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Cyber Forensic Analyst Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Arete

Forensic Analyst

Northridge, CA · On-site

Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux based operating systems, in ... Employs the usage of incident-mapping frameworks such as MITRE's ATT&CK and Lockheed Martin's Cyber ...

US Postal Service

Forensic Computer Analyst SR

Richmond, CA · On-site

$133K/yr

... Cyber Investigations Training Academy (DCITA) Digital Forensic Examiner (DFE). NOTE: Employees in the Forensic Computer Analyst or Forensic Computer Analyst Sr position prior to June 27, 2015 are ...

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Cyber Forensic Analyst information

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$132.2K

How much do cyber forensic analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for cyber forensic analyst in California is $85,342.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $99,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cyber forensic analyst?

Cyber Forensic Analysts are professionals who investigate digital crimes by collecting, preserving, analyzing, and presenting electronic evidence. They work with law enforcement or private organizations to uncover how cybercrimes occurred, recover lost data, and support legal proceedings. Their expertise helps identify security breaches, trace cybercriminals, and ensure digital evidence remains admissible in court. Cyber Forensic Analysts use specialized tools and follow strict protocols to maintain the integrity of evidence throughout the investigative process.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a cyber forensic analyst?

To thrive as a Cyber Forensic Analyst, you need expertise in digital forensics, cybersecurity principles, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools like EnCase, FTK, and Cellebrite, as well as certifications such as GCFA or CCE, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential for accurately investigating cyber incidents, preserving digital evidence, and presenting findings clearly in legal or organizational contexts.

What are common challenges faced by cyber forensic analysts during digital investigations?

Cyber Forensic Analysts often encounter challenges such as dealing with encrypted or damaged data, keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies, and ensuring the proper chain of custody for evidence. They must also work under tight deadlines, especially during incident response situations, and collaborate closely with law enforcement, IT teams, and legal professionals to ensure findings are admissible in court. Staying current with industry best practices and maintaining meticulous documentation are essential to overcoming these challenges and succeeding in the role.

What is the difference between Cyber Forensic Analyst vs Cyber Security Analyst?

AspectCyber Forensic AnalystCyber Security Analyst
CertificationsGCFA, GCFE, CISSPCISSP, CompTIA Security+
Work EnvironmentInvestigations, incident response, legal settingsNetwork security, threat monitoring, prevention
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, legal firms, cybersecurity firmsIT departments, corporations, government agencies

While both roles focus on cybersecurity, a Cyber Forensic Analyst specializes in investigating cybercrimes and analyzing digital evidence, often working in legal or law enforcement settings. In contrast, a Cyber Security Analyst primarily focuses on protecting systems from threats and preventing attacks. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the cybersecurity industry.

How do you become a cyber forensic analyst?

To become a cyber forensic analyst, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, computer science, or a related field. Gaining experience with digital forensics tools, obtaining certifications such as Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) or GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA), and developing strong analytical and technical skills are essential steps in the career path.

How much do cyber forensic analysts make?

Cyber forensic analysts typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills can earn over $120,000 annually.

What are popular job titles related to Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs in California?

For Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cyber Forensic Analyst job openings:

Cyber Forensic Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cyber Forensic Analyst job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,342 per year, or $41 per hour.

