Prospects of a Career in Cyber

Forensics – Cyber Forensics

Courses in India

The ever-increasing frequency of conducting most personal and

professional activities online has resulted in a boom in cyber crimes. The
use of computers and/or mobiles are must in executing computer-based
crimes or cyber crimes. Thus, the need for cyber and digital forensics
experts are on the rise. Explore the prospects of a career in Cyber
Forensics in this blog.

Online credit/debit card frauds, email scams, mobile-based frauds,

ransomware attacks, software piracy, and identity thefts have become an
everyday occurrence.

Indians are quite vulnerable to cyber crimes such as online scams,

phishing (fraudulent web links, emails), ransomware, network attacks,
Nigerian Scams and online matrimonial frauds. Thus, jobs in cyber
forensics are blooming. The need for cyber forensics and cyber security
experts is at the highest ever!

Some Nerve-Racking Facts

According to a survey by Symantec, India ranks 3rd among nations

facing the maximum cyber threats.

The same survey shows that India ranks 2nd in the world in terms of
targeted cyber attacks!
In fact, ever since the cryptocurrency fever has gripped the nation, a new
form of cyber crime has come into the picture.

Did you know that for crypto mining activities, India ranks 2nd in the
Asia-Pacific Japan (APJ) region and 9th globally?

Cryptominers steal power usage for computer processing from enterprises

and consumers to mine cryptocurrencies. This new form of cyber crime
involving cryptocurrencies can slow down devices, overheat batteries and
in rare cases, render devices inoperative.

Now you know why jobs in cyber forensics are witnessing an upsurge!

What is Cyber Forensics?

Cyber Forensics, also known as computer forensics, plays a crucial role in
the investigation of cyber offenses and online frauds. It involves the
extraction and analysis of digital evidence such as an electronic document,
computer, laptop, and storage mediums such as USB drives, hard disks
etc.

Cyber Forensics is one of the branches of Digital Forensics that deals with
the extraction, preservation, and inspection of any such device that
has a storage memory and basic computing power. Cyber Forensics
experts are proficient in the extraction of existing or deleted information
from a storage or computing device for conducting investigations.

The Scope of Cyber Forensics Courses in

India
As already stated above, cyber forensics courses in India are gaining
increasing popularity among students. This is due to the rapid rise in
incidents of online and mobile phone frauds. The following prime objectives
form the basis of cyber forensics courses in India:

• Knowledge of the approach and methods of cyber crime investigations

• Understanding the defensive measures of damage control in response to
cyber attacks
• Knowledge of the proactive methods of avoiding cyber crimes
• Recognizing the clues to identify and prevent potential cyber attacks
• Learning the various types of risks involved in computerized and
networking operations

Who is Eligible for Cyber Forensics Courses in

India?

Cyber Forensics or Computer Forensics is the application of Computer

Science for assisting in the legal and criminal justice system. A graduate in
Computer Science, Information Technology or Computer Applications is
most eligible for Cyber Forensics courses in India. A Cyber Forensics
professional needs to pursue a post-graduation in Cyber Forensics or a
certification in Information or Cyber Security.

Topics Covered in a Typical Cyber Forensics Course

The following section shall provide you an in-depth insight into the topics
that are usually taught to budding cyber forensics experts during their
training in Cyber Forensics, Cyber Crimes, Cyber Security & Cyber Law.

Basics of Cyber Forensics: An Introduction to Computer History and

Computers, Windows & DOS Prompt Commands, Computer Input-Output
Devices, Software & Hardware Classification, Basics of Computer
Terminology, Computer Storage, Network, Internet, Mobile Forensics,
Computer Ethics, Computer Application Programs, Introduction to
Computer Forensics, Fundamentals of Storage, Concepts of File System,
Operating System Software, Data Recovery, and Basic Terminology

Fundamentals of Cyber Laws: Introduction to Cyber Crimes and the IT

Laws governing them. This includes Cyber Laws associated with intellectual
property issues and cyberspace – Hacking, Software Piracy, Virus Attacks,
Malware, Cyber Pornography, Cyber Harassment, Email Scams, Social
Engineering, DDoS attacks etc.

