
The demand for qualified individuals in the field of computer forensics is extremely high. However, computer forensics credentials continue to be somewhat of an uncharted territory. We list the top eight options out of the twenty credentials that are now available. As of right now, there is a wide range of excellent certification programs available that are focused on digital forensics and investigations. There are, however, additional certificates and programs that are far less thorough, popular, and precise. In this blog, we will deal with the most demanding 8 forensic certifications of the decade.
Specialists in digital forensics focus on retrieving and analyzing digital data from technological equipment. Those who hold certifications in forensics will be well-equipped with the skills and information needed to succeed at work. If you are an expert in digital forensics, obtaining certifications can assist in launching your career and provide you with updated knowledge, abilities, and experience.
What are the most popular digital forensic certifications?
- AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) : Testprep
- Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE): IACIS
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) : ECCouncil
- The EnCase™ Certified Examiner (EnCE): Opentext
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA): GIAC.org
- GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE): GIAC
- CDFE (Certified Digital Forensics Examiner): NICCS
- GASF (GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics): SANS
What are the Roles and Responsibilities of a Digital Forensic Professional?
- Recovering data, from an electronic device or any storage device data that has been erased, destroyed, tampered with, or encrypted, such as documents, emails, images, etc.
- Locating, compiling, and evaluating data in order to present it to the court in a thorough manner in criminal cases.
- Giving testimony in court when appropriate and collaborating with government, legal, and law enforcement agencies as needed.
- Gathering and scrutinizing the evidence of intrusion or malicious activity on a network and ensuring the safe custody of retrieved digital evidence.
- Pinpointing possible cyber threats and weaknesses and properly documenting reports describing the findings during an investigation.
1. AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) from Testprep
The AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE) credential verifies a user’s knowledge of the Forensic Toolkit, FTK Imager, Registry Viewer, and Password Recovery Toolkit from AccessData. The ACE certification exam involves the usage of the tools listed above in order to pass. Although this certification has no prerequisites, it is advised that the user has some familiarity with the tools or has taken the following courses:
Certification title: AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
Prerequisites: None
Passing marks: 80%
No. of attempts: 2
Validity of certification: 2 years
Time allowed: 3 Hours
Cost per exam: $100
Number of Questions: 88 questions
Exam duration: 90 minutes
- Case Processing:
- Understand Index Search options and how to change them.
- Understanding Expansion options. (Email, Documents, Images, Internet artifacts)
- Understand how Data Carving is configured
- What features can only be processed from within the case, outside of the Additional Analysiswizard.
- Interface:
- Understand what data is held in the properties tab, and what is in the file list pane
- Creating custom columns may help in the display of some data
- Understand check marking and the impact that checkmarks can have.
- Be able to configure the display time zone
- Filtering:
- Single Rule Filter
- Multi Rule Filters
- Nested Filters
- Searching:
- Index Searching
- Field Searching
- Operator Searching
- Known File Filter:
- Understand how to create a KFF profile
- Know how to run a KFF profile (required processing options, etc)
- Know where to look for the results and how to filter those results.
2. Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) from IACIS
The Basic Computer Forensic Examiner (BCFE) – is a 76-hour course of instruction that is offered over 2 consecutive weeks and is designed to provide students with a foundational knowledge of Computer Forensics to be able to enter into the IACIS Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification process. This training involves a combination of lectures, instructor-independent hands-on practical exercises, and independent laboratory activities.
Certification title: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
- Peer Review
- Certification Testing
Prerequisites: None
Cost per exam: $3,795 US Dollars
- Pre-Examination Procedures
- Knowledge of rules of evidence and the IACIS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct as applicable to computer forensics.
- Knowledge of proper computer search and seizure methodologies to include photographic and documentation procedures.
- Ability to explain on-scene actions taken for the preservation of physical and volatile digital evidence including the proper handling of mobile phones.
- Ability to establish, maintain and document a forensically sound examination environment.
- Computer Fundamentals
- Recognize and understand the evidential potential of various computer hardware and smallscale devices.
- Understand the BIOS, UEFI and Boot sequence.
- Understand binary, decimal and hexadecimal numbering systems include bits, bytes and nibbles.
- Knowledge of sectors, clusters, volumes and file slack.
- Understand the difference between logical and physical drives.
- Understand the difference between logical and physical files.
