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B-SC in Digital Forensics at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Digital Forensics at GITAM (Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management) Visakhapatnam?
This B.Sc (Hons) Digital Forensics program at GITAM, Visakhapatnam, focuses on equipping students with expertise in identifying, preserving, analyzing, and presenting digital evidence. In the burgeoning Indian digital economy, with increasing cybercrime rates, there''''s a critical demand for skilled professionals who can combat digital threats. This program distinguishes itself by integrating core computer science with specialized forensic techniques, preparing graduates for the evolving landscape of cyber investigations in India.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 graduates with a strong aptitude for problem-solving, analytical thinking, and an interest in cybersecurity and law enforcement. It also suits individuals passionate about digital investigations, ethical hacking, and data security. Students with a background in Mathematics/Statistics are particularly well-suited, aiming for a career at the intersection of technology and justice within the Indian context.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect promising career paths as Digital Forensic Investigators, Cyber Security Analysts, Incident Response Specialists, eDiscovery Specialists, and Malware Analysts in India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-6 LPA, growing significantly with experience to 10-15+ LPA for seasoned professionals. The program also prepares students for global certifications like CEH, CHFI, and OSCP, enhancing their growth trajectories in Indian and international companies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Programming & Digital Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand core programming concepts in Python and the foundational principles of digital systems. Practice consistently with coding challenges and circuit simulations to build a strong analytical base. Join programming clubs and participate in beginner-friendly hackathons.
Tools & Resources
Python IDLE, GeeksforGeeks, CodeChef, Logic.ly, Online circuit simulators
Career Connection
A strong foundation in programming and digital logic is critical for understanding how digital evidence is created, stored, and processed, directly impacting your ability to analyze forensic data and develop custom tools for investigation, making you highly valuable for entry-level forensic roles.
Cultivate Strong English & Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in English language foundation courses and engage in debates, presentations, and group discussions. Practice technical writing by summarizing research papers or articles on digital forensics. Seek feedback from peers and faculty to refine your communication abilities.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Toastmasters clubs, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), Online news and research articles
Career Connection
Effective communication is paramount for digital forensic professionals to present findings clearly in court, write comprehensive reports, and interact with legal teams and clients. This skill is a key differentiator in Indian workplaces.
Engage with Ethical and Legal Aspects Early- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, read articles and case studies related to Indian cyber laws (IT Act 2000) and ethical dilemmas in digital forensics. Join college clubs focused on cyber security awareness or participate in discussions to grasp the moral and legal implications of digital investigations.
Tools & Resources
Indian Cyber Law portals, Government IT Act documents, Legal journals (e.g., NALSAR Law Review), Cybersecurity forums
Career Connection
Understanding the legal framework from the outset ensures that all evidence collected is admissible in court and that your actions are ethically sound, a crucial requirement for any forensic professional working with Indian law enforcement or corporate legal teams.
Intermediate Stage
Hands-on with Forensic Tools and Labs- (Semester 3-5)
Actively engage in all practical labs for subjects like Web & Mobile Forensics, Cloud Forensics, and Data Science. Beyond lab exercises, set up a personal virtual lab environment (e.g., using VirtualBox) to experiment with open-source forensic tools and simulate evidence collection scenarios.
Tools & Resources
Autopsy, FTK Imager, Wireshark, Sleuth Kit, Kali Linux, VirtualBox/VMware
Career Connection
Proficiency with industry-standard forensic tools is non-negotiable for job roles. Practical experience gained here directly translates to higher employability and the ability to hit the ground running in corporate or law enforcement forensic teams in India.
Network with Industry Professionals and Join Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend cybersecurity conferences, webinars, and workshops organized by GITAM or external bodies like DSCI, NASSCOM, or ISACA. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn, seek mentorship, and understand current industry trends and challenges specific to the Indian market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Eventbrite, Cybersecurity conference websites (e.g., NullCon, Ground Zero), Webinar platforms
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, job opportunities, and invaluable industry insights. It helps build your professional brand and understand the specific demands and skill gaps in the Indian digital forensics sector.
Participate in Cyber Security Competitions (CTFs)- (Semester 3-5)
Form teams and actively participate in Capture The Flag (CTF) events focused on forensics, reverse engineering, and incident response. These competitions provide realistic challenges and hone your problem-solving skills under pressure.
Tools & Resources
CTFtime.org, Hack The Box, TryHackMe
Career Connection
CTFs are an excellent way to apply theoretical knowledge, learn new techniques, and gain practical experience that impresses recruiters. Success in these events demonstrates initiative, technical prowess, and teamwork, highly valued in Indian cybersecurity firms.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Specialized Certifications- (Semester 6-8)
While pursuing your final year, plan and prepare for industry-recognized certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), or CompTIA Security+. These certifications validate your expertise and make you highly competitive.
Tools & Resources
EC-Council training material, CompTIA study guides, Online labs for practice
Career Connection
Certifications are often a prerequisite or a significant advantage for entry-level and mid-level roles in Indian cybersecurity and forensic companies, demonstrating a commitment to professional development and validated skill sets.
Focus on a Capstone Project with Industry Relevance- (Semester 7-8)
Choose a final year project that addresses a real-world problem in digital forensics, potentially collaborating with an industry mentor or a local police cyber cell. Ensure the project involves practical application of forensic techniques, tool development, or advanced analysis.
Tools & Resources
Research papers, Academic databases, Industry case studies, Project management tools
Career Connection
A strong, innovative project serves as a powerful portfolio piece during placements. It showcases your ability to independently research, design, and implement solutions, directly relevant to roles like Forensic Analyst or Security Researcher in India.
Intensive Placement Preparation and Mock Interviews- (Semester 7-8)
Actively participate in campus placement training, focusing on aptitude tests, technical interviews specific to digital forensics, and HR rounds. Conduct numerous mock interviews, both technical and behavioral, to build confidence and refine your answers. Prepare a compelling resume highlighting projects and skills.
Tools & Resources
Online aptitude platforms, InterviewBit, Glassdoor, GITAM Placement Cell resources
Career Connection
Dedicated preparation for placements ensures you are well-equipped to secure roles in top Indian and MNC firms. Strong interview performance is key to converting opportunities into successful career starts in the highly competitive job market.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum 60% or 6.0 CGPA (55% for CBSE, ICSE, & State Board Students) aggregate marks in 10+2 examination or equivalent from a recognized board. Minimum 60% in Mathematics/Statistics in 10+2 is mandatory.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 183 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory), 50% (Practical), External: 60% (Theory), 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19ECH101 | Environmental Studies | AECC | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Social Issues and Environment, Environmental Ethics and Laws |
| 19EFL101 | Foundational English | AECC | 2 | Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Listening and Speaking, Presentation Skills |
| 19EHS101 | Indian Heritage and Culture | AECC | 2 | Ancient Indian History, Art and Architecture, Philosophy and Literature, Science and Technology in India, Indian Traditions and Values |
| 21DSC101 | Programming in Python | DSC | 4 | Python Fundamentals, Data Structures in Python, Control Flow and Functions, Object-Oriented Programming, File Handling and Exception Handling |
| 21DSC102 | Digital Systems and Computer Organization | DSC | 4 | Digital Logic Circuits, Combinational and Sequential Circuits, Computer Arithmetic, CPU Organization, Memory and I/O Organization |
| 21DSC103 | Fundamentals of Digital Forensics | DSC | 4 | Introduction to Digital Forensics, Evidence Collection and Preservation, Chain of Custody, Types of Cybercrime, Legal Aspects of Forensics |