Fundamentals of Data Recovery: Introduction to the Methods and Tools

for Extraction & Recovery of deleted files, cache files, temporary files and
formatted partition from computers and storage devices, Ethics and
Procedures for Data Recovery, Preservation and Handling of Digital
Evidence, Analysis of complete timeline of Digital Files, File Access and
Modification, Documentation of Chain of Custody, Recovery of Internet
Usage Data, and Introduction to various Digital Forensic Toolkits

Cyber Investigations: Introduction to various methods and tools used for

Cyber Forensics Investigations, e-Discovery, Collection and Preservation of
Digital Evidence, Email Recovery, Tracking & Investigation, IP Tracking,
Methods of Encryption and Decryption, Seizure and Search of Computers
and Digital Storage Devices, Password Cracking, and Extraction of Deleted
Digital Evidence

Introduction to Cyber Security: Basic of Cyber Security, Software and

Hardware-Based Security Measures, Knowledge of Firewalls and Security
Standards, Analysis of Threat Levels, Reporting Cyber Crimes, Formation
of Incident Response Team, Knowledge of Operating System and
Application Attacks, Financial Frauds, Cracking Techniques and Reverse
Engineering
Cyber Forensics Courses in India
1. IFS Forensic Science Education, Pune:

It is an institute offering corporate, legal, forensic science and cyber

forensics courses in India. Following are the Cyber Forensics
courses/certifications offered by them:

• Short-Term Certification Course in Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics, Cyber

Security & Cyber Law
• Advanced Certification in Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics, Cyber Security
& Cyber Law
• PG Certification in Cyber Forensics, Cyber Crimes, Cyber Security &
Cyber Law
• Expert/Gold Certification in Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics, Cyber
Security & Cyber Law
• Specialized Professional Certification in Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics,
Cyber Security & Cyber Law
• Universal Certification in Cyber Crimes, Cyber Forensics, Cyber Security
& Cyber Law

2. Indian School of Ethical Hacking, Kolkata:

This institute seeks to impart knowledge on IT security to engineering

graduates and working professionals. They are one of the top institutes
offering cyber forensics courses in India. Following are the Cyber Forensics
Courses/Certifications offered by them:

• Certified Ethical Hacker Certification

• Network Penetration Testing Expert
• Professional Certification in Computer Forensics
3. Gujarat Forensic Sciences University,
Gandhinagar:

The Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is renowned as the world’s first

and only University established exclusively for forensic science and its
allied branches. If you are interested in pursuing cyber forensics courses in
India, you may consider the following courses that they offer:

• MSc in Digital Forensics and Information Assurance

• M.Tech in Cyber Security and Incident Response
• IBA/RBI Approved Certified Information Security Professional Course
(Cyber Security)
• Certificate Diploma in Cyber Crime Investigation (Only for Government
Law Enforcement Agencies)
• Certificate Diploma in Cyber Security

4. SRM University, Kancheepuram District:

While SRM University is a well-known name among engineering aspirants,

not many are aware that they are one of the top colleges offering cyber
forensics courses in India. Following are the Cyber Forensics Courses
offered by them:

• M.Tech in Information Security and Computer Forensics

5. IIIT Delhi (Indraprastha Institute of Information

Technology):

The Cybersecurity Education and Research Centre is a specialized cell in

IIIT Delhi that provides cyber security training and cyber forensics courses
in India.
• M.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with specialization in
Information Security and Cyber Forensics

In case you are not game for full-time cyber forensics courses in India, you
can pursue certification programs such as CHFI (Computer Hacking
Forensic Investigator), CCFP (Certified Cyber Forensics Professional),
EnCE (EnCase Certified Examiner), Certified Forensic Security Responder
(CFSR) and much more.

Prospects of Jobs in Cyber Forensics

As already stated before, cyber or computer forensics professionals are in
great demand these days due to the rising cyber crime incidents. There is a
high demand for Computer Forensics graduates in Law Enforcement
Agencies in India and foreign nations.

