technicians use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve crimes." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical computer forensics technician tasks: "extracted dna from fta paper through the use of fta solution and tris-hcl reagents. "
The three companies that hire the most computer forensics technicians are:
- G & S Research2 computer forensics technicians jobs
- Pacific Architects and Engineers
1 computer forensics technicians jobs
- ABBTECH1 computer forensics technicians jobs
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Compare different computer forensics technicians
Computer forensics technician vs. Dna analyst
A criminalist works in the forensic science or law enforcement field. Their duties depend upon the agency or place they work for, but they are often responsible for conducting crime investigations, studying crime scenes, gathering and examining evidence, processing evidence, and coordinating with investigators. They must also prepare and process documents, present detailed results and reports to investigators, and sometimes testify in court.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between computer forensics technicians and dna analyst. For instance, computer forensics technician responsibilities require skills such as "test order," "digital evidence," "worksheets," and "laboratory equipment." Whereas a dna analyst is skilled in "dna analysis," "lab equipment," "electrophoresis," and "rt-pcr." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Dna analysts really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $58,853. Comparatively, computer forensics technicians tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $47,898.The education levels that dna analysts earn slightly differ from computer forensics technicians. In particular, dna analysts are 19.6% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a computer forensics technician. Additionally, they're 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer forensics technician vs. Criminalist
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that computer forensics technician responsibilities requires skills like "test order," "digital evidence," "worksheets," and "laboratory equipment." But a criminalist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "laboratory reports," "body fluids," "quantitative analysis," and "perform dna."
In general, criminalists achieve higher levels of education than computer forensics technicians. They're 11.5% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 1.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer forensics technician vs. Latent fingerprint examiner
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer forensics technician resumes include skills like "extraction," "test order," "digital evidence," and "worksheets," whereas a latent fingerprint examiner is more likely to list skills in "afis," "identification system," "fingerprint cards," and "criminal justice. "
When it comes to education, latent fingerprint examiners tend to earn similar degree levels compared to computer forensics technicians. In fact, they're 2.7% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer forensics technician vs. Crime scene analyst
Types of computer forensics technician
Updated January 8, 2025
