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Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst Jobs in Hines, IL

CME Group

Cyber Defense Response Analyst II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Drive the full incident response lifecycle from initial ... Strong understanding of computer networking, operating systems, and their intersection with ...

CME Group

Cyber Defense Response Analyst II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Drive the full incident response lifecycle from initial ... Strong understanding of computer networking, operating systems, and their intersection with ...

Socket.dev

Cyber Defense Response Analyst II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Drive the full incident response lifecycle from initial ... Strong understanding of computer networking, operating systems, and their intersection with ...

CME Group

Cyber Defense Response Analyst II

Chicago, IL · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Drive the full incident response lifecycle from initial ... Strong understanding of computer networking, operating systems, and their intersection with ...

Control-Risks

Principal, Digital Forensics

Chicago, IL · On-site

Participate and support on projects involving the identification, collection and analysis of computer systems and electronic data sources * Serve as a subject matter expert for digital forensics ...

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$112.3K

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How much do freelance computer forensics analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance computer forensics analyst in Hines, IL is $115,469.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,300.00 and $115,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance computer forensics analyst?

A Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst investigates digital evidence for legal cases, cyber crimes, and security incidents. They recover, analyze, and document electronic data from computers, networks, and storage devices. Unlike in-house analysts, freelancers work independently, offering their services to law firms, businesses, or law enforcement on a contract basis. Their job involves using specialized tools to uncover deleted files, trace cyberattacks, and ensure evidence integrity. Effective reporting and testimony may also be required for legal proceedings.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance computer forensics analysts when handling cases?

Freelance computer forensics analysts often face challenges such as dealing with incomplete or corrupted data, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, and managing multiple cases with tight deadlines. Working independently requires resourcefulness when accessing hardware or software tools, as well as strict adherence to chain-of-custody procedures to maintain evidence integrity. Additionally, analysts must communicate technical findings to clients who may not have a technical background, making clear and concise reporting essential. Building a reliable professional network and continuing education can help mitigate some of these challenges and contribute to long-term career success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance computer forensics analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst, you need expertise in digital investigations, a solid understanding of information security principles, and a background in computer science, digital forensics, or a related field. Familiarity with forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, and X-Ways, along with relevant certifications like CFCE or GCFA, is highly valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written communication skills set top analysts apart when preparing clear and concise reports for clients. These combined technical and soft skills ensure accurate evidence handling, meaningful client communication, and credible analysis in legal or corporate investigations.

What job categories do people searching Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Hines, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst jobs in Hines, IL are:

Freelance Computer Forensics Analyst jobs near you

Cyber Defense Response Analyst II

Chicago, IL • On-site

CME Group
Finance and Insurance • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about CME Groupexternal

$93K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

The Cyber Defense Response Analyst II is a mid-level technical role focused on responding to and remediating cyber incidents at CME Group, a major player in global financial markets. We are looking for someone who finds joy in the inner workings of technology, with the occasional tendency to get lost in deep research. In this role, you will use industry leading tools while responding to medium-severity incidents in collaboration with teammates around the globe.
We provide autonomy, and great learning environment with access to top tier technology, opportunities to align project work with your individual interests, and access to our extensive training programs, including annual SANS training. Importantly, this is a second shift role (12p-8p US Central Time) that's anticipated to be convertible into a first shift role (8a-4p/9a-5p) within approximately 6 months of hire date.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Digital Forensics and Incident Response: Drive the full incident response lifecycle from initial triage to remediation, confidently applying specialty skills like endpoint forensics and malware analysis. Be ready to operate in a multi-cloud environment.
  • Threat Hunting:Conduct regular threat hunts to identify misconfigurations, detection gaps, and other anomalies.
  • Automation & Engineering: Use AI, Python and REST APIs to build/integrate security tools for incident response needs, while working with automation engineers to develop heavy-duty solutions for advanced use-cases.
  • Tabletop Exercises (TTX): Lead regular tabletop exercises to improve team readiness.
  • Technical Documentation: Contribute continuously to our internal knowledge base of incident response runbooks and playbooks, keeping it exhaustive, accurate, and reflective of the latest workflows.

Ideal Candidate Attributes:
  • Innate Curiosity: An exceptional level of curiosity and a track record of self-teaching advanced technical concepts.

  • Highly Innovative: You have a consistent record of taking unorthodox approaches to challenges and a demonstrated ability to innovate within information technology domains.

  • A "Researcher" Mindset: A passion for collecting facts, debating details, and diving into "rabbit holes" to solve complex problems.
  • Adept at High-Pressure Communication: Ability to deal effectively at all levels of the organization and translate technical research into clear, actionable intelligence for leadership.
  • Highly Detail Oriented: Very strong attention to detail; you notice things others often don't.

  • Impactfully Collaborative: You excel at technical collaboration and helping teams deliver high-impact.

Preferred Technical Qualifications:
  • DFIR Background: 2+ years of practical experience with Digital Forensics, Incident Handling, and/or Malware Analysis.

  • SIEM/Data Analysis: 2+ years of experience with Q Radar, Sentinel, Splunk, Chronicle, ArcSight, or similar log management technologies.

  • Experience using leading forensics tools: 2+ years of experience using tools such as KAPE, EnCase, Cellebrite, FTK, Magnet Axiom, and Autopsy, plus comfort with malware analysis tools like Ghidra, Ida Pro, PEStudio, and x64dbg.

  • Strong IT Fundamentals: Strong understanding of computer networking, operating systems, and their intersection with Cybersecurity.
  • Programming Skills: Development experience with Python, specifically for data manipulation (Pandas) and interacting with REST APIs.
  • Cloud Experience: Practical experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure.

Education & Certifications:
  • Education: BA/BS in Engineering, Computer Science, or Information Security (non-tech degrees acceptable with appropriate levels of Information Security job experience and/or certifications)
  • Certifications: GCIH, GCFE, GCFA, OSCP, Sec+, and similar cyber-oriented certifications are desired

CME Group is committed to offering a competitive total rewards package for our employees that recognizes their contributions to the business and reflects our long-term investment in their future. The pay range for this role is $93,900-$156,500. Actual salary offered will be dependent on a wide array of factors including but not limited to: relevant experience, skills, education and comparison to internal employees (where relevant). Our compensation program also includes an annual target bonus opportunity for all employees, as well as the opportunity to become an owner in the company through our broad-based equity program. Through our benefits program, we strive to offer flexibility, value and choice. From comprehensive health coverage, to a retirement package that includes both a 401(k) and an active pension plan, to highly competitive education reimbursement provisions, paid time off and a mental health benefit, CME Group offers a holistic benefits package for our team and their dependents.
CME Group: Where Futures are Made
CME Group is the world's leading derivatives marketplace. But who we are goes deeper than that. Here, you can impact markets worldwide. Transform industries. And build a career by shaping tomorrow. We invest in your success and you own it - all while working alongside a team of leading experts who inspire you in ways big and small. Problem solvers, difference makers, trailblazers. Those are our people. And we're looking for more.
At CME Group, we embrace our employees' unique experiences and skills to ensure that everyone's perspectives are acknowledged and valued. As an equal-opportunity employer, we consider all potential employees without regard to any protected characteristic.
Important Notice: Recruitment fraud is on the rise, with scammers using misleading promises of job offers and interviews to solicit money and personal information from job seekers. CME Group adheres to established procedures designed to maintain trust, confidence and security throughout our recruitment process. Learn more here.
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About CME Group

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group is where the world comes to manage risk. We enable clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, energy, agricultural products and metals. We meet uncertainty and volatility with confidence and clarity, across the trading lifecycle and around the world.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2007

Social media

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