What does a forensic computer examiner do?
With the arrival of the computer age came a plethora of crimes. Forensic computer examiners collect and analyze data to uncover and prosecute electronic fraud, scams, and identify theft. As a forensic computer examiner, you will tackle cyber-crimes. In doing this, you must adhere strictly to the standards of evidence gathering found in general forensic science, being that legal cases depend on the integrity of evidence. Investigative and report writing skills will also be much-needed assets.
Forensic computer examiner responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real forensic computer examiner resumes:
- Provide polygraph screening to members of the intelligence community (CIA, NRO, NGA, DOD, etc).
- Access password protect and secure files.
- Collect DNA samples for lab testing.
- Prevent imminent disconnection of DoD network to U.S.
- Use of LIMS during all aspects of laboratory analysis.
- Use chemical reagents to stand out mutilate serial numbers on firearms.
- Enter analysis results into LIMS data management system and generate reports.
- Perform such tasks as email conversion, windows registry analysis, remote collections.
- Perform serial number restoration on firearms and other items that may be request.
- Extract and analyze convicted offender bloods for RFLP and PCR entry into CODIS.
- Conduct mappings of regulatory compliancy between PCI, SOX and ITIL for corporate compliance.
- Attend SAR committee meetings to determine the amount of fraudulent activity on each suspect case.
- Conduct forensic data extractions on mobile devices using a variety of hardware and software solutions.
- Examine evidence hard drives and other media devices with FTK following chain-of-custody procedures for manual processing procedures.
- Prepare and serve subpoenas, obtain and execute search warrants through the use of sworn affidavits.
Forensic computer examiner skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Forensic Computer Examiners are proficient in Digital Forensics, Extraction, and FTK. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Detail oriented, and Math and science skills.
We break down the percentage of Forensic Computer Examiners that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Digital Forensics, 12%
Use digital forensics software (EnCase Basic) for electronic discovery and moderately complex analysis of electronically stored information.
- Extraction, 10%
Performed organic and robotic DNA extraction, real-time PCR, serology testing, data maintenance/analysis/comparison, documentation, and report writing.
- FTK, 9%
Examined evidence hard drives and other media devices with FTK following chain-of-custody procedures for manual processing procedures.
- Computer Forensics, 7%
Trained and mentored junior computer forensics examiner, resulting in improved performance in data recovery and forensic analysis.
- DOD, 7%
Provided polygraph screening to members of the intelligence community (CIA, NRO, NGA, DOD, etc).
- Forensic Analysis, 7%
Involved in multiple engagements involving Computer Forensic Analysis and Acquisitions of computer systems.
Most forensic computer examiners use their skills in "digital forensics," "extraction," and "ftk" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential forensic computer examiner responsibilities here:
Communication skills. One of the key soft skills for a forensic computer examiner to have is communication skills. You can see how this relates to what forensic computer examiners do because "forensic science technicians write reports and testify in court." Additionally, a forensic computer examiner resume shows how forensic computer examiners use communication skills: "comply with dhs quality standards, format requirements and time frames for all documents and communications. "
Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform forensic computer examiner duties is detail oriented. Forensic computer examiners responsibilities require that "forensic science technicians must be able to notice small changes in mundane objects to be good at collecting and analyzing evidence." Forensic computer examiners also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "developed detailed five-year plan to build forensic network capable of performing forensic analysis on multiple platforms to include wireless and mobile. "
Math and science skills. forensic computer examiners are also known for math and science skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to forensic computer examiner responsibilities, because "forensic science technicians need a solid understanding of statistics and natural sciences to be able to analyze evidence." A forensic computer examiner resume example shows how math and science skills is used in the workplace: "provide technical guidance and assistance to staff personnel involved in the investigation and litigation process. "
Problem-solving skills. forensic computer examiner responsibilities often require "problem-solving skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "forensic science technicians use scientific tests and methods to help law enforcement officials solve crimes." This resume example shows what forensic computer examiners do with problem-solving skills on a typical day: "conducted forensic data extractions on mobile devices using a variety of hardware and software solutions. "
The three companies that hire the most forensic computer examiners are:
- Booz Allen Hamilton2 forensic computer examiners jobs
- CACI International2 forensic computer examiners jobs
- TransPerfect2 forensic computer examiners jobs
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Compare different forensic computer examiners
Forensic computer examiner vs. Dna analyst
The duties of a Crime Specialist usually depend on their place of employment. Their responsibilities include visiting crime scenes, gathering and analyzing pieces of evidence, conducting interviews with witnesses, utilizing forensic equipment and techniques, taking photographs or videos, and preparing reports and other paperwork. They may also attend court hearings, provide insights, and train new members of the workforce. Crime Specialists work together with law enforcement, which requires an active communication line for a smooth and efficient workflow.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a forensic computer examiner are more likely to require skills like "digital forensics," "ftk," "computer forensics," and "dod." On the other hand, a job as a dna analyst requires skills like "dna analysis," "lab equipment," "lims," and "abi." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Dna analysts really shine in the health care industry with an average salary of $58,853. Comparatively, forensic computer examiners tend to make the most money in the insurance industry with an average salary of $91,009.dna analysts tend to reach higher levels of education than forensic computer examiners. In fact, dna analysts are 8.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Forensic computer examiner vs. Crime specialist
Each career also uses different skills, according to real forensic computer examiner resumes. While forensic computer examiner responsibilities can utilize skills like "digital forensics," "extraction," "ftk," and "computer forensics," crime specialists use skills like "anti-money laundering," "secrecy," "bank secrecy act," and "aml."
On average, crime specialists earn a lower salary than forensic computer examiners. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, crime specialists earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $36,317. Whereas forensic computer examiners have higher pay in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $91,009.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Crime specialists tend to reach lower levels of education than forensic computer examiners. In fact, they're 13.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.7% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Forensic computer examiner vs. Crime scene specialist
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from forensic computer examiner resumes include skills like "digital forensics," "extraction," "ftk," and "computer forensics," whereas a crime scene specialist is more likely to list skills in "patrol," "latent prints," "diagramming," and "body fluids. "
Crime scene specialists typically earn lower educational levels compared to forensic computer examiners. Specifically, they're 10.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Forensic computer examiner vs. Crime scene analyst
Types of forensic computer examiner
Updated January 8, 2025