- Knowledge of what happens when media is formatted.
III. Partition Schemes
- Ability to identify current partition schemes.
- Knowledge of individual structures and system areas used by different partition schemes.
- Understand that partition schemes can be used with different file systems and operating systems.
- Understand the difference between a primary and extended partition.
- Define Globally Unique Identifier (GUID) and explain its application.
- File Systems
- Understand file system concepts and system files.
- Understand the structure of FAT directory entries.
- Understand the structure of exFAT directory entries.
- Ability to distinguish, examine, analyse, and parse the contents of the NTFS master file table, including the Standard Information, File Name and Data attributes.
- Knowledge of deleted/orphaned files including how they are identified in their respective file entries. f. Be able to identify file systems used by Apple and Linux.
- Data Recovery
- Understand hashing and hash sets.
- Ability to generate and validate forensically sterile media.
- Ability to generate and validate a forensic image of media.
- Ability to capture data from Random Access Memory.
- Understand file headers.
- Understand file fragmentation.
- Ability to extract file metadata from common file types.
- Ability to extract data from compound files.
- Knowledge of encrypted files/media and strategies for recovery.
- Knowledge of Internet and Browser artifacts.
- Understand Cloud storage and how to obtain the data.
- Windows Artifacts
- Knowledge of the locations of common Windows artifacts.
- Understand the purpose and structure of the component files that create the Windows registry.
- Be able to identify and extract specific data from the registry.
- Be able to analyze the Recycle Bin.
- Be able to analyze the Windows thumbcaches.
- Be able to analyze Shell Link files and Jump lists.
- Be able to extract and examine Event Logs.
- Understand the importance of volume shadow copy services.
- Ability to locate, mount and examine virtual drive files.
- Understand the Swap and Hibernation files and the evidence they may contain.
VII. Presentation of Findings
- Ability to draw so: und conclusions based on examination findings.
- Be able to report findings using industry standard/technically accurate terminology.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts or processes in terms easily understood by non-technical people.
3. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) from ECcouncil
CHFI v10 captures all the essentials of digital forensics analysis and evaluation required for the modern world — tested and approved by veterans and top practitioners in the cyber forensics industry. From identifying the footprints of a breach to collecting evidence for a prosecution, CHFI v10 handholds students through every step of the process with experiential learning. CHFI v10 is engineered by industry practitioners for professionals including those such as forensic analysts, cybercrime investigators, cyber defense forensic analyst, incident responders, information technology auditor, malware analyst, security consultant, chief security officers and aspirants alike.
Certification title: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator
Exam code: EC0 312-49
Number of questions: 150 questions
Exam duration: 4 hours
Passing score: 70 percent
Type of questions: Multiple choice
Exam delivery: Available through the ECC exam portal.
CHFI Exam Duration: 240 minutes
Exam cost: $347 (USD)
- Computer Forensics in Today’s World
- Computer Forensics Investigation Process
- Understanding Hard Disks and File Systems
- Operating System Forensics
- Defeating Anti-Forensics Techniques
- Data Acquisition and Duplication
- Network Forensics
- Investigating Web Attacks
- Database Forensics
- Cloud Forensics
- Malware Forensics
- Investigating Email Crimes
- Mobile Forensics
- loT Forensics
Read more: CHFI CERTIFICATION BLUEPRINT
4. EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) from Opentext
The EnCase™ Certified Examiner (EnCE) program certifies both public and private sector professionals in the use of Opentext™ EnCase™ Forensic. EnCE certification acknowledges that professionals have mastered computer investigation methodology as well as the use of EnCase software during complex computer examinations.
Recognized by both the law enforcement and corporate communities as a symbol of in-depth computer forensics knowledge, EnCE certification illustrates that an investigator is a skilled computer examiner.
Take phase I (written exam)
- Phase I – Taken with ExamBuilder. You have two (2) hours to complete this test.
- Minimum passing score is 80%.
- Those who fail must wait 60 days prior to retesting.
Take phase II (practical exam)
- Those who pass Phase I will be issued an electronic license to complete the Phase II test.
- Sixty (60) days are allotted to complete the Phase II exam.
- Minimum passing score is 85%. The exam has 18 questions. You must answer all questions to your best ability in order for your submission to be considered for grading.
