I drive threat-monitoring programs and respond to threats with my digital forensics background. My expertise helps the company resolve the most critical and sophisticated issues that may arise in the Center. I frequently work in close partnership with the Corporate, External, & Legal Affairs (CELA), Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC), and Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) teams to build capabilities and provide DFIR at cloud-scale, serving the needs of cybersecurity, compliance, and the law.
CAREER
Digital Forensics Analysts
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$92,870
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+5.7% (as fast as the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Digital Forensics Analysts Do
Conduct investigations on computer-based crimes establishing documentary or physical evidence, such as digital media and logs associated with cyber intrusion incidents. Analyze digital evidence and investigate computer security incidents to derive information in support of system and network vulnerability mitigation. Preserve and present computer-related evidence in support of criminal, fraud, counterintelligence, or law enforcement investigations.
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I specialize in using big data and advanced analytics to detect and combat cybercrime. Along with my colleagues, which include investigators, forensic experts, and attorneys, I am focused on building data models to explain and predict crime mechanics. My current focus includes tech support fraud and crime perpetrated against Microsoft cloud services.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
- Analyze log files or other digital information to identify the perpetrators of network intrusions.
- Conduct predictive or reactive analyses on security measures to support cyber security initiatives.
- Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
- Develop plans for investigating alleged computer crimes, violations, or suspicious activity.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Digital Forensics Analysts
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (43%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration
Bachelor
Statistics, General
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Learn the ways of the hacker and how to think like the bad guys so that you can be one step ahead of them. One trait that both ends of the hacking spectrum share is an insatiable curiosity. Be willing to constantly figure out how things work.
Stay true to yourself. Realize that you don't need to be better than your colleagues, you need to compliment your colleagues.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
My educational path was a fluke; it worked out for me, but it's not a sure thing. I'd recommend a college education for almost anyone else wanting to get into the InfoSec industry.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.