Digital Forensics Analyst

In the dynamic landscape of financial services, a critical role has emerged for a skilled Digital Forensics Analyst to join a leading Africa-focused group. This position, based in Johannesburg, is pivotal in safeguarding the organisation against the ever-present threats of digital crime. The core responsibility lies in responding effectively to security incidents and conducting thorough, in-depth digital forensic investigations across the entire group. By adhering to established frameworks and standards, the analyst will play a crucial role in identifying and minimising digitally-related criminal activities, thereby mitigating potential operational losses and protecting the organisation's reputation.

About the Role

This is a key operational role that demands a proactive and meticulous approach. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of incident response, ensuring that when digital security breaches occur, they are handled with the utmost professionalism and technical expertise. Beyond immediate incident management, the role involves undertaking comprehensive investigations to uncover the root causes of digital malfeasance, gather critical evidence, and provide clear, actionable insights. The insights derived from these investigations will directly inform risk management strategies and contribute to the continuous improvement of the organisation's security posture. The overarching goal is to maintain the integrity of the group's digital assets and operations.

The day-to-day responsibilities of the Digital Forensics Analyst are varied and demanding, encompassing a wide range of activities aimed at ensuring digital security and compliance. Key duties include:

• Responding promptly and effectively to security incidents as they arise.
• Conducting detailed digital forensic examinations of compromised systems, networks, and data.
• Collecting, preserving, and analysing digital evidence in a manner that maintains its integrity for potential legal proceedings.
• Documenting all investigative steps, findings, and conclusions in comprehensive reports.
• Presenting complex technical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to diverse audiences, including senior management, regulatory bodies, and legal counsel.
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders, such as IT security, legal, and compliance teams, to ensure a coordinated response to incidents.
• Staying abreast of the latest digital forensic tools, techniques, and emerging cyber threats.
• Contributing to the development and refinement of the organisation's digital forensic investigation framework and related policies.
• Providing expert advice and support on digital forensics matters to different business units within the group.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this position, candidates will need a robust educational background combined with significant practical experience in the field of digital forensics and cyber investigations. The ideal candidate will possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Digital Forensics, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Security, Information Systems, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in digital forensics, incident response, or cyber investigations.
• Proven experience in preparing evidential reports and delivering presentations of findings to senior stakeholders, regulators, and legal representatives.
• A strong understanding of data management, fraud investigation principles, and general IT knowledge.
• Proficiency in applying good governance, risk management, and control principles, including risk identification and reporting.
• Demonstrated behavioural competencies such as adopting practical approaches, articulating information clearly, paying attention to detail, developing expertise, examining information thoroughly, exploring possibilities, following procedures diligently, interpreting data effectively, meeting deadlines, providing insightful analysis, working collaboratively in a team, and upholding high professional standards.

While not explicitly stated as mandatory, preferred certifications would include those recognised within the digital forensics and cybersecurity community, such as GCFA, GCFE, GNFA, GCTI, EnCE, CFCE, CCE, CHFI, CISSP, CISM, Microsoft Security Certifications, AWS Security Specialty, or Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer. These demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a validated skill set.

In South Africa, digital forensics analysts are highly sought after, particularly within the financial services sector, given the sensitive nature of the data handled. While salaries vary based on experience and specific responsibilities, professionals in this field can expect competitive remuneration packages. Career progression often leads to senior analyst roles, team leadership, or specialisation in areas like malware analysis or incident management.

• Bachelor’s degree in digital Forensics, Cyber Security, Computer Science, Information Security, Information Systems, or a related field.

Preferred Certifications

• GCFA, GCFE, GNFA, GCTI
• EnCE, CFCE, CCE, CHFI
• CISSP, CISM
• Microsoft Security Certifications
• AWS Security Specialty
• Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years' experience in Digital Forensics, Incident Response, Cyber Investigations, or a related discipline.
• Experience preparing evidential reports and presenting findings to senior stakeholders, regulators, and legal representatives.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Checking Things
• Developing Expertise
• Examining Information
• Exploring Possibilities
• Following Procedures
• Interpreting Data
• Meeting Timescales
• Providing Insights
• Team Working
• Upholding Standards

Technical Competencies:

• Data Management (Administration)
• Fraud Investigation
• IT Knowledge
• Promote Good Governance, Risk & Control
• Risk Identification
• Risk Management
• Risk Reporting