Day in the Life of a Computer Forensics Investigator

Computer forensics investigators help law enforcement gather, preserve, and examine digital evidence related to criminal investigations. In addition to collecting evidence, digital forensics investigators communicate their findings by testifying in court cases and writing reports.

These professionals are at the forefront of an evolving landscape, constantly updating their understanding of new technologies and how they can be used to break laws.

Consider a career in computer forensics if you have an interest in cybersecurity and forensics. Find out where computer forensics investigators work as well as their day-to-day duties to decide whether this career is right for you.

What Is a Computer Forensics Investigator?

Computer forensics began as a field in the 1990s, when the FBI realized the need for new standard operating procedures to handle digital evidence. Computer forensics investigators use a mix of forensics and cybersecurity skills to find relevant digital evidence, analyze how the evidence supports ongoing investigations, and document their findings.

These professionals often find work in law enforcement agencies and state governments. Corporations also hire computer forensics investigators to help protect intellectual property or investigate fraud and security breaches.

Most computer forensics positions require at least a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer forensics, criminal justice, or a similar field. These jobs typically also require several years of experience, though earning an advanced degree may help applicants without relevant career history qualify for these roles.

What Does a Computer Forensics Investigator Do?

Computer forensics investigators collect and analyze digital evidence related to investigations. They document their findings with reports and may testify in court. As they gain experience, they can manage other computer forensics investigators or take on other responsibilities.

Computer forensics investigators work with law enforcement, legal staff, and IT specialists. They may work long hours or weekends to meet investigation-related deadlines. Because the material they gather is connected to digital crimes, they may come across sensitive or inappropriate information.

Computer forensics investigators need time management, attention to detail, and written and oral communication skills. Find out more about their daily responsibilities in the list of job duties below.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The Day-to-Day of a Computer Forensics Investigator

The day-to-day for computer forensics investigators vary based on the experience and specific role. Because many of these professionals work on still-developing criminal investigations, they may put in long hours, including weekends.

Senior-level positions, however, may involve less hands-on analysis work, instead focusing on talking to law enforcement and other clients to figure out what needs to be investigated, then delegating the work to a team of digital forensics professionals.

To stay abreast of how new and emerging technologies can be used to commit crimes, computer forensics investigators must also research and train themselves on these tools.

Where Do Computer Forensics Investigators Work?

As a computer forensics investigator, you can work for businesses, law enforcement agencies, government bodies, or as an independent contractor. Many computer forensics investigators work with law enforcement and government agencies to collect and analyze digital evidence for counterintelligence and criminal investigations. Federally employed digital forensics professionals typically work in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding areas.

Computer forensics investigators can work for businesses to analyze evidence for fraud and intellectual property cases. Some corporate jobs may pay more than government positions. According to March 2023 Payscale data, the average salary for computer forensics investigators is $75,530 per year.

Professional Spotlight: Greg Kelley

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What's a typical day like for you?

My role is a bit different, as I manage a team of analysts. I spend a lot of my time fielding calls from new and existing clients to consult with and scope out new work. That is followed up with me providing quotations for work and then organizing my staff to get the job done. Sprinkle in there some troubleshooting of tools or methods, performing forensic analysis on cases myself, and the occasional report writing.

What other teams do you work with on a regular basis?

Most often attorneys, including paralegals and litigation support specialists. Next would be in-house counsel and internal IT for my clients.

Is there a lot of collaboration in your role?

Yes, there is a good deal of collaboration with the groups I mentioned in question two above. On top of that, collaborating with my team to assign the tasks to those best suited to do it, along with arranging for testing of data and results.

Do you work in an office or from home (or a hybrid)?

Office. However, we do allow some of our staff to split time between home and office.

What's your favorite part of being a computer forensics investigator? The most challenging part?

The challenge is sometimes my favorite part. Being on the cutting edge of technology, in needing to know the effects of new features in operating systems and mobile devices. Having to understand the artifacts left behind by those new features and needing to get answers to that rapidly, because the second a new feature is out, you are going to run across it in some examination.

Any other insights about your day to day as a computer forensics investigator that may help people considering this career path?

It is not a 9-to-5 job, at least not all of the time. That said, work on yourself and take care of yourself to achieve a good work-life balance. Also, understand that to stay ahead of the game, you may have to take time outside of work to do some independent research, reading, or training. Consider if you want to work for the government, law enforcement, internal for a company, or as a consultant. Seek out and interview people in each of those environments. Try to understand what type of organization people start working for, where they move to, and why.

" ... work on yourself and take care of yourself to achieve a good work-life balance."

For whom do you think this career is a good fit? Why?

People that are very technical but can also take very technical concepts and make the average layperson understand it. We constantly interact with nontechnical people, so it is important for us to be able to explain to them technical concepts so that they can understand it.

Greg Kelley, EnCE, DFCP

Greg Kelley, EnCE, DFCP, is a founder and the chief technology officer of Vestige Digital Investigations. He leads Vestige's digital forensic services. His responsibilities include helping to determine strategic direction of the company and overseeing the day-to-day operations and internal information systems infrastructure. He helps in performing as well as managing the digital forensic investigations and leads the members of the Vestige team.

Greg has over 20 years of experience working in the computer industry, including custom software design and implementation, network management and security, database programming, disaster recovery, and end-user support. For the past 19 years, Greg has helped Vestige become one of the few companies capable of performing comprehensive digital forensic investigations. He has worked on criminal and civil matters covering areas such as intrusion and incident response, intellectual property theft, fraud, and uncovering hidden assets.

FAQ About a Computer Forensics Investigator's Typical Day