By DeVry University
May 13, 2023
5 min read
May 13, 2023
5 min read
Computer forensics and cyber security may seem similar, but these career paths both have their own unique qualities. Computer forensics deals with locating data that was compromised during a cyberattack, while cyber security aims to prevent cyberattacks before they occur. To put it in other terms, computer forensics is a reactionary while cyber security is preventative.
In this article we’ll explore more of the differences between computer forensics and cyber security by defining each in the following sections:
Cyber security focuses on deploying tools and creating protocols that defend against cyberattacks. Cyber security professionals use a combination of information technology (IT) skills such as programming, networking and a knowledge of operating systems (OS) to create a system that cannot be breached, thus protecting the information within the system and protect the system’s ability to function.
While cyber security as a discipline is primarily concerned with preventing cybercrime, ethical hackers are professionals who play an important part in the cyber security field. Those who work in this niche position will actively use their offensive skills in order to test a network’s strengths, search for weaknesses and suggest how to improve them.
While it may surprise you, cyber security involves working with non-digital information as well as digital. For example, tasks like setting user permissions, establishing file transfer protocols (FTP) and frequently changing secure passwords are all vital elements of cyber security. And this responsibility is not just up to one individual; everyone within an organization needs to know how to practice safe computer usage for proper security to be maintained.
As discussed, cyber security is focused on prevention while computer forensics is about recovery and reaction. Despite their differences, both are meant to protect data, programs, networks and other digital assets. Cyber security helps to prevent cybercrimes from happening, while computer forensics helps recover data when an attack does occur and also helps identify the culprit behind the crime.
It helps to think of cyber security professionals as a security company, and to think of computer forensics experts as investigators. If you’re considering either of these two disciplines as a career choice, ask yourself which path better suits your interests and career goals.
Web application firewalls (WAF)
These firewalls help protect web applications from breaches and keep data secure.
Vulnerability scanners
These tools help scan through networks and programs to identify vulnerabilities that can be potentially exploited by cybercriminals.
Penetration testing tools
Penetration testing tools are used by cyber security professionals to carry out sanctioned hacks on their own systems in order to uncover weaknesses.
Malware detectors
Malware detectors review sites and programs to see whether they have been infected with malware and pose a threat.
Password security tools
Password security tools help identify weak passwords, autofill saved passwords or generate passwords to help keep devices secure.
Systems architecture
Software security
Access management
Ethical hacking and vulnerability assessment
Computer forensics specializations tend to be related to the reason why the data is being recovered. The main specializations are:
Criminal investigations
Data recovery
Data recovery specialists are mostly concerned with getting data back in the hands of its rightful owner, though they may also perform an audit to find evidence of a data breach if the data was stolen rather than lost through a technical issue.
Determining which field is right for you depends on your goals and interests. Cyber security may be a more interesting field to those who wish to protect other people's data from cybercrimes. Computer forensics is likely to appeal to people who are interested in technology and detective work because of its investigative nature.
The good news is that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics1, Information Security Analyst positions are expected to grow by 33% on a national level between 2020 and 2030, though a bachelor’s degree and experience in the field are required for many positions in both the cyber security or computer forensics industries.
DeVry University can help you start on the path toward a new career. We offer a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems with specializations in both Cyber Security Programming and Computer Forensics.
1Quick Facts: Information Security Analysts Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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