National Centers of Digital Forensics Academic Excellence Program
About
CDFAE fosters the digital forensic field and encourages growth in a specific Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) field supporting the National Initiative Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Framework Domains (Investigate, Protect and Defend, Security Provision, Operate and Maintain). CDFAE Learning Objectives address 158 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) areas across 129 specific task areas with application to many more.
CDFAE program students will graduate with:
- An ability to resolve digital forensic problems.
- The capability to use the current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for digital forensic examination of digital media, files, operating systems, devices, networks, and applications for evidence recovery.
- The aptitudes to design, implement, and evaluate a system, process, component, or program to meet digital forensic needs.
- An appreciation of professional, ethical, legal, security, social, and continuing education and development responsibilities.
CDFAE Pilot Schools and Trusted Partners
- Norwich University
- Oklahoma State University
- UTICA College
- Stevenson University
- Anne Arundel Community College
- Howard County Community College
- Johns Hopkins Carey Business School
- Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT)
- American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS) /Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC) [Board Advisor]
Interested in applying to become a CDFAE Designated Program?
Contact
- Telephone: 410-981-1069
- Fax: 410-981-1092
- Email: CDFAE@dc3.mil
Information that will be needed:
- Name of School/ College/ University/ DoD or Federal Academic Institute
- Name of Institute's relevant Department if applicable
- Types of Degree's Offered by Academic Organization
- Accreditation Granting Organization
- Organization's Mail Stop (primary physical mail address)
- Email address (non-descriptive / alias) of requesting organization
DC3's Role in Digital Forensics
The Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) sets the standard for digital evidence processing, analysis, and diagnostics for any DoD investigation, both criminal and counterintelligence, that involves digital forensic support. Digital forensics is the application of computer science and investigative procedures involving the examination of digital evidence - following proper search authority, chain of custody, validation with mathematics, use of validated tools, repeatability, reporting, and possibly expert testimony. Beyond traditional legal purposes, the same techniques, scientific rigor, and procedural precision now support the range of military operations and courses of action including Counterintelligence and E-discovery in civil litigations.
DC3 serves as one of the designated national cyber centers in accordance with National Security Presidential Directive 54/Homeland Security Presidential Directive 23 (Reference (e)). DC3 also serves as the DoD Center of Excellence and establishes DoD standards for digital and multimedia forensics in coordination with the DoD Components.
DC3 is implementing the CDFAE program in direct support of
- DoD Directive Number 5505.13E, March 1, 2010
- Co-lead and DoD representative for Functional Area 3 (Domestic LE and CI) which falls under Component 4 (Cybersecurity Workforce Training and Professional Development)
DC3 chairs the CDFAE governance board comprised of Academia and Professional Organizations specific to the discipline. The governance board oversees learning objective requirements, designation, and ensuring that a holistic approach to developing digital forensics, cyber investigation, and cyber analytics education is in place.
CDFAE Contact Information
Telephone: 410-981-1069
Fax: 410-981-1092
Email: CDFAE@dc3.mil