# Digital Forensics & Incident Response Certificate Program

Canonical URL: <https://www.graduateschool.edu/certificates/digital-forensics-incident-response-certificate-program>

## Overview

This program is the complete federal incident investigation credential. Participants run a federal incident response program from governance and readiness through detection, containment, recovery, and lessons learned, then specialize in the investigative craft: the forensic process that makes findings defensible, and the malware analysis that explains what actually happened.

The sequence is deliberate: response teaches what to do under time pressure, forensics teaches how to prove it afterwards, and malware analysis teaches how to answer the question everyone asks first, which is what the thing did. It prepares participants for federal incident responder, digital forensic examiner, and SOC investigator roles, and toward the GIAC GCIH and GCFE credentials. The program aligns to NIST SP 800-61 Rev 3, SP 800-86, and SP 800-83, to CISA reporting obligations, and to the CSF 2.0 Functions.

## What you'll learn

- Take a federal incident from first detection through to closure and reporting
- Meet CISA and FISMA notification obligations under time pressure
- Collect and examine digital evidence in a defensible, repeatable way
- Determine what a piece of malware did without needing to execute it
- Produce investigation artifacts that hold up to scrutiny

## Curriculum
1. **Federal Incident Response for Agency Practitioners Course**
2. **Digital Forensics and Incident Investigation for Federal Employees Course**
3. **Malware Analysis Fundamentals Course**

## Instructors

### Wes Bryan — Instructor

Wes Bryan resides in Gainesville, Florida, and has built his career around technology, education, and helping others understand complex subjects. He values continuous learning, clear communication, and practical problem-solving. Outside of work, Wesley enjoys running, hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors. He also has a strong interest in music and literature, enjoys reading both fiction and nonfiction, as well as playing guitar.

### Chuck Moore — Instructor

With more than 25 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Chuck has built a career on a strong foundation in security, networking, help desk operations, and technical training. He has helped organizations strengthen their security posture by identifying vulnerabilities, conducting threat assessments, implementing security controls, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Combining extensive technical expertise with a passion for education, Chuck equips professionals with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognize risks and respond effectively.

## Pricing

**Tuition:** $2499