Digital Detectives in the Making: Introducing Data Security Through Forensic Challenges

Digital forensics is an essential and expanding field focused on the collection and analysis of digital evidence for legal cases. As digital devices and online communications become more integrated with criminal investigations, investigators need to understand the basics of digital forensics. While certifications still provide a quick route to a career in digital forensics, higher education institutions are now offering programs centered on cybercrime, making digital forensic coursework more accessible. Due to the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, early exposure to digital forensics can help students discover relevant academic and career options. This paper emphasizes the importance of introducing high school students to digital forensics. It details the development of a hands-on activity using the open-source forensic tools SleuthKit and Autopsy. We explore practical aspects of designing and implementing the activity, identify potential improvements, and highlight the importance of early engagement in building a pipeline of skilled cyber professionals.