48
time, entry-level professionals transition into lead roles and take
responsibility for training the next generation. A person who starts
out at a local or state law enforcement agency may advance to
work for higher levels of the government. In the United States
this includes jobs at the CIA or FBI. Often these job opportuni-
ties require security clearance because the investigator will need
access to classified information. In a private business or orga-
nization, digital forensics investigators often transition into man-
agement roles or other areas of information security, particularly
incident response. The highest possible role at a private company
is that of chief information security officer.
What Is the Future Outlook for
Digital Forensics Investigators?
For anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a special agent,
detective, or investigator, digital forensics is an excellent choice.
The technical skills required to gather evidence from digital media
are in high demand. In 2014 and 2015 the FBI ran an advertising
campaign that aimed to attract cybersecurity experts to work as
agents. In an article for the campaign, Robert Anderson Jr., ex-
ecutive assistant director for the FBI’s Criminal, Cyber, Response,
and Services Branch, said, “We’re looking to hire a lot of cyber
agents now. It’s an area where the FBI and the whole U.S. gov-
ernment will be looking for this talent for years to come.” Cyber-
crime is everywhere these days. Investigative entities are strug-
gling to find enough people with the skills to solve these cases
and reduce the overall threat of cyberattacks.
Find Out More
CyberPatriot: The National Youth Cyber Education Program
1501 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA 22209
website:
