Digital Forensics: Cybercrime Investigation and Evidence Analysis
Updated on: August, 22, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, crime is rising and spans both physical and virtual spaces. Cybercrimes like data theft and ransomware attacks are growing more frequent and increasingly sophisticated. Digital forensics—a specialised domain within forensic science— bridges technology and law enforcement, enabling investigators to analyse electronic evidence, recover deleted files, trace cybercriminals, and present findings in court, which can control these problems in time.
SGT University, known for its excellence in science and technology education, offers vast courses and top-level tiers, and is unique among others, including a PhD in forensic science. It prepares students for advanced roles in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation, and it can change the role of students and make them professionals in these fields.
SGT University, known for its excellence in science and technology education, which offers vast courses and top-level tiers, is unique among others, including a PhD in Forensic Science. It prepares students for advanced roles in digital forensics and cybercrime investigation, it can change the role of students and make them professionals in these fields.
Table of Contents
- What is Digital Forensics?
- The Role of Digital Forensics in Cybercrime Investigation
- Tools and Techniques Used in Digital Evidence Analysis
- Career Opportunities in Digital Forensics
- PhD Forensic Science Scope: Why Specialize?
- Forensic Science Research Careers: Emerging Trends
- Forensic Science vs Other Science PhD Programs
- Forensic Scientist Salary in India and Abroad
- Why Choose SGT University for Forensic Science?
- PhD Forensic Science: Course Highlights – SGT University
- Future Trends in Digital Forensics
- FAQs
What is Digital Forensics?
Digital forensics refers to the application of science and technology that uses those methods to recover and investigate information from the digital world. This includes smartphones, computers, servers, and networks, which are often used in cybercrime.
The Role of Digital Forensics in Cybercrime Investigation
Digital forensics helps them in various fields, such as:
- Tracking cybercriminals through IP addresses and metadata.
- Recovering deleted or encrypted files from devices
- Analyzing communication logs and browsing history
- Validating digital evidence for court proceedings
Tools and Techniques Used in Digital Evidence Analysis
Common tools and methods include those that are used widely, which include:
- FTK (Forensic Toolkit) and EnCase
- Memory dump and disk imaging
- Network traffic analysis
- Email header tracing
- File carving and steganography detection
Career Opportunities in Digital Forensics
Due to the rise in the demand for crimes, digital security also increases, and in this, you can pursue a variety of career paths, like in forensic science, which has grown significantly. Included are:
- Forensic Scientist
- Forensic Consultant
- Researcher
- Lecturer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Forensic Pathologist
- Forensic Toxicologist
- Forensic IT Specialist
- Forensic Anthropologist
- Crime Laboratory Analyst
PhD Forensic Science Scope: Why Specialize?
- Advanced research in digital crime detection
- Academic and teaching roles in reputed universities
- Government advisory roles in cybersecurity
- Leadership positions in cyber law enforcement
At SGT University, the PhD program combines theoretical and practical knowledge, in which hands-on research in state-of-the-art digital forensics labs plays an essential role in the curriculum.
Forensic Science Research Careers: Emerging Trends
Research careers are booming in these fields, like
- AI-based cybercrime detection
- Blockchain forensics
- Cloud data retrieval
- Mobile forensics
- Cyber threat intelligence
These areas are ideal for PhD candidates who are looking to make their meaningful contributions in these fields.
Forensic Science vs Other Science PhD Programs
| Feature / Aspect | Forensic Science PhD | Other Science PhDs (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of Work | Applied, investigative, crime-solving | Theoretical or lab-based research |
| Core Focus | Criminal justice, legal evidence, forensic methods | Fundamental scientific principles and theories |
| Interdisciplinary Approach | Combines science, law, criminology, and tech | Usually focused on one scientific domain |
| Career Fields | Law enforcement, legal system, cybersecurity | Academia, research institutions, industry |
| Fieldwork / Practical Exposure | High (crime scene, courts, forensic labs) | Medium to Low (mostly lab research or field studies) |
| PhD Outcome | Expert in crime analysis and legal procedures | Expert in subject-specific theories and experiments |
| Popular Employers | Police, CBI, NIA, law firms, and universities | R&D labs, pharma companies, universities, private sector |
| Demand in the Government Sector | High (investigation, intelligence) | Moderate (research, advisory roles) |
| Salary Growth (India) | ₹5–15+ LPA (more with PhD and govt roles) | ₹4–12 LPA depending on field and experience |
| Research Trends | Cybercrime, digital forensics, and AI in investigation | Drug discovery, climate science, genetic research, etc. |
Forensic Scientist Salary in India and Abroad
| Role | India Avg Salary (INR) | International Avg Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Forensic Analyst | ₹6–12 LPA | $60,000–$100,000 |
| Cybercrime Investigator | ₹5–10 LPA | $55,000–$90,000 |
| Forensic Science Professor (PhD) | ₹8–15 LPA | $80,000–$120,000 |
PhD graduates often earn on the higher end of this scale because their profession and positions are increasing, especially in academia and international consulting.
Why Choose SGT University for Forensic Science?
SGT University offers:
- Train in real-world crime scenes across Delhi NCR to develop practical forensic investigation expertise.
- Learn in cutting-edge forensic laboratories, including the Central Synthetic Organic Chemistry Lab and the Forensic Science Consultancy and Training Centre, equipped with the latest tools and supported by active consultancy projects.
- Analyze real case studies and forensic evidence under the guidance of experienced forensic experts and professional faculty.
- Gain hands-on expertise in cybercrime investigation and digital data protection through the MSc in Digital Forensics, co-delivered with 3rd Eye Techno Solutions.
- Open doors to careers in law enforcement, forensic labs, intelligence agencies, and private investigation firms.
PhD Forensic Science: Course Highlights- SGT University
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Forensic Science |
| Course Duration | As per UGC |
| Course Fees | INR 1,50,000 (Per Annum) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Master of Science in concerned specialization with 55% Marks, and 5% relaxation for SC/ST and EWS |
| Top Colleges | SGT University, Faculty of Applied and Basic Sciences |
| Top Job Recruiters | Pyramid Cyber Security & Forensic, Orion Security Solutions, Whistle Forensic, A & R Info Security Solutions, ECS Corporation, Narvankar Legal Chambers, Systool Software, Secugenius Security Solutions, etc. |
Future Trends in Digital Forensics
- AI-assisted forensic investigation in major demand
- Real-time incident response tools and techniques.
- IoT forensics (smart devices): five real-time experiences
- Dark web surveillance techniques and tricks
- Legal tech integration in courtrooms and labs
FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is digital forensics?
It’s the process of collecting and analysing data from digital devices to investigate cybercrimes.
Q2. What is the scope of a PhD in forensic science?
A PhD opens doors to research, teaching, and high-level roles in law enforcement and cybersecurity.
Q3. How is forensic science different from other science PhDs?
It focuses on real-world crime-solving, combining science with law and investigation.
Q4. What are the career options in digital forensics?
You can become a forensic analyst, cybercrime investigator, or digital evidence expert.
Q5. What is the salary of a forensic scientist in India?
Salaries range from ₹5–15 LPA, with PhD holders earning more in academia or government roles.
Q6. Why choose SGT University for forensic science?
It offers advanced labs, expert faculty, research-driven PhD programmes, and strong placement support.
Q7. Is digital forensics a promising career?
Yes, it’s a growing field with high demand, especially in the era of increasing cybercrime.