Certification name: EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
Prerequisites: You need to have attended 64 hours authorized computer forensic training (online or classroom) OR have 12 months work experience in computer forensics.
Exam Validity: (3) years
Cost: $250.00 USD
5. GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) from GIAC.org
The GCFA certifies that candidates have the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct formal incident investigations and handle advanced incident handling scenarios, including internal and external data breach intrusions, advanced persistent threats, anti-forensic techniques used by attackers, and complex digital forensic cases. The GCFA certification focuses on core skills required to collect and analyze data computer systems.
Certification name: GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
Number of exams: 1
Number of questions: 82 questions
Exam duration: 3 hours
Passing score: 72%
Exam delivery: All GIAC Certification exams are web-based and required to be proctored. There are two proctoring options: remote proctoring through ProctorU, and onsite proctoring through PearsonVUE.
- Analyzing Volatile Malicious Event Artifacts
Abnormal activity within the structure of Windows memory and be able to identify artifacts such as malicious processes, suspicious drivers and malware techniques such as code injection and rootkits.
- Analyzing Volatile Windows Event Artifacts
Understanding of normal activity within the structure of Windows memory and be able to identify artifacts such as network connections, memory resident command line artifacts and processes, handles and threads.
- Enterprise Environment Incident Response
Demonstrate an understanding of the steps of the incident response process, attack progression, and adversary fundamentals and how to rapidly assess and analyze systems in an enterprise environment scaling tools to meet the demands of large investigations.
- File System Timeline Artifact Analysis
Show an understanding of the Windows file system time structure and how these artifacts are modified by system and user activity.
- Identification of Malicious System and User Activity
Techniques required to identify and document indicators of compromise on a system, detect malware and attacker tools, attribute activity to events and accounts, and identify and compensate for anti-forensic actions using memory and disk resident artifacts.
- Identification of Normal System and User Activity
Steps required to identify, document, and differentiate normal and abnormal system and user activity using memory and disk resident artifacts.
- Introduction to File System Timeline Forensics
Knowledge about the methodology required to collect and process timeline data from a Windows system.
- Introduction to Memory Forensics
An understanding of how and when to collect volatile data from a system and how to document and preserve the integrity of volatile evidence.
- NTFS Artifact Analysis
Knowledge of core structures of the Windows filesystems, and the ability to identify, recover, and analyze evidence from any file system layer, including the data storage layer, metadata layer, and filename layer.
- Windows Artifact Analysis
Windows system artifacts and how to collect and analyze data such as system back up and restore data and evidence of application execution.
6. GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) from GIAC
The GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE) certification validates a practitioner’s knowledge of computer forensic analysis, with an emphasis on core skills required to collect and analyze data from Windows computer systems. GCFE certification holders have the knowledge, skills, and ability to conduct typical incident investigations including e-Discovery, forensic analysis and reporting, evidence acquisition, browser forensics and tracing user and application activities on Windows systems.
Exam title: 1 proctored exam
Number of questions: 82-115 questions
Duration of exam: 3 hours
Passing score: 70%
- Browser Forensic Artifacts
The candidate will demonstrate understanding of the forensic value of browser artifacts.
- Browser Structure and Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate understanding of common browser structure and analysis techniques.
- Cloud Storage Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by the installation and use of cloud storage solutions and how they can be used during forensic examinations.
- Digital Forensic Fundamentals
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of forensic methodology and key concepts, and be familiar with Windows filesystems and registry structure.
- Email Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the forensic examination of email communications, including client, web-based, mobile, and M365.
- Event Log Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the purpose of the various types of Windows event, service and application logs, and the forensic value that they can provide.
- File and Program Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by the Windows operating system during the execution of programs, or activity specific to folders and files.
- Forensic Artifact Techniques
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the approach and tools used to collect forensic evidence required for triage analysis.
- System and Device Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of file access artifacts created by the Windows operating system and USB devices.
- User Artifact Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the artifacts created by user account(s) and activity on current Windows operating systems.
7. Certified Digital Forensics Examiner (CDFE) from ICSI
In the CDFE Curse, you are able to capture images of memory, storage, network packets and logs and how to correlate them in order to draw conclusions. Finally, we will look at malware and threat analysis, which are more than ever relevant today.
