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What is the difference between cyber security and forensic technology? Or are they the same thing?

I really love programming and information technology and I want to develop my skills even further.
I also love science and problem solving so I think that cyber security or forensic technology would both be interesting careers for me. Are there other options? And are there any courses, colleges, universities, or majors anyone can recommend for me?

#information-technology #forensics #programming #technology #cyber-security #science #coding #computer-science

technology science computer-science programming information-technology coding forensics cyber-security
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Ana’s Answer

Hi Mariam!


So put simply, Cyber Security is a very broad term that covers many areas. Think of Cyber Security as the Sea with many different types of fish. Forensics is an area within Cyber security, or 1 type of fish in the Sea.


Cyber Security includes things like, Application Security, Identity & Access Management, Mobile Security, Incident and Vulnerability Management, just to name a few.


Personally, I can speak to both. I have a Cyber Security job in which I have done and do some of the things mentioned above. Also, I have a degree in Digital Forensics. Digital Forensics is very specific, you would investigate cases and recover digital evidence, analyze incident, etc. So they are not exactly the same thing.


If you love science and technology, definitely look into Forensic Technology.


I hope this helps.
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Vartika’s Answer

Hi Mariam,

So here is the difference between Cyber Security and Cyber Forensics.

Cyber Security is an umbrella which encompasses various verticals such as Data Security, Application Security, OS Security, Hardware Security, Network Security, Physical Security and Personnel Security. It is a defensive act. By carrying out cyber security audits you can implement cyber security.

Where is Cyber Forensics is about analysis and investigation of digital crimes. It involves Identification, Sezuire, Analysis, Preservation, Documentation and Presentation (in the court of Law).

Cyber Forensics is always carried out after the incident has occurred while cyber security is done to prevent such in incidents.

You have selected a great area, Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do well.
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Alena’s Answer

Dear Miriam,

Great question. Cyber Security is going to be a huge field with a lot of opportunities.

I recommend visiting the AT&T Foundry site for some great information: https://foundry.att.com/


I also get a lot out of the videos, papers and webinars available at: https://darkwebnews.com/

Most of the webinars are free and the information is cutting edge.


Good luck to you! I'm sure you'll do well.
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Jim’s Answer

Love the question ... and it is scoped well. Digital Forensics can be / is a field in itself; I also consider it a necessary subset of CyberSecurity. Ana's answer above is great - Forensics can be very specific and has to follow a specific course or path for it to have any value (police/lawyers/courts?). CyberSecurity is more broad ... from browsing the internet, DNS, SMTP, email, IDS, IPS, IA (RMF, PCI, etc), implementing policies (CISO), working on / employing investigators, etc.

Jim recommends the following next steps:

Investigate ... it's nice to have a skill that employers will want when you finish your courses. From there, use your conversational skills and find out more about the CyberSecurity field. You will do awesome!
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Terrie’s Answer

Hi Mariam


As Ana indicated, CyberSecurity is an over-arching area, whereas Forensics (Digital Forensics) is one of the supporting functions of CyberSecurity. Your love for programming and technology won't be lost in the Digital Forensics world. Many times, Forensic Analysts maintain their systems, labs and write their own scripts to better assist with their evidence collection and analysis. Since you like problem-solving, Digital Forensics, or any Security Engineering related role would bode you well.


Champlain has some great degrees. I would suggest a CyberSecurity Degree, so you can become more well rounded in the overall area of Computer Security, which would include a course in Digital Forensics. The Digital Forensics course would then give you a taste to see if you would be interested to pursue further. It definitely is a career that challenges you.


I think you would do great in this area. It sounds like a great match! Good luck!!
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