Appendix B: Education and Professional Certifications
Introduction
Digital forensics requires that individuals have strong information technology knowledge as well as formalized training of digital forensics principles, methodologies, techniques, and tools. These are essential and fundamental to maintaining the integrity, relevancy, and admissibility of digital evidence.
Professional Certifications
Internationally, there are several professional organizations that have established certifications and accreditations specific to the digital forensics profession. Predominantly, these certifications are provided by professional organizations with an industry-wide perspective on the digital forensics profession; however, there are a small number of certifications provided by merchants who sell digital forensics products and services.
It is important to keep in mind that while professional certifications provide assurance that an individual has met the required level of knowledge in digital forensics, these accreditations do not provide the in-depth level of education that formal academic program teach.
Although there may be some certifications missing in the list below, the following are examples of digital forensics accreditations grouped, and alphabetically ordered, by professional organization. It is also important to note that the inclusion of these certifying bodies does not suggest that they are better than or recommended over other professional organizations that are not included in the list below.
Industry-Neutral Certifications
• 7SAFE
• Certified Corporate Digital Investigator
• Certified Cyber Investigator
• Certified Data Collection Technician
• Certified Forensic Investigation Practitioner
• Certified Forensic Investigation Specialist
• Certified Linux Forensic Practitioner
• Certified MAC Forensics Specialist
• Certified Malware Investigator
• American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International
• Professional Certified Investigator (PCI)
• Digital Forensics Certification Board (DFCB)
• Digital Forensics Certified Practitioner
• International Council of Electronic Commerce Consultants (EC-Council)
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
• High Tech Crime Network (HTCN)
• Certified Computer Crime Investigator (CCCI) Basic
• Certified Computer Crime Investigator (CCCI) Advanced
• Certified Computer Forensic Technician (CCFT) Basic
• Certified Computer Forensic Technician (CCFT) Advanced
• Information Assurance Certification Review Board (IACRB)
• Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE)
• International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS)
• Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
• Certified Advanced Windows Forensic Examiner (CAWFE)
• International Information Systems Forensic Association (IISFA)
• Certified Information Forensics Investigator (CIFI)
• International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners (ISFCE)
• Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
• SysAdmin, Audit, Networking, and Security (SANS)
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)—Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA)
• Global Information Assurance Certification (GIAC)—Certified Forensic Examiner (GCFE)
Vendor-Specific Trainings and Certifications
• AccessData
• AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
• AccessData Mobile Phone Examiner (AME)
• BlackBag Technologies
• Certified BlackLight Examiner (CBE)
• Macintosh & iOS Certified Forensic Examiner (MiCFE)
• OpenText
• Encase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
• Certified Forensic Security Responder (CFSR)
Formal Education Programs
At the highest level of training, a working and practical knowledge of all areas of digital forensics must be gained. Individuals who must meet this level of knowledge are those who must have the skills and competencies necessary to ensure that all principles, methodologies, and techniques are upheld in support of their organization’s digital forensics program.
Working directly in digital forensics requires individuals to have a significant amount of training and technical skills to comprehend and consistently apply the profession’s well-established scientific fundamentals. The information provided at this level is extremely detailed and requires individuals to have strong working and practical knowledge.
The number of higher/post-secondary institutions offering education programs focusing specifically on digital forensics has grown extensively. While each education program is slightly different in the curriculum offered, they all cover the fundamental principles, methodologies, and techniques of digital forensics as required for individuals who are directly involved in the investigative workflow.
While there might be some higher/post-secondary institutions absent, the following is a list of digital forensics education programs grouped/ordered by geographical location and then ordered by the educational institution’s name. It is important to note that inclusion of these digital forensics education programs does not suggest that these are better than or recommended over other digital forensics education programs that are not included.
