👨🏻💻 Aspiring DFIR Professionals
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) is a career path in the digital forensics field. DFIR professionals, use their skills to gather evidence from computer systems and networks that have been compromised, destroyed, or otherwise compromised by an attacker. They also perform post-incident analysis on systems that were successfully attacked by the attacker.
💻 Digital Forensics Investigator
As a digital forensic investigator, you will be responsible for collecting evidence and analyzing it to determine what happened and how it happened. You’ll also need to understand the wider context of your case, including its legal implications.
For example, if you’re investigating an incident where sensitive data has been stolen from corporate servers by hackers, then your role is more than just finding out where those files are located — it’s about determining whether they were really stolen at all! In this case, there may be several possible scenarios: either no one took any files at all (in which case we’ll know something went wrong) or someone did take some data but didn’t want us to know about it so they covered up their tracks well enough so as not raise suspicions among colleagues who might otherwise notice something suspicious going on within our own organization’s network infrastructure (if such things do exist).
🛡️ Incident Responder
An incident responder is a person who responds to cyber incidents. They can be either full-time or part-time employees of an organization, but they are usually hired by the organization for specific tasks. Incident responders need certain qualifications to perform their job well:
■ Experience with incident handling software (such as EDR, SIEM)
■ Good communication skills and teamwork skills
■ Knowledge of networking protocols like IP addressing and TCP/UDP ports
🕵🏼 The Reality of Becoming a Digital Forensics Investigator
If you’re interested in becoming a digital forensics investigator, it’s important to understand that the job is hard. You must be good at math and science, as well as have a logical mind. You also need to be able to think outside the box, because there are many scenarios where you’ll be required to analyze data from different sources and make decisions based on what you see.
In addition, becoming an expert in this field requires working with people from all walks of life — including victims’ families or even suspects themselves (in some cases). As such, it’s essential that candidates possess strong interpersonal skills so they can overcome any obstacles along their path toward success.
👁️🗨️DFIR as an Expert Witness
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioners may be called upon to serve as expert witnesses in legal proceedings. As an expert witness, a DFIR practitioner would be responsible for providing expert testimony on technical matters related to a case, such as the cause of an incident or the evidence collected during an investigation.
To serve as an expert witness, a DFIR practitioner must have a high level of knowledge and expertise in their field. This includes a deep understanding of the technical concepts and procedures involved in DFIR, as well as the ability to explain these concepts clearly and accurately to non-technical audiences.
In addition to their technical expertise, a DFIR practitioner serving as an expert witness must also be familiar with the legal process and the role of an expert witness. This includes an understanding of the rules of evidence and the requirements for expert testimony, as well as the ability to effectively communicate with attorneys and other legal professionals.
Serving as an expert witness can be a challenging and demanding role, but it can also be a rewarding experience for DFIR practitioners who are able to effectively apply their knowledge and expertise to support the legal process.
👨🚀 DFIR as a Consultant
DFIR (Digital Forensics and Incident Response) consultants are professionals who specialize in investigating and responding to cyber security incidents, such as data breaches or malware infections. DFIR consultants typically have extensive experience and knowledge in the fields of digital forensics and incident response and are skilled in using a variety of tools and techniques to identify and investigate security incidents.
As a DFIR consultant, you would be responsible for working with clients to understand the nature of their security incident and help them identify the cause of the incident and any potential impacts. This could involve conducting forensic analysis of digital evidence, such as computer systems and networks, to identify the source of the incident and determine the extent of the damage. You would also work with clients to develop and implement a response plan to contain the incident and prevent further damage, and provide recommendations for improving their security posture to prevent future incidents.
DFIR consultants typically work with clients in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, government, and technology. The role can be challenging and may require working long hours and responding to urgent situations, but can also be rewarding as you help clients protect their critical assets and data.
