Forensic computer analyst

Forensic computer analysts investigate computer-based crime, often called cyber crime.

In this guide

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:

Most relevant

  • Computer Science - Forensic computer analysts need a deep understanding of how computer systems, networks, and software work in order to investigate cyber crime. They recover deleted or encrypted data, follow electronic data trails, and analyse how hackers have exploited vulnerabilities in systems.
  • Mathematics - Forensic computer analysts use mathematical reasoning when working with encryption, algorithms, and data analysis. Understanding logic, probability, and pattern recognition helps them decode information and piece together digital evidence.
  • Electronics - Forensic computer analysts work with physical hardware – recovering data from hard drives, mobile phones, and other electronic devices. Understanding how circuits, storage media, and electronic components function helps them extract evidence from damaged or tampered equipment.
  • Law - Forensic computer analysts investigate crimes like hacking, fraud, and espionage, and their findings must hold up in court. They need to understand legal procedures, rules of evidence, and how to document and present their work so it meets strict legal standards.

Also relevant

  • Physics - Forensic computer analysts benefit from understanding the physical principles behind how data is stored and transmitted – including electromagnetism, signal processing, and how electronic circuits operate. This knowledge supports their ability to recover data and understand telecommunications systems.
  • English Language - Forensic computer analysts document every stage of their investigations in detailed written reports and present technical findings to non-technical audiences, including in court. Being able to explain complex digital evidence clearly and precisely is essential to their work.
  • Business - Forensic computer analysts often investigate financial fraud and commercial espionage, so understanding how businesses operate and handle transactions is valuable. This helps them recognise suspicious activity and understand the context of the crimes they are investigating.
  • Politics - Forensic computer analysts may research political espionage and track terrorist communications, which requires an understanding of political structures, international relations, and security threats. This context helps them assess the significance of the intelligence they uncover.

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:

This page contains original content developed by Coffee With Ltd. You may share this page as a link but you must not copy the content or use it with AI tools. All rights reserved.