Forensic Analyst

Northridge, CA • On-site

Arete
See more jobs at Areteexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Performs digital forensic analysis on Windows, Apple Mac, and Linux based operating systems, in addition to the analysis of networking appliances including but not to, VPN and firewall appliances
  • Documents forensic findings in accordance with the standards set forth within the Arete Forensic Tracker and develop a master timeline and visual attack map of the events
  • Identifies additional sources (systems, logs, etc.) to collect based on the analysis and identifies gaps based on the lifecycle of attack
  • Works with the Security Operations Center (SOC) to leverage data from monitoring and alerts provided by installed applications and deployed EDR solutions to identify Indicators of Compromise (IOCs), Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs) for variants related to case
  • Delivers Forensics findings and updates to the team in a clear, concise manner through a narrative story outlining the timeline of events. Modifies delivery in-line with the call's audience and technical capabilities
  • Tracks findings and capture data points related to investigations to enhance and inform our threat intelligence
  • Raises technical constraints and issues within the Forensics team to identify detail of the incident and escalate to Forensic leadership
  • Maintains updated case analyst notes, the Forensic tracker, timeline and attack map for collaboration within the team in our centralized case location
  • Drafts detailed updates regarding investigative findings and conclusions drawn from analysis regarding the timing and mechanism of the initial intrusion, adversary actions, timeline of activity/lateral movement, and indicators of data access and/or exfiltration
  • Identifies, documents, and shares information such as critical IOCs or adversary TTP's as they uncovered with the Incident Response, Threat Intel, and Security Operations teams
  • Communicates identified IOCs to the Tiger Team in furtherance of the investigation, path to restoration/response, and for bolstering of Client's security posture
  • Employs the usage of incident-mapping frameworks such as MITRE's ATT&CK and Lockheed Martin's Cyber Kill Chain to help contextualize identified adversary actions/IOCs
  • Produces written incident, investigative updates and reports at the explicit direction of counsel partners
  • Communicates within the DFIR team and provide routine status updates within our case management platform
  • Works with cross-functional teams and collaborate to leverage threat intel TTPS/IOC's, information from our SOC/Threat Hunting team, and updates from our Negotiations teams to leverage the intelligence as part of the incident
  • Drafts reports and appendices based on the findings using the standard report templates
  • Accurately track and record time for forensic analysis
  • May perform other duties as assigned by management

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
  • Deep understanding of Forensic artifacts, including (but not limited to) the analysis of operating system artifacts and the recovery of deleted items from multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, Mac and RAM/memory forensics
  • Experience analyzing network and operating system log files including Windows Event logs, Unified Audit Logs, Firewall logs, VPN logs, etc.
  • Working knowledge of:
  • Windows disk and memory forensics
  • Network Security Monitoring (NSM), network traffic analysis, and log analysis
  • Unix or Linux disk and memory forensic
  • Experience and understanding of enterprise security controls
  • Experienced with EnCase, Axiom, FTK, X-Ways, SIFT, Splunk, Redline, Volatility, WireShark, TCP Dump, and other open-source forensic tools
  • Experience delivering technical findings to a non-technical audience, preferred
  • Provide findings in a confident, factual manner, preferred
  • Knowledge and experience in handling PII, PHI, sensitive, confidential and proprietary datasets, preferred
  • Experience with Cyber insurance investigations, preferred

JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Associate's degree and 4+ years of incident response or digital forensics experience or Bachelor's Degree in Information Security, Computer Science, Digital Forensics, Cyber Security or related field
  • Possess One or more of the following Certifications
  • Security +, Network+, SANS GCED, GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, CEH, CHFI.

DISCLAIMER
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required personnel so classified.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While performing the responsibilities of this position, the work environment characteristics listed below are representative of the environment the employee will encounter: Usual office working conditions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • No physical exertion required
  • Travel within or outside of the state
  • Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with Arete salary and benefit policy.
FLSA OVERTIME CATEGORY
Job is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
DECLARATION
The Arete Incident Response Human Resources Department retains the sole right and discretion to make changes to this job description.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.
Arete Incident Response is an outstanding (and growing) company with a very dedicated, fun team. We offer competitive salaries, fully paid benefits including Medical/Dental, Life/Disability Insurance, 401(k) and the opportunity to work with some of the latest and greatest in the fast-growing cyber security industry.
When you join Arete...
You'll be doing work that matters alongside other talented people, transforming the way people, businesses, and things connect with each other. Of course, we will offer you great pay and benefits, but we're about more than that. Arete is a place where you can craft your own path to greatness. Whether you think in code, words, pictures or numbers, find your future at Arete, where experience matters.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer- and celebrate our employees' differences, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or Veteran status. Different makes us better.

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