Although Computer Forensics is still in its formative years in India, the

employment opportunities for such professionals are witnessing a surge. In
fact, most companies are looking forward to hiring Cyber Forensics experts
to monitor cyber frauds within their premises. Computer Forensics
professionals are also hired to help strengthen the data and information
security of an organization.

Some typical examples of jobs in cyber forensics are Computer Forensics

Investigator, Computer Forensics Technician, Digital Forensics
Specialist, Computer Forensics Analyst, Computer Forensics
Specialist etc.

Government Jobs in Cyber Forensics

Professionals trained in Cyber Forensics can also provide training and
education to students in various private and public colleges. Additionally,
they also have a shot at bagging a job at one of the many Central Forensic
Science Laboratories located PAN India.

Expectations from a Cyber Forensics Professional

A computer forensics investigator building a career in cyber forensics must

have a robust understanding of the legal and ethical issues concerning
digital forensics. A computer forensics professional needs to have a strong
knowledge and understanding of the tools used for digital forensic
examination. He/she is also expected to be proficient in the recovery,
preservation, and analysis of all forms of digital evidence.

Interested in a career in Cyber Forensics? Computer or Cyber Forensics

professionals typically work round-the-clock. In case of an emergency,
some enterprises may require such specialists to be on-call even beyond
work hours and during weekends.

Incognito Forensic Foundation (IFF Lab) –

A Center for Cyber Forensics Training and
Cyber Crime Investigations
Incognito Forensic Foundation (IFF Lab) is a private forensic science
laboratory in India that has offices in Chennai and Bangalore. Supported by
a repertoire of digital forensics experts from premier institutes and industry
mavens, IFF Lab is now the pioneer in conducting cyber crime
investigations and providing cyber forensics training in India.
https://ifflab.org/faqs/
Incognito Forensic Foundation (IFF Lab)

No: 55, 2nd Floor,

AL Lakshmi Achi Building,
Kavignar Bharathidasan Road,
Teynampet, Chennai – 600 018.
Tamilnadu, India.
Mobile : (+91) 78927 35374
Email: info@ifflab.org

#74, Third Floor,

Prestige Ferozes Building,
Cunningham Rd, Vasanth Nagar,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560052
Forensic Science is all about the application of scientific knowledge and methodology to
legal problems and criminal investigations. It is actually a vast and diverse subject which
comprises various fields of science such as:

 Chemistry
 Biology
 Physics
 Engineering
 Social science
 Geology
 Psychology, etc.
Such forensic science experts thus have a crucial role to play in the modern day judiciary
system. They analyze evidence using scientific procedures and principles to deduce facts that
are legally valid in the Court of Law.

Forensic Science professionals play a key role in ensuring that the original form of an
evidence is retained during gathering and transfer. This is because even a slight tampering of
an evidence can alter the results of the forensic analyses significantly.

India has a number of good colleges. Some of them are listed below.

 Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar

 Bundelkhand University, Jhansi
 Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra
 Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic
Science (LNJN NICFS), Delhi
 University of Madras, Chennai
 Dr. Hari Singh Gour University, Sagar
 Osmania University, Hyderabad
 Anna University, Chennai
 Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Noida
 IFS India Education Department, Pune

Prospects of a Forensic Career in India

A forensic science degree in India is yet to receive its due reverence as it is often
overshadowed by the more popular and trending options such as engineering, fashion
designing, advertising, MBA and the like.

However, with 2.8 crore cases pending in various courts across India, our country definitely
needs more private forensic labs for expediting the investigation processes. This would
further help various institutions and individuals in resolving their internal, family or business
disputes.

With many private forensic labs having come up, forensic science jobs are definitely up for
grabs.
Incognito Forensic Foundation (IFF Lab) aims to relieve the existing forensic system and
address the requirements of law enforcement agencies, the government, corporates and
individuals in a fast and efficient manner.