☎️ DFIR as a Retainer
A DFIR (Digital Forensics and Incident Response) retainer is a contract between a DFIR consultant and a client in which the client pays the consultant a fee in advance for a specified period of time in order to retain the consultant’s services. The retainer typically includes a certain number of hours of the consultant’s time, which the client can use for DFIR services such as incident response, forensic analysis, or security assessments.
As a DFIR consultant, offering a retainer option to your clients can be a good way to establish a long-term working relationship and provide your clients with access to your expertise on an ongoing basis. This can be especially useful for clients who are at high risk of cyber security incidents and want to be prepared to respond quickly and effectively if an incident occurs.
In a DFIR retainer arrangement, the client typically pays a fixed fee upfront for a specified period of time, such as six months or a year. The consultant then provides the agreed-upon number of hours of services during that time period. The retainer fee can be based on the number of hours included in the retainer, the level of expertise of the consultant, and the complexity of the work involved. The retainer can also include additional services or features, such as priority response times or access to specialized tools and resources.
💰 DFIR Salary for Professionals
The salary for a Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioner can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the practitioner’s level of experience, their education and certifications, and the specific industry or organization they work for.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a DFIR practitioner in the United States is $87,894 per year. However, salaries can range from as low as $58,000 per year for entry-level positions to over $120,000 per year for experienced practitioners with advanced skills and certifications.
In addition to their base salary, DFIR practitioners may also be eligible for bonuses, profit sharing, and other forms of compensation, depending on their employer and the specific terms of their employment.
Overall, the salary for a DFIR practitioner can vary depending on a number of factors, but with the right skills and experience, a DFIR practitioner can earn a competitive salary in this field.
👮♀️ DFIR Professional Demands Globally
The demand for digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) professionals is high globally, as these individuals are essential for helping organizations respond to cyber-attacks and other security incidents. With the increasing reliance on technology and the growing threat of cybercrime, the need for DFIR professionals is only expected to continue to rise in the future. As a result, individuals with the necessary skills and expertise in this field are in high demand and can expect to have numerous career opportunities available to them.
🥋 General DFIR Skillset (IT/InfoSec)
Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) is a specialized field that involves using a variety of tools and techniques to investigate and respond to computer-related incidents. To be effective in DFIR, an individual should have a strong foundation in computer science and be proficient in several skills, including:
■ Networking and network analysis
■ Operating system knowledge (e.g., Windows, Linux, macOS)
■ Computer hardware and firmware
■ Data structures and algorithms
■ Scripting and programming languages (e.g., Bash, Python, JavaScript)
■ Data recovery and restoration
■ Cryptography and encryption
■ Cybersecurity and cyber threats
■ Cloud computing (e.g., GCP, AWS, Azure)
■ Legal and ethical issues related to digital investigations
In addition to these technical skills, DFIR professionals should also have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and collaboration abilities to work effectively with a team.
👷🏻 DFIR Skillset for Operational Technology (OT)
Digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) skills are also relevant for investigating incidents in operational technology (OT) environments. OT refers to the technologies used to control and monitor physical processes in industries such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. In these environments, DFIR professionals may need to have additional skills and knowledge, including:
■ Knowledge of industrial control systems (ICS), including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
■ Experience with protocols used in OT networks, such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 60870–5
■ Familiarity with industrial automation and process control systems
■ Understanding of the unique security challenges faced by OT environments, such as the potential impact of cyber incidents on physical processes
In addition to the technical skills listed above, DFIR professionals working in OT environments should also have a strong understanding of the specific processes and equipment used in the industry they are working in, as well as the potential consequences of a cyber incident on those processes. This knowledge is essential for conducting effective investigations and providing effective responses and recovery strategies.
🌐 DFIR Skillset for Internet of Things (IoT)
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) skills are essential for investigating incidents involving Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Some of the key skills that a DFIR practitioner should have when dealing with IoT devices include:
■ Familiarity with the various types of IoT devices and their capabilities: IoT devices come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and each type of device has its own unique features and capabilities. A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of the different types of IoT devices and their capabilities to effectively investigate incidents involving these devices.
