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Certification and Licensing
Certifications are very important to success in this field. Numer-
ous certifications exist that focus on digital forensics. The two most
popular with employers are GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA),
which focuses more on information security and incident response,
and GIAC Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE), which focuses more
on law enforcement. The EC-Council’s Computer Hacking Foren-
sic Investigator (CHFI) is also a well-respected certification.
Depending on the geographical area where a digital foren-
sics investigator works, he or she may need to obtain a private
investigator license. In the United States, Texas, Michigan, and
Georgia all require licensure. In the United Kingdom, a license is
not required. The rules about licensing for this type of work are
still under debate, as it is not clear whether digital investigation
belongs under the same license as other types of investigation.
Internships and Mentors
Education and certification cannot entirely prepare a person to
work on real criminal cases. Irvine says, “Schools can give you a
great foundation, but case experience helps you put people behind
bars.” Internships are one way to get real-world experience. The
FBI offers an unpaid internship program and is specifically seeking
people pursuing an education in cybersecurity or digital forensics.
Internships in digital forensics are also available at many local jus-
tice departments as well as at some private companies and orga-
nizations. An internship is a great way to discover a mentor, or a
person who can offer career guidance and support. Irvine stresses
the importance of finding a mentor. “Computer Forensics is an ap-
prenticeship discipline,” he says. “You really learn the trade once
you’re in a seat working on real cases alongside a senior examiner.”
Skills and Personality
Success in this field requires a passion for justice. Though tech-
nical skills are essential, it is the drive to solve cases that keeps
most digital forensics investigators going. Irvine, who used to
work for the FBI, says, “I’ve had significantly better luck train-
ing investigators in the technical details of the job than I’ve had
