CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
Credential: CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
Credentialing Agency: CyberSecurity Institute
Renewal Period: 2 years
The CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA) is an advanced level certification for individuals who have the ability to conduct a thorough forensic analysis using sound examination and handling procedures, and are able to communicate the results of their analysis effectively. The CSFA certification is designed for professionals who already possess practical experience in the field of digital forensics. A minimum of at least two years of experience with both the technical and administrative aspects of conducting forensic analysis is required. To become CSFA certified, applicants must pass a written and practical exam, and complete an FBI criminal background check.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for becoming eligible. Listed are the minimum requirements based on the minimum degree required. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 2 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
CyberSecurity Institute
14751 N. Kelsey St. Suite 105
PMB 162
Monroe, WA 98272-1353
Phone: (800) 726-1433
Fax: (800) 726-1433
Email: CSFA@csisite.net
Experience REQUIREMENTS
Candidates should have at least two years of experience with both the technical and administrative aspects of conducting forensic analysis, to include creating the verbiage for subpoenas, motions, and affidavits, as well as experience creating comprehensive forensic analysis reports.
Other REQUIREMENTS
The CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA) credential has the following other requirements:
- Candidates must submit an FBI Criminal Background Check and a completed CSFA Certification Test Application and Agreement prior to taking the certification exam.
Written Exam
- Active, archival and latent data
- Affidavits, motions, and subpoenas
- Compact Disc analysis
- Conducting keyword boolean searches
- Creating understandable and accurate reports
- Creating forensically sound working copies or images of media
- Documentation, chain of custody, and evidence handling procedures
- FAT 16/32 file systems
- File Headers and Footers
- File slack, ram slack, drive slack, and unallocated space
- Hashes and Checksums
- Imaging handheld devices
- Insurance/liability issues
- Interpretation of various log formats
- Interpreting Internet History and HTTP concepts
- Manual and automated data recovery
- Metadata for Microsoft Office and PDF documents
- NTFS
- Overcoming encryption mechanisms and password protection
- PC hardware concepts
- Privacy issues
- Rules of evidence
- TCP/IP concepts
- Windows print spool files
- Windows Prefetch
- Windows registry
- Windows shortcuts
- Windows swap file
- Windows Volume Shadow Copy
- Working as an expert technical witness
Practical Exam
- During the hands-on portion of the exam, candidates will be given a scenario that includes processing a hard drive and may include other media such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive. Some scenarios include a cellular phone or other handheld device. The test candidate may be presented with a running computer to analyze, or will have the media/devices to be analyzed being delivered by courier.
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA) examination:
- Best Sources
RECERTIFICATION
CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA)
Renewal Period: 2 years
Additional considerations for the CyberSecurity Forensic Analyst (CSFA) include:
- Though not required, it is highly recommended that candidates have obtained one of the following certifications:
- AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE)
- Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
- Certified Computer Examiner (CCE)
- Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI)
- EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE)
- GIAC Certified Forensics Analyst (GCFA)