Australia
• Charles Sturt University
• Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Security (Digital Forensics)
• Master of Information Systems Security (Digital Forensics)
• Master of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics
• Edith Cowan University
• Master of Digital Forensics
• Macquarie University
• Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Forensics (PGDipCFR)
• Postgraduate Certificate in Computer Forensics (PCertCFR)
• Melbourne University
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
• Master of e-Forensics and Enterprise Security
• University of New South Wales
• Master of Cyber Security (Digital Forensics)
• University of South Australia (UniSA)
• Graduate Certificate in Science (Forensic Computing)
• Master of Science (Information Assurance)
• Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne
• Graduate Certificate in eForensics
Canada
• BCIT Centre for Forensics and Security Technology Studies
• Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Forensic Investigation—Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option
• Advanced Certificate in Forensic Investigation—Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity Option
• Canadian Police College Technological Crime Learning Institute
• Advanced Internet Child Exploitation (AICE)
• Canadian Internet Child Exploitation (CICEC)
• Cell Phone Seizure and Analysis (CSAC)
• Computer Forensic Examiner (CMPFOR)
• Digital Technologies for Investigators (DTIC)
• Internet Evidence Analysis (IEAC)
• Live Analysis Workshop (LAW)
• Network Investigative Techniques (NITC)
• Using the Internet as an Intelligence Tool (INTINT)
• Advanced Computer Forensic Workshop (ACFW)
• Registry Analysis Workshop (RAW)
• Wireless Networks Workshop (WNETW)
• Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montreal’s Engineering School
• Certificat en cyberenquête
• Fleming College
• Computer Security and Investigations program
• Ryerson University
• Computer Security and Digital Forensics
England
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing
• MSc by Research in Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity
• Coventry University
• Forensic Computing MSc
• Cranfield University (based at the Defence Academy of the UK)
• Forensic Computing MSc/PgDip/PgCert
• De Montfort University
• Forensic Computing MSc/PG Dip/PG Cert
• University of Derby
• BSc (Hons) Computer Forensic Investigation
• MSc Computer Forensic Investigation
• University of Gloucestershire
• Forensic Computing Honours degree (3 or 4 year sandwich)
• Computer & Cyber Forensics BSc (Hons)
• University of Greenwich
• BSc (Hons) Computer Security and Forensics
• Computer Forensics and Systems Security, MSc
• Kingston University
• Cyber Security and Computer Forensics BSc (Hons)
• Leeds Beckett University
• BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics
• BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics & Security
• MSc Digital Forensics & Security
• University of East London
• Information Security and Computer Forensics (ISCF) Block Mode MSc
• London Metropolitan University
• Computer Forensics and IT Security (BSc Hons—Single)
• Computer Networking and Computer Forensics (BSc Hons—single)
• Computer Forensics and IT Security (MSc)
• Middlesex University
• BSc Honours Forensic Computing
• MSc E-security and Digital Forensics
• Northumbria University
• Digital and Computer Forensics BSc (Hons)
• Computer Networks and Cyber Security BSc (Hons)
• The Open University
• Introduction to Computer Forensics and Investigations
• Digital Forensics
• University of Portsmouth
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing
• MSc Forensic Information Technology
• Sheffield Hallam University
• BSc (Honours) Computer Security with Forensics
• Staffordshire University
• Forensic Computing BSc (Hons)
• Cyber Security BSc (Hons)
• Digital Forensics and Cybercrime Analysis MSc, Postgraduate Certificate (PgC), Postgraduate Diploma (PgD)
• University of Sunderland
• BSc (Hons) Computer Forensics
• Teesside University
• BSc (Hons) Computer and Digital Forensics
• BSc (Hons) Computer and Digital Forensics (Extended)
• BSc (Hons) Computer and Digital Forensics with Professional Experience
• BSc (Hons) Computer and Digital Forensics with Professional Experience (Extended)
• University of the West of England
• BSc (Hons) Forensic Computing
India
• Institute of Forensic Science, Mumbai
• Post Graduate diploma in Digital and Cyber Forensic and related Law
Ireland
• Blanchardstown Institute of Technology
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computing in Digital Forensics and Cyber Security
• University College Dublin
• Forensic Computing and Cybercrime Investigation (FCCI) Programme
• MSc Digital Investigation and Forensic Computing
• Dublin City University
• MSc in Security and Forensic Computing
Italy
• University of Bologna
• Forensic Computer Science
• University of Piemonte Orientale
• Corso di Informatica Forense
Netherlands
• Hogeschool Leiden
• Forensisch ICT
• Digital Forensics & E-Discovery
Scotland
• Edinburgh Napier University
• Computer Security & Forensics BEng/BEng (Hons)
• Glasgow Caledonian University
• Digital Security, Forensics and Ethical Hacking BEng/BEng (Hons)
South Africa
• University of Cape Town (UCT)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Information Systems (CG022)—INF4016W: Computer Forensics
Sweden
• Högskolan i Halmstad
• IT-forensik och informationssäkerhet, 120/180 hp
United Kingdom
• Bournemouth University
• Forensic Investigations BSc
• Forensic Computing and Security BSc
United State of America
• American InterContinental University
• Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT): Specialization in Digital Investigations
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• Digital Forensics (B.S.)
• Boston University
• Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate
• Bristol Community College
• Associate Degree in Science in Computer Information Systems (Computer Forensics)
• Bunker Hill Community College
• Digital And Computer Forensics And Investigations Option—Computer Information Technology Program—(Associate in Science Degrees)
• Butler County Community College
• Computer Information Systems—Computer Forensics and Security, A.A.S.
