As computer crimes increase in today’s digital age, computer forensics has become one of the fastest-growing professions with plenty of job opportunities in different fields including law enforcement and military, intelligence and security agencies and corporations.

At the start, there were very few computer-related crimes but now the number of crimes that involve the use of computers has tremendously grown simply because these machines have become part of the daily life of most people. In addition to the fact that more computers are used to commit crimes, persons guilty of crime or civil wrongdoings often unknowingly leave behind incriminating information in the computer systems that they use either at home or at work. As a result, computer forensics jobs have grown in demand.

Computer forensics deals with the investigation of computer systems to determine whether their use aids illegal activities. The job involves the discovery, retrieval, protection and presentation of files on a computer system that may be relevant to a case. A computer forensics examination employs certain methods and tools that only certified or qualified people in this profession have access to.

Professionals in the field of computer forensics are usually known as computer forensic analysts or investigators but other relevant job titles are computer forensics technical specialist, computer forensics evidence technician, forensics engineer, information security analyst, cyber security staff, vulnerability analyst, and etcetera.

Because of the high demand for computer forensics specialists, graduates can expect to receive a starting annual salary in the six-figure range ($85,000-$120,000), depending on the person’s qualifications (skills, experience, certification, etc.) and the hiring company or organization. In general, computer forensics jobs in the private industry are more lucrative than those offered by law enforcement or government agencies.

Today, more private companies are looking for computer forensics analysts to identify employees who are using work computers for a variety of crimes including sexual harassment, discrimination, intellectual property theft, fraud, embezzlement or to help in investigations on any irregularities in the workplace.

Usually, headhunting firms conduct the recruitment process for computer forensics specialists needed by law enforcement agencies, intelligence companies and other government bodies. A simple search online through popular job sites will direct you to hundreds of computer forensics jobs.

The typical qualifications of a computer forensics specialist include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering or in a similar technical field; at least two years of hands-on experience in computer investigative procedures and mining and analysis of computer data. The ideal candidate is knowledgeable in various software systems, hardware, tools and methods used in computer forensics as well as procedures and standards practiced in the industry. He or she understands the principles of maintaining the integrity of forensic data and is able to adhere to regulations regarding client confidentiality and other legal privileges.

Those interested in advancing their careers in computer forensics, whether in private companies or in a government agency, would benefit from obtaining a graduate degree in this specialized field or pursuing higher education such as a Master’s Degree in Computer/Digital Forensics. It could help secure supervisory or managerial positions as well as consulting jobs, which is perhaps the most attractive opportunities for professionals in this field for two reasons – freedom to choose assignments and much higher hourly rate averaging $500 per hour.

If the opportunities in computer forensics seem fantastic now, people in the industry are expecting more will happen in the years ahead. As more people gain access to computers and learn about it and as the technology and users evolve, there will be not only an increase in the incidence of cyber crimes but crimes will also become more sophisticated. This scenario will inevitably bring about higher demand for computer forensics specialists and tougher competition for talent.