If you are a curious and tech-savvy person with a strong interest in math, science, and cybersecurity —a career in network forensics might be the perfect career for you!
It's a fascinating field that combines science, math, and cybersecurity skills to retrieve critical information and evidence from networked environments. With the increasing number of cyberattacks happening every day, the demand for skilled network forensic professionals is at an all-time high.
In this blog post, you will read about how GNFA certification can help you in your network forensic career and more. Keep reading!
What is the GIAC GNFA certification exam?
The GIAC Network Forensic Analyst (GNFA) certification is one of the leading forensic analyst certifications, validating a practitioner's capability of performing examinations that involve network forensic artifacts. By earning the GNFA certification, you will demonstrate your understanding of the fundamentals of network forensics, normal and abnormal conditions for common network protocols, processes and tools for examining device and system logs, and wireless communication and encryption protocols.
The GIAC GNFA certification exam covers network architecture, network protocols, and network protocol reverse engineering, encryption and encoding, NetFlow analysis and attack visualization, security event & incident logging, network analysis tools and usage, wireless network analysis, & open source network security proxies.
The GIAC GNFA exam consists of 50-66 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within 2-3 hours. To pass the GNFA exam, a passing score of 70% is required. The GNFA certification is ideal for anyone with a solid background in computer forensics, information systems, and information security interested in computer network intrusions and investigations.
Here are the topics covered in the GNFA exam:
- Network architecture, network protocols, and network protocol reverse engineering
- Encryption and encoding, NetFlow analysis and attack visualization, security event & incident logging
- Network analysis tools and usage, wireless network analysis, & open-source network security proxies
Who can take the GIAC GNFA certification?
Any network forensics professional can pursue the GIAC GNFA certification. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Those with a solid background in computer forensics, information systems, and information security who are interested in computer network intrusions and investigations should attend this workshop.
- Incident response team members
- Forensicators
- Threat hunters
- Law enforcement officers, federal agents, and detectives
- SOC personnel
- Information security practitioners and managers
- Network defenders and engineers
- Information technology professionals
What is network forensics?
You may have heard of forensics or forensic science once in your life. Forensic science is all about using scientific methods to assist the criminal justice system. It covers a wide range of topics, from analyzing DNA to studying pathology reports, toxicology, ballistics identification, and much more.
Forensics is no longer limited to traditional techniques like DNA analysis or identification of ballistics. The world of forensic science has expanded to include digital forensics, which involves digging up electronic evidence related to criminal investigations. According to IGI Global, network forensics deals with "monitoring and analyzing computer network traffic," making it a crucial component in the fight against cybercrime.
Processes Involved in network forensics
When it comes to network forensics, investigators must follow several crucial processes to ensure the integrity of their findings.
Here are some of the key steps:
- Identification: investigators identify and evaluate the incident based on the network pointers.
- Safeguarding: the investigators preserve and secure the data so that tampering can be prevented.
- Accumulation: a detailed crime scene report is documented, and all the collected digital shreds of evidence are duplicated.
- Observation: all the visible data is tracked along with the metadata.
- Investigation: a final conclusion is drawn from the collected shreds of evidence.
- Documentation: all the shreds of evidence, reports, and conclusions are documented and presented in court.
How GNFA can help you in your career
GNFA shows your expertise
Earning the GIAC GNFA certification demonstrates a deep understanding of network forensic analysis and the ability to apply that knowledge in practical situations.
GNFA provides you with different career paths
Having a wide range of career options on the table is a blessing. With the GIAC GNFA certification, you can choose from several jobs in the network forensic field.
GNFA boosts your earnings potential
Having the GIAC GNFA certification can also lead to your earning potential. According to Payscale, the average salary for a network forensics analyst is around $83,000 per year, making you an in-demand professional.
GNFA improves your job security
Speaking personally, there is no guarantee of a fixed job anywhere in the world. But, if you have a special skill set, you can be more likely to get job security. By obtaining the GNFA certification, you'll be equipped with the in-demand knowledge and skills to help you remain competitive.
The final words
With the increasing use of technology and digital devices, network forensics professionals are in high demand. If you want to earn the GIAC GNFA certification, CBT Proxy can help you take the exam. If you want to learn more, you can connect with us by clicking the chat button.