26 Jun 2018

Hоw tо Become a Digital Forensics Specialist іn 6 Mоnthѕ

Digital forensics is a rapidly-growing field which encompasses various branches related to firewalls, networks, databases, and mobile devices. What’s more, digital forensics experts can work across different organisations – for instance, the government, accounting / law firms, software development companies, and more.  In fact, any organisation with a computer network or e-commerce payment may require digital forensics and cyber security specialists.
 
Rising Complexity of Cyber Crime Necessitate Use of Sophisticated Forensic Experts
 
According to the report, growth of cyber threat and attacks is the key factor driving the digital forensics market. In today's scenario, cyber criminals are causing unprecedented level of disruption by using IT tools as well as cloud services. These cyber criminals follow a planned approach for systematically hacking valuable information from companies, stealing customer and credit card information. The gradual increase of mobile devices that provides access to company applications and different types of data is also posing security problems to safeguard information. These factors are collectively boosting the demand for digital forensics solutions.
 
Read on to discover how you can become a digital forensics expert within a span of just 6 months.
 
Where do You Begin? The 6-Step Process
 
Here is a simple 6-step process to become a digital forensics and cyber security specialist. 
 
Step 1: Search for a Suitable Specialised Program that will Equip You with Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Knowledge
If you want to fast-track your career in digital forensics, a specialised program can help you grow professionally. There are many programmes offered by numerous academies today, but you should make sure to do your research in order to pick the right course that equips you with the cutting-edge skills required to become a professional forensics expert.

Stер 2: Attаin Relevant Professional Certificate or graduate diploma (such as specialised diploma)
Gеtting a relevant certification is one of the best ways to pick up new skills and move in the right direction to becoming a professional. For example, a SkillsFuture credit eligible diploma course in Digital Forensics & Cyber Security covers different aspects of computer forensic investigations, which is necessary to build a career in this field. if you are too busy with a diploma, you might also choose to upgrade to a Professional Certification in cyber security as a stepping stone.

Step 3: Focus on Hands-on Investigative and Forensic Skills
Most work in digital forensics are related to cybercrime. Hence, understanding cyber security at a deeper level is very important. You have to get to its core to develop a good working knowledge. Once you learn all about cyber security, it will add huge value as well as experience to your resume – which is a prerequisite to becoming a digital forensics expert. It ѕtаndѕ tо rеаѕоn thаt аnуоnе that anyone in an investigative roles needs to have analytical skills required to piece together information and solve the case. "High speed of analytical thinking, investigative and precise observation skills, which are often gained and tested at high tech military and intelligence cyber units are important skills to have," says Ondrej Krehel, founder of LIFARS, a US global cybersecurity and digital forensics firm. "The ability to find patterns and make correlations is crucial in the investigation process."

Step 4: Develop Business Networking and Communication Skills
Digital forensics does not exist in a vacuum, you need connections and classmates are valuable network that you can tap on. The classmates and team you work with will strongly enhance your skill sets. You must learn to network, learn and exchange views with your fellow course mates and peers. It will enable you to expand your professional network and credentials.

Step 5: Apply for Positions in Digital Forensics or Cybersecurity fields
Who you know is as important as what you know. If you are aiming to become a digital forensics expert, you have to start applying for a position as a digital forensics expert or investigator, after obtaining the required qualifications and skills. Ask for recommendation from your faculty or classmates whom are already in the industry. Your dream will be fulfilled once you get to this post. During this step, you have to work hard to acquire as much knowledge as you can about forensics.

Stер 6: On-The-Job Training and Learning
Qualified candidates are often required to complete training, after being hired, to familiarise themselves with institutional policy and procedure, and to hone their abilities in forensic disciplines. Successful candidates who pass the training programme will advance to bona-fide employment, with full benefits that include competitive salaries, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, and retirement benefits. This does not mean however, that the review process is over. Initial employment is typically offered on a conditional or probationary basis, which means that the individual is still considered under review, and can be terminated with due cause at any point in time.

Conclusion
If уоu are seeking to advance your саrееr in digital forensics and cyber security, you need to develop the necessary skills and gain relevant experience. Apart from this, you should also ideally attend a recognised certification programme. Learn more about how you can further your career in digital forensics today!

Start Your Journey Today!
Let Aventis team of Senior Education and Career consultant help pick the Certification that is Right for You. View all the courses Aventis offers here