Forensic computer analyst
Computer, Technology and Digital

How to become a forensic computer analyst

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• training with a professional body

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in:

• forensic computing and security
• computer science
• cyber security
• digital forensics
• financial technology

Courses with industry placements will help you develop your skills.

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Apprenticeship

You can do a cyber instrusion analyst or cyber security technologist higher apprenticeship. You can also take a cyber security technical professional degree apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start work as an IT support technician, network engineer or developer after doing A levels. You would then work your way up by taking further training on the job.

Other routes

You could do certified industry training with a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Information Security or The Chartered Institute for IT. You'll need to be working in IT security or have a lot of experience to do this.

More info

Further information You can find out more about careers in digital security from the National Cyber Security Centre and The Chartered Institute for IT.

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

You'll need:

• analytical thinking skills
• the ability to use your initiative
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• persistence and determination
• complex problem-solving skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

Restriction & Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass security checks

What you'll do

Day to day

Your tasks will depend on the type of organisation you work for and could include the investigation of:

• hacking, online scams and fraud
• political, industrial and commercial espionage
• terrorist communications
• possession of illegal pornography
• theft of sensitive company information

Your first task on a project will be to secure the IT system or hardware so it can't be tampered with. Using forensic methods and specialist computer programs, your further tasks could include:

• finding, recovering and copying data from disks that may have been hidden, encrypted or damaged
• revealing digital images that have been altered to mask the identity of a place or person
• analysing mobile phone records to trace devices to a particular location
• following electronic data trails to uncover links between individuals or groups
• carefully documenting each stage of your investigation
• presenting technical findings to managers, law enforcement organisations and clients

Working environment

You could work in a court, in an office or at a client's business.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience, you could progress to senior analyst, head of security or security consultant.