What are the Top 5 Computer Forensics Certifications?
Computer forensics is a highly sought-after IT stream. Computer forensics certifications are still a frontier. We have compiled a list of the top five choices from over two dozen available credentials. There are many high-quality certification programs that focus on digital investigations and computerforensics. There are also other certifications and packages that might be less clear, comprehensive, and widely recognized.
What is driving this demand for brand-new computer forensics packages? Consider the following:
Cyber crime has been a growing threat for some time. New cyber crimes are being reported and more investigations are needed. Certified investigators are also needed. This is great news for both regulation enforcement and private investigators who are experts in computer forensics.
As almost every police division requires qualified candidates with the appropriate credentials, there is a high demand for computer forensics professionals. While the exact outcomes may vary from day to day (and job board by job board), Table 1 gives you an idea of the various computer forensic jobs that require specific certifications.
Certifications
Fee Structure
CHFI: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator V9
$600 USD
CFCE: Certified Forensic Computer Examiner
$750 USD
CCE: Certified Computer Examiner
$485 USD
CSFA: Cyber Security Forensic Analyst
$750 USD
GCF and GCFA Certifications
$1999 USA
CHFI: Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator V8
The International Council of E-Commerce Consultants, also known as EC-Council, is a well-known coaching and certification group that focuses primarily on anti-hacking and computer forensics. Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator V9 certification focuses on forensics tools, analytical strategies and procedures that are involved in acquiring, sustaining, and presenting computer-forensic evidence and information in a courtroom.
The CHFI course lasts five days and covers a wide range of topics and instruments. (A detailed course description is available). It includes a comprehensive cyber crime overview and comprehensive protection of the computerforensics investigation course. It covers search and seizure, incident handling, and first responder procedures. It also includes the gathering of non-volatile and risky information from a Home Windows computer, recovering deleted information from Windows, Macintosh and Linux programs, using Access Data Forensic Toolkit and EnCase instruments and steganography, steganalysis and picture file forensics. It also includes password cracking, logs-capturing strategies and devices, investigating community site visitors and investigating e-mail crimes, wireless assaults, Internet attacks and e mail crimes. You can also purchase courseware and instructor-led classroom coaching.
The EC-Council also offers credentials in related areas such as disaster recovery, encryption and community protection structure. For more information on these revered credentials, visit the EC-Council website.
CFCE: Certified Forensic Computer Examiner
The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists is responsible for the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner credential. This group primarily targets regulation enforcement personnel. The group also offers an affiliate membership for retired law enforcement officers and contractors to law-enforcement agencies.
To earn the CFCE, you must complete a two-step test course that includes a peer assessment and CFCE certification testing. The peer assessment involves accepting and completing 4 practical issues that are based mainly on core data and expertise areas. These must be solved and then presented to a mentor for preliminary analysis. Candidates have 30 days to complete each of the practical issues. Candidates are permitted to move on to the certification section after passing the peer assessment. During this time, candidates work independently to investigate and report on a forensic image of a desperate drive that was presented to them. The exhausting drive is allowed to be completed in forty days. A written report will be prepared to document the candidate’s actions, findings and recommendations.
Candidates should have at least 72 hours of coaching focused on core competencies before they attempt to obtain the CFCE credential. This credential is worth the effort and cost involved in earning it. It also has a glorious title recognition.
