Working Life

Forensic IT Analysts combine computer science with forensic skills to recover information from computers and other media and information storage devices.

Forensic IT analysts are responsible for assisting with cyber crime and retrieving evidence for court cases and legal investigations.

• Investigate hacking, fraud and theft
• Research political, industrial and commercial espionage
• Track terrorist communications and other illegal activities
• Secure IT systems and hardware to protect them from security threats
• Recover and secure data
• Analyse mobile phone records to track location
• Follow electronic data trails
• Document each stage of the investigation
• Present technical findings and evidence

NESC Cybersurity Ireland or Cyber Ireland 

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Adhere to legal policies and procedures related to handling digital media.
• Analyse log files or other digital information to identify the perpetrators of network intrusions.
• Conduct predictive or reactive analyses on security measures to support cyber security initiatives.
• Create system images or capture network settings from information technology environments to preserve as evidence.
• Develop plans for investigating alleged computer crimes, violations, or suspicious activity.
• Develop policies or requirements for data collection, processing, or reporting.
• Duplicate digital evidence to use for data recovery and analysis procedures.
• Identify or develop reverse-engineering tools to improve system capabilities or detect vulnerabilities.
• Maintain cyber defense software or hardware to support responses to cyber incidents.
• Maintain knowledge of laws, regulations, policies or other issuances pertaining to digital forensics or information privacy.

Further Information

• Forensic Computer Analyst- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

For the post of Analyst, the minimum academic qualification is a level 7 qualification in an appropriate science subject.

For the post of scientist, the minimum academic qualification is an honours degree (level 8), normally in chemistry, analytical science or an appropriate biological subject such as biochemistry, biology or molecular biology, or an equivalent qualification.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: ICT, software, tech development, support, comptia skills.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: computer and network technician, computer networking, computer networks and systems, ICT, networking, pre-apprenticeship, pre-university computing, networks, software systems.

Search for PLC Courses

Ecollege online ICT skills & programming courses Search FET Online courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: ICT, Cybersecurity.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: computer science, information technology, engineering, computer.

A Bachelor's degree is beneficial for career development and advancement. Relevant degree courses are available from most Institutes of Technology and a range of private colleges.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: information, network security, engineering, computer engineering, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard courses ICT skills conversion courses NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

NESC Cybersecurity Ireland

Cyber Ireland

ICT Skillnet

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €48k - €100k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Morgan McKinley/ CPL/ Lincoln/ Archer/ Clark

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: IT business analysts; architects and systems designers; Web design and development professionals; Information technology and telecommunications professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

The negative average annual employment growth rate over the five-year period for this occupation is partly related to changes in the LFS in 2017; however, employment has declined annually since 2020. Those employed were primarily male, working full-time and held third-level qualifications. The share of non-Irish citizens employed far exceeded the national average (41% compared to 19% nationally).

Despite the decline in employment, over 3,500 new employment permits were issued in 2022 across a range of roles including IT analysts/engineers (cloud, security, systems, network, test), There was a high volume of mentions in the Recruitment Agency Survey for network/security and site reliability engineers while vacancies for software testers were cited as difficult to fill by employers in the Skills for Growth data, particularly for those with cybersecurity, cloud computing and HTML skills. The number of online job adverts declined by 12% in 2022, predominantly due to the fall in postings for systems analysts which alone accounted for nearly half the total decline in ICT job postings in 2022.

Despite falling employment numbers, strong demand remains evident across the indicators in key areas such as network/cloud and security engineering. The move to remote working since the onset of the pandemic, along with the war in Ukraine, have increased the prevalence of cybersecurity threats39 with demand for these skills likely to persist. The fall in online vacancy advertisements indicates a slowing in demand but shortages remain, at least in the short-term.

• COMREG Communcations regulator

  • 018049600
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here

• Cyber Ireland

  • 021 4326235
  • Click Here

• (NCSC) The National Cyber Security Centre

  • National Cyber Security Centre, Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, 29-31 Adelaide Road, Dublin D02 X285, Ireland.
  • 01 6782333
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here