Computer Forensics

Term from Law Enforcement industry explained for recruiters

Computer Forensics is the practice of collecting and examining digital evidence for legal purposes. It's like being a digital detective - professionals in this field recover and investigate material found in digital devices, often for use in legal cases or internal investigations. When a company experiences data theft or when law enforcement needs to examine a suspect's computer, they call in Computer Forensics experts. You might also see this called "Digital Forensics," "Cyber Forensics," or "Digital Investigation" - they all mean essentially the same thing.

Examples in Resumes

Led Computer Forensics investigations resulting in successful prosecution of cyber crime cases

Conducted Digital Forensics analysis of mobile devices and computers in fraud investigations

Performed Cyber Forensics examinations and wrote detailed reports for court proceedings

Managed Computer Forensics lab and maintained chain of custody for digital evidence

Typical job title: "Computer Forensics Investigators"

Also try searching for:

Digital Forensics Examiner Cyber Forensics Analyst Computer Crime Investigator Digital Evidence Specialist Forensic Technology Specialist Computer Forensics Technician

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a large-scale corporate investigation involving multiple devices and locations?

Expected Answer: A senior investigator should explain their approach to managing complex cases, including team coordination, evidence preservation methods, and maintaining proper documentation throughout the investigation process.

Q: What experience do you have with testifying in court about digital evidence?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in preparing and presenting evidence in court, explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and maintaining professional composure under cross-examination.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you ensure the integrity of digital evidence during an investigation?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic evidence handling procedures, documentation methods, and tools used to create exact copies of digital evidence without altering the original.

Q: What steps would you take when investigating a compromised computer?

Expected Answer: Should describe the standard procedure for securing and examining a compromised system, including documentation, evidence collection, and basic analysis methods.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is chain of custody and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that chain of custody is tracking who had access to evidence and when, and why this documentation is crucial for court cases.

Q: What basic tools would you use to create a copy of a hard drive?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic forensic copying tools and understand why working from copies rather than original evidence is important.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic evidence handling procedures
  • Simple data recovery techniques
  • Documentation and report writing
  • Basic investigative tools usage

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex data recovery and analysis
  • Mobile device investigation
  • Court testimony experience
  • Evidence handling certification

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced investigation techniques
  • Team leadership and case management
  • Expert court testimony
  • Complex corporate investigations

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No understanding of evidence handling procedures
  • Lack of attention to detail in documentation
  • No knowledge of legal requirements for digital evidence
  • Poor communication skills for explaining technical findings
  • No experience with chain of custody procedures

Related Terms