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Forensic computer analyst
Hours
Variable
Starting salary
£20,000 + per year
Forensic computer analysts investigate computer-based crime. If you are keen on analysing and investigating, and you want a career in IT, this specialist role could be ideal for you.
To do this job you should have good problem solving skills. You should have excellent attention to detail. You should also be able to spot trends in large amounts of information.
To work in this job you will need a background in IT.
WorkDesc
The work
As a forensic computer analyst, you could be involved in a range of investigations, such as:
- hacking, online scams and fraud
- political, industrial and commercial espionage
- terrorist communications
- possession of illegal pornography
- theft of sensitive company information by employees.
One of your first tasks on a project would normally be to secure the IT system or hardware, so that it could not be tampered with. You would then use various forensic methods and specialist computer programs to:
- find, recover and copy data from disks that may have been hidden, encrypted or damaged
- reveal (unlock) digital images that have been altered to mask the identity of a place or person
- analyse mobile phone records to trace devices to a particular location (or to rule them out)
- follow electronic data trails to uncover links between individuals or groups
- carefully document each stage of your investigation
- present technical findings to managers, law enforcement organisations and clients
- act as a technical or expert witness in court cases.
You could work for the police or security services, a bank, or for an IT firm that specialises in computer security. You might also work in a broader security role, for example, testing the security of a company's information systems.
HoursDesc
Hours
The number of hours you work each week will depend on the type of investigation, when it needs to be completed, and how complex it is. In some cases you may have to work overtime.
The majority of your work would be office-based, but you would also go meetings with colleagues and other agencies working on the case. You may also have to go to court to give evidence.
IncomeDesc
Income
Trainee forensic computer analysts can earn around £20,000 a year.
Salaries for analysts with 12 months' experience can be between £25,000 and £35,000 a year. With four to five years' experience, this can rise to between £40,000 and £60,000 a year.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
EntryRequirementsDesc
Entry requirements
To work as a forensic computer analyst you will need a background in IT. Employers may also ask for a degree, a postgraduate qualification or industry certification. For more details, see the Training and Development section.
You could start in this career by working for a company, for example as a network engineer or developer. By taking professional development courses and applying for opportunities as they come up, you may eventually be able to move into a more specialised security or analyst role.
You could also take a forensic computing qualification at university before looking for work. It would help you to find courses that include industry placements so that you can gain valuable work experience. See the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) website to search for courses.
You can find further information about this career on the Forums section of the Computer Forensics World website.
To get an idea of some of the technical skills you would need to apply, analysts suggest looking at the way different operating systems work and how they can be taken advantage of. You could download and practise on a free open-source system like Linux.
TrainingAndDevelopmentDesc
Training and development
Computer crime is a very fast-moving field, and you will need to keep up to date with the latest developments in criminal methods and investigative techniques throughout your career.
You could do this by taking further training, such as postgraduate qualifications, industry certifications, and specialised in-house courses. Industry experts suggest concentrating first on getting on-the-job experience, then choosing training that best matches your responsibilities, knowledge and experience.
The Search Security website lists relevant industry certifications at different levels.
Courses cover areas such as:
- computer crime and law
- operating systems
- forensic analysis methods
- crime scene management
- courtroom and expert witness skills
The National Skills Academy for IT
The National Skills Academy for IT promotes excellence in IT learning and development. Through the Academy you can:
- access high quality IT training and resources, including over 1000 online courses
- get information and access to new training to meet growing needs
- get professional recognition to speed up your career progress.
More information about professional development options is also available on the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) website.
SkillsAndKnowledgeDesc
Skills and knowledge
To be a forensic computer analyst, you should have:
- a creative approach to solving problems
- attention to detail
- excellent IT skills
- the ability to spot trends and patterns in large amounts of data
- a well organised and methodical approach to work
- knowledge of information security standards and legislation
- excellent communication and presentation skills
- the ability to work under pressure and to deadlines
- the ability to remain objective.
