The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Digital forensics DGFS

(unchanged)

Recovering and investigating material found in digital devices.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024.
  • The content of this skill may change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
  • SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
  • Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(modified)

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • collecting, processing, preserving and analysing material
  • presenting forensic evidence based on the totality of findings
  • maintaining chain of custody for digital evidence
  • using specialised forensic tools and techniques
  • documenting findings in legally defensible reports
  • testifying as an expert witness when required.

The scope of digital forensics includes finding evidence on computers and any device capable of storing digital data. The evidence may be used in support of security vulnerability mitigation, criminal investigations, fraud investigations, counterintelligence or law enforcement investigations.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

2 3 4 5 6

Levels of responsibility for this skill

Digital forensics: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(new)

Assists with digital forensic investigations under routine supervision.

Helps recover damaged, deleted or hidden data from devices.

Helps collect information and evidence.

Digital forensics: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(unchanged)

Supports digital forensic investigations by applying standard tools and techniques to investigate devices.

Recovers damaged, deleted or hidden data from devices.

Maintains integrity of records and collects information and evidence in a legally admissible way.

Digital forensics: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(modified)

Designs and executes complex digital forensic investigations on devices.

Specifies requirements for resources and tools to perform investigations.

Processes and analyses evidence in line with policy, standards and guidelines.

Supports the production of forensics findings and reports.

Digital forensics: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

(modified)

Conducts investigations to correctly gather, analyse and present findings, including digital evidence, to both business and legal audiences.

Collates conclusions and recommendations and presents forensic findings to stakeholders.

Plans and manages digital forensics activities within the organisation. Provides expert advice on digital forensics.

Contributes to the development of digital forensics policies, standards and guidelines. Evaluates and selects digital forensics tools and techniques.

Digital forensics: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(modified)

Plans and leads the organisation’s approach to digital forensics.

Sets policies, standards and guidelines for how the organisation conducts digital forensic investigations.

Leads and manages high risk, large or wide-ranging digital forensics investigations engaging additional specialists if required.

Authorises the release of formal forensic reports.

Keywords
New level Guidance notes Beta 2