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Getting into the industry/Getting certs

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(@kkie21)
Posts: 6
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hello

I'm currently in my final year of university studying computer forensics and security. I'm looking to do a certification once I have finished and also looking to get into the industry of computer forensics or computer security.

Can anyone suggest any more beneficial certifications that are available which will give more of a chance to get into either field?

Also is there any advise of things I could do which would impress, further my chances or just give me that edge over other candidates?

What is it employers are looking for?
What do they want you to have before they consider you?
Is a degree enough or is experience essential?

I have done portfolios of forensics work which include forensic images of analysis of personal drives and created reports. I have created a professional report which would be presented in a court if it was a real case.
I have also done a portfolio on securing systems, detecting malware and analyzing malware.
Would these be beneficial when applying for a position?

Thanks

 
Posted : 12/12/2015 7:34 pm
keydet89
(@keydet89)
Posts: 3568
Famed Member
 

Can anyone suggest any more beneficial certifications that are available which will give more of a chance to get into either field?

"Any more beneficial certifications", besides what? It sounds as if you have some certs…if you shared which ones, maybe that would make it easier for others to make recommendations.

What is it employers are looking for?
What do they want you to have before they consider you?
Is a degree enough or is experience essential?

When you've looked at position listings or descriptions for various companies, what have you seen?

 
Posted : 13/12/2015 12:40 am
BraindeadVirtually
(@braindeadvirtually)
Posts: 115
Estimable Member
 

Pretty much all job descriptions ask for EnCE or ACE as a plus point, this isn't usually essential for graduate level positions but would set you apart. If you can get access to Encase or FTK while you are studying and have the time and funds to do one of these certs, that would prove that you can hit the ground running relatively speaking. It's astonishing how many CF grads cannot perform the most basic forensic tasks than an employer will ask of you, ACE/EnCE show that you at least know the basics of either toolset.

Emphasize what you have done practically at university and beyond - prove that you actually know about technology on a deeper level. Scripting/coding/messing around with hardware etc are all good things to throw into conversations to prove that you're actually into technology. There will be dozens of other grads going for the same position who just have the forensics degree - prove that you are better than them. Again you'd be amazed how many people aren't actually into the technology that they will spend their working life around.

It's worth considering whether you want to go into private sector or public sector, there are pros and cons to both. Good luck.

 
Posted : 14/12/2015 5:36 pm
(@mrmoo28)
Posts: 16
Active Member
 

You could apply to go on the SANS Cyber Academy https://www.sans.org/ukcyberacademy

 
Posted : 14/12/2015 6:14 pm
(@gjennings)
Posts: 2
New Member
 

Good Morning,

Where are you based?

What sort of forensic work are you looking to get into?

Regards

George

 
Posted : 15/12/2015 11:42 am
(@vasili)
Posts: 7
Active Member
 

Hello to everyone !! My name is Vasile I'm from Moldova !!! I worked at the Center for Computer Crimes 1year at the moment are in UK !! know basic tools that are used in cyber investigation (FTK, EnCase, IEF, Cellebrite, XRY, Oxygen,) experience especially child pornography !! and I want to ask if it is possible to find a job in this area !!! Regards much !!

 
Posted : 08/01/2016 5:48 am
(@dan0841)
Posts: 91
Trusted Member
 

Hi Kkie21

Over the last 2 years I've reviewed quite a few applications for LE roles in digital forensics. I've also interviewed quite a few graduates.

Almost always (In my organisations experience) the thing that lets graduates down is NOT lack of Certs. It is virtually always dire applications, CVs and really weak interviews.

We give applicants 200 words per criteria on our JD. I've read applications from graduates which are cello-taped onto a scrap of paper because they can't fill in a simple electronic document. I've seen many one word answers for questions about experience or just the answer 'N'A' or 'No'. Sell yourself and give evidence!!

Really sell yourself and put a lot of effort into an application or an interview. Practice the interview and speak to people in LE about the structure of a UK LE Interview- They are similar and are often based on competencies and require examples. Prepare, prepare and prepare more.

You wouldn't believe some of the applications that we have. If someone can't put time into doing a good application then why would we want them working on high-risk, high-profile cases!

Oh…….and check the Forensic Focus (and Police website) job vacancies regularly and be prepared to relocate if you can. There may be some vacancies at my organisation again soon 😉

Also - do some research on Forensic Issues. Have a stab at writing scripts and tools and publish your finding or report here. Most LE practitioners and supervisors read this site regurlarly

Good luck

Dan

 
Posted : 09/01/2016 1:08 am
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