■ Knowledge of the protocols and technologies used by IoT devices: IoT devices use a variety of protocols and technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and ZigBee, to communicate with other devices and the internet. A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of these protocols and technologies to effectively investigate incidents involving IoT devices.
■ Expertise in forensic tools and techniques: To effectively investigate incidents involving IoT devices, a DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of forensic tools and techniques. This includes the ability to use forensic tools to extract data from IoT devices, as well as the ability to analyze the data to identify any potential signs of malicious activity.
■ Knowledge of data privacy and security laws: In many cases, incidents involving IoT devices may involve sensitive personal data or other sensitive information. A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of data privacy and security laws, as well as the appropriate steps to take when handling sensitive data during an investigation.
■ Strong communication and collaboration skills: IoT investigations often involve working with other members of the DFIR team, as well as other stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies or regulators. A DFIR practitioner should have strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with these stakeholders and gather the necessary information for the investigation.
💭 DFIR Skillset for Cloud
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) skills are essential for investigating incidents involving cloud computing environments. Some of the key skills that a DFIR practitioner should have when dealing with cloud environments include:
■ Familiarity with the various types of cloud services and architectures: Cloud computing environments can take many different forms, such as infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS), platform-as-a-service (PaaS), or software-as-a-service (SaaS). A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of the different types of cloud services and architectures to effectively investigate incidents involving these environments.
■ Knowledge of the protocols and technologies used by cloud environments: Cloud environments use a variety of protocols and technologies, such as HTTP, HTTPS, and TCP/IP, to communicate with other devices and the internet. A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of these protocols and technologies to effectively investigate incidents involving cloud environments.
■ Expertise in forensic tools and techniques: To effectively investigate incidents involving cloud environments, a DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of forensic tools and techniques. This includes the ability to use forensic tools to extract data from cloud environments, as well as the ability to analyze the data to identify any potential signs of malicious activity.
■ Knowledge of data privacy and security laws: In many cases, incidents involving cloud environments may involve sensitive personal data or other sensitive information. A DFIR practitioner should have a good understanding of data privacy and security laws, as well as the appropriate steps to take when handling sensitive data during an investigation.
■ Strong communication and collaboration skills: Cloud investigations often involve working with other members of the DFIR team, as well as other stakeholders, such as cloud service providers or law enforcement agencies. A DFIR practitioner should have strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with these stakeholders and gather the necessary information for the investigation.
🦠 Malware Analysis Skillset as a DFIR Professional
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioners who specialize in malware analysis should have a specific set of skills to effectively investigate incidents involving malicious software. Some of the key skills that a malware analyst should have include:
■ Familiarity with the various types of malware and their capabilities: Malware comes in many different forms, such as viruses, worms, trojans, and ransomware. A malware analyst should have a good understanding of the different types of malware and their capabilities to effectively investigate incidents involving these threats.
■ Expertise in reverse engineering techniques: To understand how malware works, a malware analyst must be able to reverse engineer the code and analyze its behavior. This requires a good understanding of programming languages and debugging tools.
■ Knowledge of the tools and techniques used by malware: Malware often uses specific tools and techniques to evade detection and persist on a system. A malware analyst should have a good understanding of these tools and techniques to effectively investigate incidents involving malware.
■ Expertise in forensic tools and techniques: To effectively investigate incidents involving malware, a malware analyst should have a good understanding of forensic tools and techniques. This includes the ability to use forensic tools to extract data from infected systems, as well as the ability to analyze the data to identify any potential signs of malicious activity.
■ Strong communication and collaboration skills: Malware investigations often involve working with other members of the DFIR team, as well as other stakeholders, such as law enforcement agencies or security researchers. A malware analyst should have strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with these stakeholders and gather the necessary information for the investigation.
