An interactive, hands-on program introducing high school students to the world of cybercrime, cyber security and digital forensics will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Marshall University Forensic Science Center.
The program, called “Explore Digital Forensics & Cyber Security,” is part of the Annual Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence (AIDE) Conference. It is highly recommended that high school students applying to the program have a strong interest in computers, solid work ethics and the desire to learn. Only basic computer knowledge is required, and students who apply will not be excluded because of a lack of computer skills.
Students are encouraged to apply early as space is limited to 25 people. To apply, send an e-mail to John Sammons, president of AIDE, at john.sammons@marshall.edu indicating interest and provide the following information: full name, contact e-mail and phone number, high school, current grade level, brief description of current computer skills and why you want to attend.
Sammons is an assistant professor in Marshall’s Integrated Science and Technology Department, and he also is the director of the Digital Forensics and Information Assurance undergraduate program.
Students taking part in the program will learn about the following topics:
- Crime scene search and evidence collection
- How cyber criminals operate
- How to solve crimes with digital evidence
- Tools used by both cyber criminals and forensics experts
- Cyber warfare
- Careers in digital forensics and cyber security and more
Students also will participate in the following activities:
- Get a hands-on introduction to the software and hardware used by professionals
- Collect and document digital evidence
- Tour a working digital forensics laboratory
- Interact with faculty from Marshall University and working professionals