<Page>
                                                                Exhibit 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to
the use of our reports dated January 27, 2003, in Amendment No. 2 to the
Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-102731) and related Prospectus of
DigitalNet Holdings, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.

                                            /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
March 6, 2003