You would need a keen interest in this field to keep pace with fast-changing technology, investigative tools and increasingly sophisticated criminal methods.
MoreInformationDesc
More information
Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) 
www.sfia.org.uk
UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (UKRC)
Listerhills Park of Science and Commerce
40-42 Campus Road
Bradford
BD7 1HR
Tel: 01274 436485
www.theukrc.org
Skills for Justice
Centre Court
Atlas Way
Sheffield
S4 7QQ
www.skillsforjustice.com
e-skills UK
1 Castle Lane
London
SW1E 6DR
Tel: 020 7963 8920
www.e-skills.com
MI5 Careers
www.mi5careers.gov.uk
National Skills Academy for IT
www.itskillsacademy.ac.uk
OpportunitiesDesc
Opportunities
This is growing area of IT. Employers include the police, the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA), MI5, other government departments and IT firms specialising in computer security and investigation.
Some public employers and larger commercial organisations, such as banks, are now employing forensic computer analysts, often as part of their IT or information departments.
With experience, you could progress to senior analyst, head of security or security consultant.
You may find the following useful for vacancies and general reading (links open in a new window):
Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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Related industry information
Industry summary
The IT industry includes people in IT companies, such as those offering IT services, technology‐orientated consulting, technology development, systems analysis, programming, systems testing and technology sales. It also includes IT professionals working in other sectors, such as people whose primary job role is IT orientated, which includes IT departments and IT support staff in companies. The IT industry together with Telecoms is represented by e‐skills UK Sector Skills Council.
A sector trend is the convergence of telecommunications, computing and networking and the move from hardware intensive to software intensive platforms. Embedded voice communications capability is already part of the internet, which also has to manage voice, data and video and location information.
The social, economic and market forces shaping UK IT skills are evolving as technology continues to progress from the back office to the board room. This is changing the market for IT skills, creating demand for both technology‐oriented business people and business‐oriented technologists – and blurring the lines between traditional business and IT disciplines.
Key facts:
- There is a total IT and Telecoms workforce of 1.5 million of which:
- 890,000 people are in IT and Telecoms products and services
- 600,000 IT and Telecoms professionals are working in organisations outside of the IT and Telecoms industries
- There are around 105,000 businesses in the UK offering IT and Telecoms products and services.
- IT‐intensive sectors represent 55% of the UK's total Gross Value Added.
- Less than 1% of those employed in IT and Telecoms occupations are under 18.
- 22% of companies who are trying to recruit IT and Telecoms professionals report difficulties in attracting applicants with the right skills.
- 58% of the workforce has a degree or higher education qualification.
- The IT industry is predicted to grow at a rate of 2.5% per year for the next ten years.
- There are 100,930 IT manufacturing and services establishments in the UK employing 600,000 people.
- The IT workforce accounts for 4% of the UK workforce.
Jobs in the IT industry include: Business analyst; Games developer; CAD/CAM Programmer/Trainer; IT trainer; Service technician; Software engineer/architect; Technology consultant; Web designer; Systems architect; Technical author.
National and regional data
Across the UK, there is an estimated IT and Telecoms workforce of 1.5 million who are predominately located in London and the South East. The IT workforce can be classified in IT manufacturing and IT services. The largest number of companies is located in:
- IT manufacturing
- South East
- London
- East of England
- IT services
- South East
- London
- East of England
Key regional facts:
- 39% of IT and Telecoms professionals are located in London and the South East
- the East of England has the third highest number of IT and Telecoms employees
- Northern Ireland, Wales and the North East combined comprise just 6% of the IT and Telecoms professionals
- 44% of all types of IT and Telecoms companies are located in London and the South East
- the highest median gross weekly earnings for IT and Telecoms staff are in London, the South East and the East of England, which are all above the UK median
[N.B. Data derived from Labour Force Survey (April‐June), 2009.]
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