| 21DSL181 | Programming in Python Lab | Practical | 2 | Python Basic Programs, Functions and Modules Practice, OOPs Concepts in Python, File Operations, Error Handling |
| 21DSL182 | Digital Systems and Computer Organization Lab | Practical | 2 | Logic Gates Implementation, Flip-Flops and Counters, Arithmetic Logic Unit Design, Memory Interfacing, Basic Computer Architecture Simulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC104 | Data Structures using Python | DSC | 4 | Linear Data Structures (Arrays, Lists, Stacks, Queues), Non-Linear Data Structures (Trees, Graphs), Sorting Algorithms, Searching Algorithms, Hashing Techniques |
| 21DSC105 | Operating Systems | DSC | 4 | OS Introduction and Structure, Process Management, CPU Scheduling, Memory Management, File Systems and I/O Management |
| 21DSC106 | Cyber Crimes and Cyber Laws | DSC | 4 | Introduction to Cybercrime, Types of Cybercrime, Cyber Law in India (IT Act 2000 & Amendments), Digital Evidence Law, International Cyber Laws |
| 21GEC001 | Generic Elective - I | GE | 3 | |
| 21DSL183 | Data Structures using Python Lab | Practical | 2 | Implementation of Stacks and Queues, Linked List Operations, Tree Traversal Algorithms, Graph Algorithms, Sorting and Searching Practice |
| 21DSL184 | Operating Systems Lab | Practical | 2 | Linux Commands Practice, Shell Scripting, Process Management Commands, Memory Allocation Simulation, File System Operations |
| 21SSL101 | Soft Skills I | SEC | 2 | Communication Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management, Problem-Solving, Teamwork |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC201 | Database Management Systems | DSC | 4 | Introduction to DBMS, Relational Model, SQL Queries, Database Design (ER Model, Normalization), Transaction Management and Concurrency Control |
| 21DSC202 | Computer Networks | DSC | 4 | Network Models (OSI, TCP/IP), Physical Layer and Data Link Layer, Network Layer (IP Addressing, Routing), Transport Layer (TCP, UDP), Application Layer Protocols |
| 21DSC203 | Web and Mobile Forensics | DSC | 4 | Web Browser Forensics, Email Forensics, Social Media Forensics, Mobile Device Acquisition, Mobile App Forensics |
| 21GEC002 | Generic Elective - II | GE | 3 | |
| 21DSL281 | Database Management Systems Lab | Practical | 2 | SQL DDL and DML Commands, Advanced SQL Queries, PL/SQL Programming, Database Normalization Practice, Trigger and View Implementation |
| 21DSL282 | Computer Networks Lab | Practical | 2 | Network Configuration using Cisco Packet Tracer, Socket Programming, Network Scanning Tools (Nmap), Wireshark for Packet Analysis, Routing Protocols Configuration |
| 21DSL283 | Web and Mobile Forensics Lab | Practical | 2 | Browser History Analysis, Email Header Analysis, Mobile Data Extraction Tools, App Data Carving, Forensic Imaging of Mobile Devices |
| 21SSL201 | Soft Skills II | SEC | 2 | Professional Etiquette, Negotiation Skills, Presentation Techniques, Interview Preparation, Leadership Fundamentals |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC204 | Introduction to Data Science | DSC | 4 | Data Science Lifecycle, Data Preprocessing, Exploratory Data Analysis, Introduction to Machine Learning, Data Visualization |
| 21DSC205 | Cryptography and Network Security | DSC | 4 | Classical Cryptography, Symmetric Key Cryptography (DES, AES), Asymmetric Key Cryptography (RSA), Hashing and Digital Signatures, Network Security Protocols (IPSec, SSL/TLS) |
| 21DSC206 | Cloud Forensics | DSC | 4 | Cloud Computing Basics, Cloud Deployment Models, Cloud Security Challenges, Cloud Forensic Process, Evidence Acquisition in Cloud |
| 21GEC003 | Generic Elective - III | GE | 3 | |
| 21DSL284 | Introduction to Data Science Lab | Practical | 2 | Python for Data Science (NumPy, Pandas), Data Cleaning and Transformation, Statistical Analysis, Matplotlib and Seaborn for Visualization, Basic Machine Learning Models |
| 21DSL285 | Cryptography and Network Security Lab | Practical | 2 | Caesar Cipher and Vigenere Cipher, DES/AES Implementation, RSA Algorithm, Hashing Function Demonstrations, Packet Filtering using Firewalls |
| 21DSL286 | Cloud Forensics Lab | Practical | 2 | Virtual Machine Forensics, Cloud Storage Forensics, Log Analysis in Cloud Environments, Container Forensics, Cloud Service Provider Data Acquisition |