👨🏻🏫 Threat Hunting Skillset for DFIR
Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioners who specialize in threat hunting should have a specific set of skills to effectively identify and investigate potential threats to an organization’s network and systems. Some of the key skills that a threat hunter should have include:
■ Familiarity with the various types of cyber threats and their capabilities: Threats to an organization’s network and systems can take many different forms, such as malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, and network intrusions. A threat hunter should have a good understanding of the different types of threats and their capabilities to effectively identify and investigate these threats.
■ Knowledge of the tools and techniques used by cyber attackers: Cyber attackers often use specific tools and techniques to compromise networks and systems, such as malware, exploit kits, and social engineering tactics. A threat hunter should have a good understanding of these tools and techniques to effectively identify and investigate potential threats.
■ Expertise in forensic tools and techniques: To effectively identify and investigate potential threats, a threat hunter should have a good understanding of forensic tools and techniques. This includes the ability to use forensic tools to extract data from compromised systems, as well as the ability to analyze the data to identify any potential signs of malicious activity.
■ Strong analytical and problem-solving skills: Threat hunting requires the ability to analyze large amounts of data from multiple sources, identify patterns and anomalies, and develop hypotheses about potential threats. A threat hunter should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to effectively identify and investigate potential threats.
Strong communication and collaboration skills: Threat hunting often involves working with other members of the DFIR team, as well as other stakeholders, such as security analysts and network administrators. A threat hunter should have strong communication and collaboration skills to effectively work with these stakeholders and gather the necessary information for the investigation.
🧰 DFIR Tools of Trade (FOSS)
There are many open-source tools available for Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) practitioners. Some of the most used open-source tools in the DFIR field include:
■ Autopsy: Autopsy is a digital forensics platform that allows investigators to analyze data from computers and mobile devices. It is built on the open-source Sleuth Kit and includes features such as a graphical user interface, a keyword search, and support for common file formats.
■ Volatility: Volatility is a memory forensics tool that allows investigators to extract and analyze data from a computer’s memory dump. It supports a wide range of memory dumps and operating systems and includes features such as plugin support and the ability to identify and analyze malicious code in memory.
■ The Sleuth Kit: The Sleuth Kit is a suite of open-source forensic tools that allow investigators to analyze data from hard drives and other storage media. It includes tools for examining file systems, carving files, and examining disk images.
■ Wireshark: Wireshark is a network protocol analyzer that allows investigators to capture and analyze data packets on a network. It supports a wide range of protocols and includes features such as filtering, coloring rules, and the ability to extract files from network traffic.
■ RegRipper: RegRipper is a tool for analyzing the Windows registry. It allows investigators to extract and analyze data from the registry and includes plugins for common forensic tasks such as identifying user activity and examining Autostart locations.
🎓 General Education Needed
To become a digital forensics and incident response (DFIR) professional, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is typically required. Some universities also offer specialized degree programs in DFIR. Additionally, many organizations that employ DFIR professionals may require employees to hold certain certifications, such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE).
■ A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or information technology, is typically the minimum education requirement for a career in DFIR.
■ A master’s degree in DFIR or a related field can provide advanced training and increase job prospects.
■ Some organizations may require employees to hold certain certifications, such as the CFCE.
In addition to formal education, practical experience is also essential for success in the DFIR field. This can be gained through internships, part-time jobs, or other hands-on experience working with digital forensic tools and techniques.
🦉 How to be Proficient in DFIR
To become proficient in digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), there are a few key steps you can take. First, you should become familiar with the tools and technologies used in the field, such as forensic software and hardware. You should also develop a strong understanding of the legal and ethical issues surrounding digital forensics. It can also be helpful to gain hands-on experience by participating in DFIR-related events, such as capture-the-flag competitions or training courses. Additionally, staying up to date with the latest developments in the field by reading relevant blogs and articles can help you stay current. Finally, consider obtaining a certification, such as the Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), to demonstrate your expertise in the field.
💡 Conclusion
If you’re interested in becoming a digital forensics investigator, there are many different options. You can become one by getting your college degree or going straight into the field with no formal education. But if you have an interest in this area and want to pursue it further, then take the time to learn about the career path from someone who has been down this road before.