FORENSIC INVESTIGATOR SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Apr 02, 2025 - The Forensic Investigator conducts comprehensive investigations, including interviews, evidence preservation, and detailed documentation of findings. This position requires applying forensic, medical, and legal terminology, alongside adeptness in narrative report writing and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. This role requires skilled in utilizing industry-standard forensic tools such as X-Ways, FTK, and EnCase, with a strong background in digital photography, mobile device operating systems, and computer hardware repair.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Forensic Investigator Resume
  • Digital Evidence Collection
  • Data Analysis
  • Network Forensics
  • Forensic Analysis
  • Mobile Device Forensics
  • Evidence Handling
  • Digital Evidence Examination
  • Disk Imaging
  • Evidence Acquisition
  • Forensic Tools Proficiency
  • Report Writing
  • Interviewing
  • Training and Presentations
  • Strategy Development
  • Legal Support
  • Deposition Support
  • Client Consultation
  • Technical Escalation
  • Service Improvement
  • Data Collection Communication

Summary of Forensic Investigator Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Forensic Science with 3 years of Experience

  • Knowledge of all aspects of the computer including hard drives, networking, and encryption
  • Knowledge of various versions of Windows, Linux platforms and Microsoft Office
  • Knowledge of network protocols, TCP/IP fundamentals and Network commands
  • Familiarity with security tools such as Anti-Virus, Firewall systems and Data Loss Prevention tools
  • Knowledge of phishing, malware and other cyber threats
  • Ability to read through scripts/logs
  • Experience with programming/scripting languages
  • Knowledge of operational information security disciplines is an asset (e.g., incident response, security infrastructure management or monitoring services)
  • Knowledge of Encase, FTK, or other computer forensic tools
  • Knowledge of Splunk, Crowdstrike and E-discovery tools
  • Experience in Digital Forensics, investigations, and supporting investigators as an analyst or examiner.

2. BA in Criminal Justice with 2 years of Experience

  • Experience analyzing data/information to understand actions taken and assess risk
  • Knowledge of proper forensic procedures for data collection and documentation is an asset
  • Knowledge of procedures in the care, handling, and protection of data including “Chain of Custody”
  • Knowledge of investigations and criminal and regulatory legislation, regulation, procedures, and guidelines
  • Strong analytical perspective and ability to "think outside of the box"
  • Excellent communication skills (written and spoken).
  • Ability to work through urgent investigations with time-sensitive deadlines
  • Ability to interpret Digital Evidence matters in a way that is understandable to non-technical people
  • A strong desire to learn and maintain knowledge of industry trends and emerging threats
  • Knowledge of analyzing event logs/system logs from Windows Operating Systems, Unix/Linux Operating Systems, Cisco PIX/Switches/Routers, Wireshark/Ethereal network dumps.
  • Able to perform multiple investigations concurrently.

3. BS in Biology with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in investigations and forensic analysis, preferably with a combination of private, government, and law enforcement.
  • Extensive formal training or applicable experience in investigations, law enforcement, insider threat, penetration testing, or counterintelligence including documenting, collecting, and preserving evidence chain-of-custody and continuity.
  • Experience working internationally or on a globally diverse team.
  • Extensive experience with SIEM, DLP, UAM, UEBA, and other analytics and forensics tools.
  • Experience in deadbox and live digital media forensics and associated technologies.
  • Professional business acumen with strong communication skills including the ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams, diverse nationalities, and backgrounds.
  • Ability to build partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders.
  • Expertise or education in behavioral risk management, psychology, legal, and related frameworks.
  • Ability to remain respectful and diplomatic in the face of difficult and uncomfortable situations.
  • Experience within Security Services or infrastructure services support (Systems NT, UX, Storage, Backups, DB’s or Network management), operations monitoring and end user support.
  • Ability to support multiple time zones and KLA global or U.S-based locations.

4. BA in Psychology with 3 years of Experience

  • Strong interpersonal and telephony skills
  • Good communication skills and customer-centric focus
  • Ability to communicate clearly and in a timely manner with all customers, partners and users, internal and external
  • Good analytical and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to collaborate and cooperate with members of team and members of other teams
  • Understanding of 24x7 mission-critical enterprise computing environments and the impact of service disruption on a company’s bottom line
  • Ability to proactively learn new technology, processes and other skills
  • Able to pro-actively search for solutions from knowledge bases, support documentation and other information.
  • Keen interest in continual learning and professional development
  • Time management skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize assigned tasks, problems and requests in a high-pressure environment
  • Excellent knowledge of IT Operations, infrastructure services support (Systems NT, UX, Storage, Backups, DB’s or Network management), security incidents and security processes
  • Excellent understanding of ITSM/ITIL processes

