Forensic computer analyst
Forensic computer analysts investigate computer-based crime, often called cyber crime.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your tasks will depend on where you work. You could:
- investigate hacking, fraud and theft
- research political, industrial and commercial espionage
- track terrorist communications and other illegal activities
- secure IT systems and hardware to protect them from security threats
- recover and secure data
- analyse mobile phone records to track location
- follow electronic data trails
- document each stage of the investigation
- present technical findings and evidence
Working environment
You could work in a court, in an office or at a client's business.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could progress to senior analyst, head of security or security consultant.
What it takes
Skills and 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
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
- pass security checks
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
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.
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
More Information
You could apply to do an apprenticeship, for example:
- Cyber Security Technologist Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Digital Forensic Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Cyber Security Technical Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
- Advanced Digital Forensic Professional Level 7 Degree 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
- a degree in a relevant subject
More Information
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.
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.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in digital security from the:
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.