Marshall University is seeking local high school students interested in learning more about the world of cybercrime, digital forensics and cyber security. The university’s digital forensics and information assurance program will host its 10th annual “Cyber Day,” a one-day event, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 16, for local students in grades 9-12.

The event is part of the 12th annual conference of the Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence (AIDE) and will be held on Marshall University’s Huntington campus.

John Sammons, director of digital forensics and information assurance at Marshall, said AIDE will host this interactive, hands-on program for students who have an interest in computers, a strong work ethic and a desire to learn.

“Throughout the day, students will learn about cyber security and digital forensics in a fun and challenging way. The day will include hands-on, learning lab exercises. Our goal is to expose students to our program and this exciting career,” Sammons said.

The conference has 35 seats available. T-shirts will be provided to each student. To apply, go to https://www.marshall.edu/ce/aide/.

Deadline for applications is Sunday, April 7.

“Our students will get a hands-on introduction to the software used by forensics professionals to collect and document digital evidence,” Sammons said. “They will also get a tour of our digital forensics laboratory and have opportunities to interact with our faculty members.”

The Appalachian Institute of Digital Evidence is a regional, not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving the legal, technical, public sector and business professionals for whom digital evidence is part and parcel of their work. It exists to help network administrators, digital forensics practitioners, law enforcement and legal professionals survive – and even thrive – in the ever-changing landscape where technology and the law meet. By fostering collaboration among practitioners, students and academics, AIDE aims to improve access to information, develop solutions to practical problems and narrow the gap between the accessing and use of digital evidence and traditional physical evidence in the law.

For questions about Cyber Day, please contact John Sammons by e-mail at john.sammons@marshall.edu or call 304-696-7241.

For more information on the digital forensics and information assurance program at Marshall, visit www.marshall.edu/forensicsciences/dfia online or visit AIDE at https://appyide.org.

Originally from Jean Hardiman for Marshall University Communications.