5. BS in Chemistry with 2 years of Experience

  • Ability to adhere to digital forensic principles, methodology, and protocols to include evidence handling and preservation
  • Experience supporting legal, human resources, investigators, and other internal customer groups to ensure an accurate, impartial, and timely resolution from the beginning to the end of investigations
  • Strong understanding and practical knowledge of operating system design, computer networking (transport and application layer), network protocols, and computer file systems
  • Ability to maintain awareness and follow data handling, safety, and security policy and procedures
  • Good communication, interpersonal and team coordination skills
  • Ability to calmly operate in high-stress environments to meet goals in a timely manner
  • In-depth experience with data loss prevention (DLP) and Microsoft Office 365 Security & Compliance-related solutions
  • Experience with written documents and oral delivery being accepted and used in a court of law or similar proceedings
  • Knowledge and application of scripting languages such as PowerShell, Python, or similar
  • Experience in supporting multiple internal stakeholders/customers.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills to deal with customers.

6. BA in Sociology with 3 year of Experience

  • Experience in conducting investigations such as conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, preserving evidence and documenting findings.
  • Experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies or procedures.
  • Experience in narrative report writing.
  • Knowledge of forensic, medical, and legal terminology.
  • Knowledge of digital photographic techniques and photographic equipment such as cameras, flash, tripod and related equipment.
  • Experience working in the ESI industry, coming from a vendor or consulting firm, with experience mentoring or overseeing more junior forensic resources
  • Experience working as a client-facing advisor and hands-on technical forensic practitioner
  • Experience working across all industry standard forensic tools including X-Ways, Carbon Black, FTK, EnCase Forensic/Enterprise, X1 Social Discovery, Cellebrite/XRY/Oxygen, Internet Evidence Finder, Forensic Explorer, and more
  • Experience working with mobile device operating systems
  • Experience repairing or building computer hardware
  • Foreign language expertise in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese 

7. BS in Biochemistry with 4 years of Experience

  • Experience in financial services and/or complex financial crime
  • Ability to analyse complex evidence to form a view as to what action is warranted, what further evidence may be required/available and how it might be obtained 
  • Strong communication skills in order to present the outcome of that analysis clearly and effectively, orally and in writing
  • Ability to make timely decisions based on relevant analysis, exercising judgement on the evidence and being able to defend those judgements where appropriate
  • Able to identify key risks and demonstrate a creative approach to cases
  • Experience of the legal obligations under Data Protection Act 2018 and Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
  • Ability to draft a wide range of documents and correspondence
  • Experience of, or demonstrable ability to, conduct interviews and/or take witness statements
  • Experience in communication with internal and external stakeholders, including subjects and parties to an action, and legal representatives
  • Strong relationship management skills to build and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues in other business units and with external bodies

8. BA in Law with 3 years of Experience

  • Ability to thrive in a varied multi-project caseload, maintaining appropriate progress across a portfolio of projects and workstreams
  • Experience in financial services investigations involving the FCA
  • Familiarity with the responsibilities of, and practices of, the FCA and Enforcement
  • Knowledge of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 and be familiar with the structures, practices and responsibilities of the FCA and Enforcement, including the process and procedures of the Regulatory Decisions Committee and Upper Tribunal
  • An understanding of social media and email storage technologies
  • High level of interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively, in both spoken and written form, with a wide range of people, e.g. MPI, industry and the general public
  • Skillful at analysis and troubleshooting of related systems components
  • Ability to establish priorities, work independently and proceed with objectives
  • Ability to develop/follow standard processes and complete documentation
  • Expert Witness Testimony, Affidavit submissions, or Legal Writing

9. BS in Physics with 4 years of Experience

  • Understanding of Data Forensics and the full EDRM Model as it relates to all Cyber and eDiscovery processes
  • Knowledge of Windows, Mac/Linux, and Mobile devices
  • Understanding of computer forensic tools, electronic collection utilities, forensic software and processes including processes such as AccessData FTK, EnCase Forensic/Enterprise, X1 Social Discovery, Cellebrite/XRY/Oxygen, Internet Evidence Finder, Forensic Explorer and X-Ways
  • Strong knowledge of evidence handling and preservation best practices
  • Experience with search technologies and tools, FTK, DtSearch, SQL Server, Analytics, etc.
  • Proficient in the use of encryption, both hardware and software
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
  • Experience working across multiple shores, time zones, and cultures to create a global team
  • Able to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks.
  • Detail-oriented and able to work independently and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
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