IFF Lab has tied up with the topmost forensic institutes in India for recruitment of aspiring
forensic experts. Additionally, if you are a qualified forensic professional, either a fresher or
an experience holder, who wants to make it big in the forensic science domain, do get it touch
with IFF Lab.
Here is the list of top forensic science colleges in India.

1. Bundelkhand University

The Bundelkhand University established in 1975, belongs to the younger generation of Indian
Universities which have fast grown into institutions of excellence offering opportunities for
students who aspire to earn degree in Forensic Sciences. Based on the merit obtained by the
candidate in the entrance test conducted by the University, admissions are given in
http://M.Sc in Forensic Science which is course of 2 years.

2. IFS India Education Department

IFS India is the first university to provide Online and Distance Forensic Education and
Certification in India. ‘IFS India & USLEF’ are registered with Government of India,
Government of Maharashtra in addition to being registered with Dun & Bradstreet, U.S.
Federal Government. The university offers courses like Forensic Science and Criminology,
Forensic Entomology, Forensic Science and Fingerprint, Cell Phone Forensics, Questioned
Documents and Handwriting, Private Investigator (Detective), Forensic Science and
Document Examination, Forensic Science and Forensic Graphology, Document and
Fingerprint Examination and many more.
3. Dr.Bhim Rao Ambedkar University- Agra

Originally known as Agra University it was founded on 1st of July, 1927, and renamed as Dr
B. R. Ambedkar University in 1996. The university strives to impart innovative education
which can meet both the national and international standards. For students who seek
education in forensic science, the institution has M. Sc. 2 Years, Full Time, Post Graduate
Degree.
4. Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences

Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences is one of the leading forensic sciences institutes in India.
Founded by Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Chairman of AKC Group of Companies, the institution
is considered amongst the best in today’s world. It imparts quality education with a proper
blend of theory and practical components in the courses offered – http://B.Sc (H) Forensic
Science, http://M.Sc Forensic Science and soon to be launched PhD in Forensic Sciences.

5. Osmania University, Hyderabad

The Osmania University of Hyderabad provides a unique multi-disciplinary programme

imparting both theoretical and practical grounding of crime science to aspiring students. The
courses offered in the institution are http://M.Sc (Forensic Science) also called Criminalistics
and Ph.D. Forensic Science. The institution has excellent facilities of laboratory, library,
computer and required instruments available in the science departments accessible to the
students.
6. Dr. Hari Singh Gour University

Formerly referred to as University of Sagar, Dr. Hari Singh Gour University is the oldest
university in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The institution offers courses in Criminology &
Forensic Science to aspiring students under following criteria – Bachelor of Arts
(Criminology), Master of Arts (Criminology), Ph.D. (Criminology), Bachelor of Science
(Forensic Sciences), Master of Science (Forensic Sciences), Doctor of Philosophy (Forensic
Sciences), Diploma in Criminology & Forensic Science for Police personnel, Diploma in
Criminology & Police Administration.

7. University of Madras

The University of Madras is established on the model of London University. One of the
oldest established universities in southern part of India, University of Madras provides
excellent learning and research opportunities for its students. Students can complete their
http://M.Sc. in Cyber Forensics & Information Security under the department of
Criminology. Eligibility is a degree in Computer Science/ Computer Applications /
Information Technology or http://B.Sc. in Mathematics/ Physics/Statistics/ Electronic Science
or B.E./B.Tech.
8. Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology & Forensic
Science (LNJN NICFS), Delhi

Established in 1972, the institute recognized by UGC provides comprehensive facilities for
training, teaching and research in both the Criminology and Forensic Science in its campus.
The institute provides training for officers in police, judiciary and correctional services and
also others engaged in the criminal justice system. The courses offered are Master of Arts in
Criminology, Master of Science in Forensic Science and Master of Science in Criminology.

9. Gujarat Forensic Sciences University

Established by the Government of Gujarat, the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University is a

highly specialized higher education institution that came into existence in 2008. It is the only
university across the world, dedicated to Forensic & Investigative Science, which further
promotes ethical values and encourages scientific and investigative skills among its students.
With wide range of courses it is successfully creating well trained experts in fields related to
forensic sciences.