FORENSIC COMPUTER ANALYST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Updated: Dec 25, 2024 - The Forensic Computer Analyst has expertise in digital forensics and incident response, with proficiency in network security, analysis, and the application of analytical principles in forensic laboratories. This role demands strong experience in identifying, collecting, and analyzing digital evidence using tools such as Wireshark, EnCase, and Sleuthkit while maintaining the integrity of critical data. The analyst is also skilled in drafting comprehensive reports, summarizing findings, and performing thorough post-incident investigations, including evidence recovery and system analysis.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Forensic Computer Analyst Resume
- Digital Forensics
- Network Security
- Data Recovery
- Cryptography
- Malware Analysis
- Evidence Handling
- File System Analysis
- Memory Forensics
- Incident Response
- EnCase
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-Solving
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Time Management
- Ethical Judgment
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Report Writing
Summary of Forensic Computer Analyst Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BS in Digital Forensics with 6 years of Experience
- Understanding of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems.
- Understanding of Network Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).
- Knowledge of Host Intrusion Detection System/Intrusion Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS).
- Knowledge of Network and Host malware detection and prevention.
- Knowledge of Network and Host forensic applications.
- Understanding of Web/Email gateway security technologies.
- A good working knowledge of Sysmon, as well as log aggregation tools.
- Demonstrated ability to establish priorities, manage shifting priorities, and handle numerous time-sensitive projects with multiple deadlines
- Ability to accomplish goals working through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness
- Demonstrate experience working independently and as part of a team
- Able to identify artifact and evidence locations to answer critical questions, including execution, file access, data theft, anti-forensics, and detailed system usage by an adversary
2. BS in Computer Science with 5 years of Experience
- Intermediate knowledge of cell phone and mobile device media analysis.
- Advanced EnCase experience with EnCE certification
- Experience with FTK, Cellebrite, SANS SIFT, or other forensic analysis toolsets
- The ability to pick up new technology or concepts very quickly
- Experience with working in governmental investigations and/or law enforcement operations
- Experience with DFIR casework and legal procedures throughout the investigative process.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Able to communicate complex technical details in a clear, understandable manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Possess excellent analytical skills.
- Must be able to manage multiple projects and maintain a computer forensic lab daily.
- Able to create indicators of Compromise (IOCs) from analysis to strengthen incident response
3. BS in Information Technology with 4 years of Experience
- Digital Forensic Analyst experience.
- Broad understanding of forensic tools - EnCase, FTK, Cellebrite, Oxygen, Paladin, Axiom, MacQuisition, X-ways, and others.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Certifications Include EnCE, CFCE, CCE, DFCP, CCPA, CCME.
- High Moral Character and Professional Work Ethic.
- Able to work independently and in a team environment.
- Demonstrate solid planning and organizational skills
- Able to identify lateral movement and pivots within client enterprises, showing how an adversary transitions from system to system without detection
- Able to identify and track malware beaconing outbound to its command and control (C2) channel via memory forensics, registry analysis, and network connections
- Experience in three or more of the following - analysis, network engineering, networking security, penetration testing, red teaming, hardware engineering, software reverse engineering, computer exploitation
- Proven proficiency with at least three or more of the following - mobile security, telecom protocols, operating systems (Windows, iOS, Android, or Linux), reverse engineering, forensics, network analysis, vulnerability assessment, or malware forensics
4. BS in Computer Engineering with 8 years of Experience
- Working experience in Software Engineering, Cybersecurity
- Experience working in a Government environment as either a member of the Armed Forces
- Strong knowledge of and experience with mobile forensics and using forensic tools such as EnCase, Cellebrite
- Strong technical skills and proficiency in the following areas - computers, mobile devices, and servers (database, email, and file shares)
- Must have the ability to multi-task
- Be very detail-oriented, and must be able to interact with other staff and clients, in person or by phone.
- Critical thinking, problem-solving and the ability to endure long working hours
- Able to detect and hunt unknown live, dormant, and custom malware across multiple hosts in an enterprise environment
- Able to track adversary activity second-by-second on a host via in-depth timeline analysis
- Cyber/network-related certifications – A+, Network+, Server+, GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware (GREM), GIAC Certification Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), EnCase (EnCE) Certified, Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), (CCE), GIAC Forensic Examiner Certification (GCFE), AccessData Computer Forensic (ACE), Computer forensic Investigator (CFI) or similar certification
5. BS in Cybersecurity with 6 years of Experience
- Experience in digital forensics, incident response and threat hunt activities
- Experience with SAFe Agile Scrum Software Development methodologies with a cross-functional team approach
- Capable of providing hands-on experience with network security, network analysis, and digital/computer forensics
- Capable of applying analytical principles and practices, research and technical support in the development and production of a forensics laboratory for CI activities
- Core Competencies in Computer Forensics, Computer Network Defense, Software Testing and Evaluation, System Administration, and Threat Analysis
- The ability to identify digital evidence for examination and analysis in such a way as to avoid unintentional alteration
- Familiarity with Wireshark, Fiddler, EnCase, Sleuthkit, and/or other forensic tools
- Experience in drafting reports, documenting case details, and able to summarize findings and recommendations based on system analysis
- Experience in performing post-incident computer forensics while maintaining proper chain of custody and without destruction of critical data
- Able to perform end-to-end computer forensic investigation including digital evidence collection and preservation, analysis, recovery of evidence from systems, servers, email extraction, and database examination
- Have certifications such as Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIAC) of Certified Forensic Examiner, Network Forensic Analyst, Cyber Threat Intelligence, and EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)