Exam title: Certified Digital Forensics Examiner
Number of questions: 50
Type of questions: Performance-based multiple choice
Test duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Passing score: 70%
Language: English
Exam provider:
All ICSI Certification exams are web-based and required to be remotely proctored through ProctorU.Cost: GBP 200
Renewal:
Every three years
- Log File Analysis
Analyse a series of timestamps for events in a Windows event log.
- Email Header Analysis
Examine email headers and identify information contained in them.
- Memory Analysis
Analyse and identify various data from captured memory files.
- Registry File Analysis
Analyse offline registry files and identify critical data.
- File Hashing for Validation
Calculate hashes of individual files and folders for validation.
- Web Browser Analysis
Analyse internet cache and history files from web browsers to identify websites the user visited.
- File Analysis
Identify metadata stored in Microsoft Office files and digital photos.
- Timestamp and Timeline Analysis
Analyse a series of timestamps related to different events, such as creating a Microsoft Office file.
- JumpList Analysis
Analyse a series of jumplists and extract valuable information.
- Thumbnail Analysis
Analyse thumbnails and extract information such as timestamps and file names.
- Password Recovery
Crack password hashes extracted from a Windows operating system.
- Network File Analysis
Use Wireshark and extract information from captured network packets. Such information includes source, destination ports and IP addresses.
8. GIAC Advanced Smartphone Forensics (GASF) from GIAC.org
The ability to detect attacked systems, determine how and when a breach occurred, determine what the attackers have taken or changed in the target system, and, finally, present investigation findings in an official report to interested parties are all made possible by digital forensics certifications. A digital forensics certification is also required to fulfil specific employment requirements. Also, possessing this certification is seen to be the most fantastic way to demonstrate your proficiency in digital forensics, which is a talent that many departments and companies require.
Number of exam: 1 proctored exam
Number of questions: 75 questions
Exam time: 2 hours
Passing Score: 69%
- Android Backup and Cloud Storage Forensics
The candidate will be familiar with the various methodologies and platform specific resources used by Android devices when creating device and system backups
- Android Device Forensics and Analysis of File System, Evidence Locations and User Activity
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the techniques and tools used during the collection, preservation and analysis of Android mobile device data including the file system structure, user activity and common artifact locations.
- iOS Backup and Cloud Storage Forensics
The candidate will be familiar with the various methodologies and platform specific resources used by iOS devices when creating device and system backups
- iOS Device Forensics and Analysis of File System, Evidence Locations and User Activity
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the techniques and tools used during the collection, preservation and analysis of iOS mobile device data including the file system structure, user activity and common artifact locations.
- Mobile Forensics Introduction
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the techniques and tools used to collect and analyze data from Android and iOS mobile devices.
- Mobile Malware and Spyware Detection and Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of how mobile malware interacts with Android and iOS devices and the tools used to detect and analyze malicious activity.
- Third-party Application Artifact Analysis
The candidate will demonstrate an understanding of the tools and techniques used to review, analyze and investigate third party application activity.
- Third-party Application Forensics Introduction
The candidate will be familiar with artifacts created by third party applications on Android and iOS devices.
Jobs Offered to Forensic Certified Professionals
- Incident Response Team Members
- Threat Hunters
- SOC Analysts
- Experienced Digital Forensic Analysts
- Information Security Professionals
- Federal Agents and Law Enforcement Professionals
- Red Team Members, Penetration Testers, and Exploit Developers
- Digital Forensics Consultant
- Digital Forensics Engineer
CONCLUSION
The demand for qualified and skilled digital forensic investigators rises along with the prevalence of cyberattacks. Professional certifications are used by hiring managers to verify a candidate’s qualifications and experience. Digital forensic certifications provide validation to your skills and expertise.
While some certifications denote general knowledge of digital forensics, others are meant to demonstrate a person’s mastery of a specific investigative tool. Depending on the positions you’re interested in and whether the employer you want utilizes a forensic tool that gives a certification, you’ll need to decide which certification is best for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A bachelor’s degree is required to enter to earn the digital forensic certification. The bachelor degree in IT or computer science would give you the basic knowledge necessary to create the basics of learning the forensic concepts.
Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) by IACIS is one of the most pursued certifications in digital forensics. The professionals have experienced a great salary boost and skills development through CFCE credential.
Digital Forensics can earn from $70,000 to $220,000 per year. This meas that these certifications can exponentially increase your income.