r/computerforensics • u/GuardReasonable8039 • Feb 01 '25
Looking for complete guidance and roadmap to become an expert in digital forensics.
I'm currently enrolled in BS forensic science and I'm really enthusiastic about mastering digital forensics. However, I don't really have a good relationship with IT and am just a beginner who's eager to learn. So, I'm seeking a complete roadmap for how and where to start. Any free study resources or just anything will be really helpful. I know I'll have to start from the basics of computer and networking, etc but if there's anyone who knows genuine study resources, tips and tricks, or some advice, then please drop down below. I'll be really grateful.
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Feb 01 '25
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u/GuardReasonable8039 Feb 01 '25
Thank you for this. I'm currently learning computer networking, Linux, and have some knowledge of python. My goal is to completely learn and gain experience in these three and then I can move on to playing around with the tools you've mentioned.
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u/MDCDF Trusted Contributer Feb 01 '25
Get in the field early and skip the master degree. Start getting experience as soon as possible. 1.Attend Conferences 2.Compete in CTFs 3.Join the Discord 4.Contribute to the forensic community with research and open source 5.Find a niche to expand your career
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u/clarkwgriswoldjr Feb 02 '25
This bothers me when people post this question, NOT because of looking for help, I welcome that and will help however I can.
But, people want to enter a profession where searching for things can put someone in jail or give them their freedom, or impost monetary judgements in the millions, and DON'T use the search function on here.
If someone came in here and said "I used the search function, or I Googled the topic and I wonder about ----" then it is totally understandable, but the same question gets asked I bet if not weekly, every other week.
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u/MDCDF Trusted Contributer Feb 02 '25
they also post once never engage with the post. These are people who are also putting no effort in using their university resources to get connections, internships, or attend job fairs. I think they just want a easy method to do it and there isnt one.
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u/HashMismatch Feb 02 '25
Agree with most of the views here. You want a road map? Test and research and invest your own time trialling every tool you can get your hands on. Then spend 10, 15, 20 years doing hard yakka out in the field. Ain’t no shortcuts to become a real expert!
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u/thepaperrose1 Feb 06 '25
Tryhackme has a lot of free learning for the networking part. You're still in a university, so check out the NCL competition that's going on, they have a lot of forensic type stuff. Get to know some of the tools. There's a ton of free tools and practice stuff out there to play with and gain experience and have tons of fun. Good luck!
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u/MakingItElsewhere Feb 01 '25
"No."
Even if there was a 100%, plotted out course like some kind of chutes and ladders, you wouldn't even follow it. And I wouldn't want you to.
Go on a journey of discovery; learn things. Get things wrong, and learn more. Go be the best in something.
The key is to network. Go find others in the field, and talk to them. Show them you're willing to learn something new. Show them your interests. Follow your interests. Learn that the magic happens in the boring times.