| 21SSL202 | Soft Skills III | SEC | 2 | Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Cultural Communication |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC301 | Scripting for Digital Forensics | DSC | 4 | Shell Scripting for Automation, Python for Forensic Tasks, Regular Expressions, Data Parsing and Extraction, Report Generation with Scripts |
| 21DSC302 | Malware Analysis | DSC | 4 | Types of Malware, Static Malware Analysis, Dynamic Malware Analysis, Malware Reverse Engineering Basics, Malware Forensics Tools |
| 21DSC303 | Advanced Digital Forensics | DSC | 4 | Memory Forensics, Registry Forensics, Timeline Analysis, Anti-Forensics Techniques, Report Writing and Expert Testimony |
| 21DSE3xx | Discipline Specific Elective - I | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSE3xx | Discipline Specific Elective - II | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSL381 | Scripting for Digital Forensics Lab | Practical | 2 | Bash Scripting for File Operations, Python Scripts for Log Analysis, Automating Forensic Tasks, Data Extraction from Images, Developing Custom Forensic Tools |
| 21DSL382 | Malware Analysis Lab | Practical | 2 | Malware Sandbox Environment Setup, Static Analysis Tools (PEiD, Dependency Walker), Dynamic Analysis Tools (Procmon, Regshot), Disassembly and Debugging Basics, Memory Dump Analysis |
| 21PRL391 | Internship - I | Internship | 1 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skill Application, Professional Networking, Project Documentation, Career Exploration |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC304 | Incident Response and Management | DSC | 4 | Incident Response Lifecycle, Preparation and Detection, Containment and Eradication, Recovery and Post-Incident Analysis, Forensic Readiness |
| 21DSC305 | Ethical Hacking | DSC | 4 | Introduction to Ethical Hacking, Footprinting and Reconnaissance, Scanning and Enumeration, Vulnerability Analysis, System Hacking and Malware |
| 21DSC306 | Big Data Forensics | DSC | 4 | Big Data Concepts, Hadoop Ecosystem, NoSQL Databases, Big Data Forensic Challenges, Evidence Acquisition and Analysis in Big Data |
| 21DSE3xx | Discipline Specific Elective - III | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSE3xx | Discipline Specific Elective - IV | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSL383 | Incident Response and Management Lab | Practical | 2 | Incident Response Playbooks, Log Analysis for Incident Detection, Evasion Techniques Detection, Containment Strategies Simulation, Post-Incident Reporting |
| 21DSL384 | Ethical Hacking Lab | Practical | 2 | Nmap Scanning, Metasploit Framework, SQL Injection Attacks, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Web Application Penetration Testing |
| 21DSL385 | Big Data Forensics Lab | Practical | 1 | HDFS Operations, MapReduce Programming, Spark for Data Processing, Forensic Analysis of Large Datasets, Threat Hunting in Big Data |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21DSC401 | Industrial Cyber Security | DSC | 4 | SCADA Systems, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Cyber-Physical Systems, ICS/SCADA Vulnerabilities, Forensics in OT Environments |
| 21DSC402 | IoT Forensics | DSC | 4 | IoT Architecture, IoT Communication Protocols, IoT Devices and Data Types, IoT Forensic Challenges, Evidence Acquisition from IoT Devices |
| 21DSE4xx | Discipline Specific Elective - V | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSE4xx | Discipline Specific Elective - VI | DSE | 3 | |
| 21DSL481 | Industrial Cyber Security Lab | Practical | 2 | SCADA System Simulation, ICS Network Analysis, Vulnerability Assessment of Industrial Protocols, Threat Hunting in OT Networks, Incident Response in Industrial Environments |
| 21DSL482 | IoT Forensics Lab | Practical | 2 | Data Extraction from IoT Devices, Network Traffic Analysis for IoT, Cloud-based IoT Platform Forensics, Firmware Analysis of IoT Devices, Security Assessment of IoT Ecosystems |
| 21PRL491 | Internship - II | Internship | 5 | Advanced Industry Project, Specialized Skill Development, Professional Communication, Problem-Solving in Real-world Scenarios, Mentorship and Feedback |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21PRJ499 | Project Work | Project | 23 | Research and Literature Review, Problem Definition and Methodology, System Design and Implementation, Testing and Evaluation, Technical Report Writing and Presentation |
