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all the disparate bits of information across a computer, or several,
to discover where [the child] might be.” The worst part of the job, in
his opinion, is deciding which cases are most important and which
have to wait. On crime shows like
CSI
, data analysis tends to take
seconds. But in reality, it often takes days or weeks to properly and
completely analyze evidence. The job of a digital forensics inves-
tigator is not as dramatic or exciting as a show like
CSI
makes it
seem. But it is certainly an important role that helps deliver justice
and keep society safe.
How Do You Become a Digital
Forensics Investigator?
Education
Earning a bachelor’s degree in digital forensics is the best way to
launch a career in this field. Course work for the degree will in-
clude classes on computer networks, programming, criminal law,
mobile device forensics, and more. However, this is not the only
way to get started as a digital forensics investigator. The job com-
bines two different skill sets: technical computer knowledge and
law enforcement. So an education in either of those areas will help
a person prepare for this job. For example, a bachelor’s degree
in information technology (IT), computer science, or engineering
builds strong technical and problem-solving skills. DiMino got his
degree in electrical engineering. He says, “Engineering especially
prepares someone to be a good forensic examiner. It makes you
be detail-oriented . . . it teaches you how to think and not to take
things at face value.”
Other people start out in law enforcement. Becoming a police
officer only requires a high school diploma, but candidates must go
through rigorous training at a police academy. An associate’s de-
gree in forensic science prepares a person for entry-level work as an
assistant or technician who gathers evidence from a crime scene.
With additional training in computer science or IT, police officers and
crime scene technicians can transition into digital forensics.
