<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 on the consolidated financial statements and schedule
of DigitalNet Holdings, Inc. dated January 27, 2003 (except with respect to
the matter discussed in paragraph 6 in Note 1, as to which the date is March
28, 2003) and to our reports on the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of DigitalNet Goverment Solutions, LLC dated January 27, 2003 in
Amendment No. 3 to the registration statement (Form S-1 No. 333-107764) and
related prospectus of DigitalNet Holdings, Inc. for the registration of shares
of its common stock.

                                             /s/ Ernst and Young LLP

McLean, Virginia
September 25, 2003