• California State University, Fullerton
• Certificate In Computer Forensics I
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Master of Science in Information Security Technology and Management (MSISTM)—Cyber Forensics and Incident Response
• Catawba Valley Community College
• Cyber Crime Technology
• Central Piedmont Community College
• Digital Evidence Training
• Century College
• Computer Forensics—Associate in Applied Science Degree, Computer Forensics—Certificate
• Champlain College
• Bachelor of Science, Computer & Digital Forensics
• Bachelor of Science, Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations Degree (online)
• Computer Forensics & Digital Investigations Certificate (online)
• Master of Science in Digital Forensic Management
• Master of Science in Digital Forensic Science
• Chestnut Hill College
• Certificate in Computer Forensics and Electronic Discovery
• College of Western Idaho
• Information Technology: Information Security and Forensics
• Colorado State University-Pueblo
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Information Systems (CIS)—CIS 462/562, Computer Forensics and Investigations
• Community College of Philadelphia
• Computer Forensics Courses
• Dakota State University
• MSIS Information Assurance (Forensics Classes)
• Defiance College
• Digital Forensic Science (Bachelor of Science degree)
• DeSales University
• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Online with a concentration in Computer Forensics
• DeVry University
• Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems with a Specialized Track in Computer Forensics
• Dixie State University
• BS in Criminal Justice—Digital Forensics Emphasis (PDF file)
• Drexel University
• Minor in Computer Crime
• B.S. in Computing and Security Technology—Concentration: Computing Security—CT 212 Computer Forensics (Elective)
• Florida State College
• Computer Forensics Technician (6947)
• Fountainhead College of Technology
• Network Security and Forensics
• George Mason University
• MS in Computer Forensics
• Herkimer County Community College
• Cybersecurity A.S.
• Highline Community College
• Data Recovery / Forensic Specialist (Certificate & AAS options)
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• Computer and Network Forensics, IT 538
• Iowa State University
• CprE 536: Computer and Network Forensics
• James Madison University
• Master’s Degree in Computer Science concentration in Digital Forensics
• Johns Hopkins University
• MSc Security Informatics (650.457 Computer Forensics, 650.657 Advanced Topics in Computer Forensics)
• John Jay College of Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, Certificate in Applied Digital Forensic Science
• Kaplan University—Hagerstown Campus
• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
• Computer Forensics Post Baccalaureate Certificate
• Kennesaw State University
• ISA 4350. Computer Forensics. 3-0-3.
• Lamar Institute of Technology
• ITDF 1300 Introduction to Digital Forensics 3:3:0
• Lawrence Technological University
• Graduate Certificate in Information Assurance Management (MIS5213 High Tech Cyber Crime)
• Marshall University
• Computer and Information Technology Major—Computer Forensics Area of Emphasis
• Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensics
• Master of Science Degree Program—Emphasis on Digital Forensics
• Middlesex Community College
• Certificate and Associate Degree Programs in Computer Forensics
• Regis University
• Information Assurance Certificate (options available in Computer Forensics and Network Forensics)
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
• BS in Information Security and Forensics (ISF)
• St. Ambrose University
• BA in Computer Investigations and Criminal Justice
• St. Petersburg College
• Digital Forensics and Computer Investigations (A.S. Degree and Certificate)
• Solano Community College
• Certificate and Associate Science Degree in Criminal Justice: Computer Forensics
• Stanly Community College
• Cyber Crime Technology
• Stark State College
• Cyber Security and Computer Forensics Technology
• The George Washington University
• Master of Science in the field of High Technology Crime Investigation (HTCI)
• Tompkins Cortland Community College
• Computer Forensics A.A.S. Degree
• University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB)
• Master of Science in Computer Forensics and Security Management (MSCFSM)
• University of Advancing Technology
• BS in Technology Forensics
• University of Central Florida
• Certificate Program
• Master of Science in Digital Forensics (MSDF)
• University of Northwestern Ohio
• Computer Forensics Associate Degree (pdf)
• University of Rhode Island (USA)
• Digital Forensics Minor
• Digital Forensics Professional Certificate (online)
• Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate (online)
• Computer Science Master’s degree with a concentration in Digital Forensics
• PhD with a concentration in Digital Forensics
• University of Texas at Arlington
• CRCJ 3320 Cybercrime (pdf)
• University of Texas at San Antonio
• M.S. I.T. and Infrastructure Assurance—6363 Computer Forensics class
• University of Washington in Seattle
• Certificate in Digital Forensics
• Utica College
• Online Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Bachelor’s program (Cybercrime Investigations and Forensics Concentration Courses)
• Walsh College
• Digital Forensics Certificate
• Waynesburg University
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Security (Computer Forensics)
• West Virginia University
• Certificate in Computer Forensics
• Westchester Community College
• Computer Security and Forensics Certificate
• Computer Security and Forensics A.A.S.
• Westwood College
• Major in Computer Forensics
• Major in Computer Forensics Online
• Wilmington University
• Computer and Network Security Bachelor of Science (credits in Electronic Discovery and Computer Forensics)
Wales
• Cardiff University
• Computer Science with Security and Forensics (BSc)
• Computer Science with Security and Forensics with a year in industry (BSc)