SYTECH workshop sparks global interest in digital forensics

SYTECH has run a two-day virtual digital forensics workshop with social mobility charity Futures For All, drawing 141 pupils aged 14 to 19 from multiple countries.

The event, 'Crack the Case with SYTECH', introduced participants to the basics of digital forensics, offered an overview of day-to-day work in the field, and outlined routes into digital forensics careers.

Futures For All works with employers and educators to give young people exposure to different job areas and workplace experiences, with a focus on widening access to career opportunities for students from all backgrounds.

The workshop combined teaching sessions with a practical group exercise. Pupils were introduced to industry tools and data processing, along with analytical report writing and team-based investigation methods.

Case exercise

A central part of the programme was a two-part scenario in which students assessed conflicting evidence released over two days. Working in groups, they presented their conclusions to the wider cohort and explained the reasoning behind each team's final verdict.

The format reflected how digital investigations often require structured analysis and documented decision-making. Students also practised presenting findings in a group setting, a common element of forensic work.

Online safety

The agenda included a section on online safety and digital footprints, highlighting how online behaviour can have long-term consequences. It also covered sexting and illegal file sharing, and their potential impact on future employability.

The workshop formed part of SYTECH's wider outreach activities focused on awareness and responsible digital conduct among young people.

Diversity focus

SYTECH remains focused on increasing female representation in digital forensics and reported that 26% of attendees identified as female.

Digital forensics sits at the intersection of criminal investigation, corporate incident response and regulatory work. Specialists analyse data from devices, networks and cloud services, and produce reports used in internal investigations, civil cases and criminal proceedings. Employers include consultancies, law enforcement agencies, corporates and specialist laboratories.

Demand for these skills has risen as digital evidence has become central to most types of investigations. Organisations are also facing higher levels of ransomware, data theft and fraud, which often require forensic triage and analysis.

SYTECH operates from offices in the UK and traces its origins back to 1978. Its work spans forensic investigation services including digital device analysis, telecommunications, data recovery and incident response. It also provides cyber security services such as cyber infrastructure consultancy, Cyber Essentials Plus certification, penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.

The company lists quality and information security certifications across its operations, including ISO 17025, ISO 27001, ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. It also provides consultancy and training linked to these standards, and said its ISO 17025 work has extended into sectors including water treatment, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.

Education outreach has become more prominent across the cyber security and digital forensics sector as employers compete for entry-level talent and seek to widen participation. Virtual formats have also made it easier for pupils from different regions to join programmes without travel costs or time away from school.

SYTECH described the workshop as part of its efforts to raise awareness of the profession and the responsibilities that come with forensic work.

"Engaging young people in digital forensics is essential if we want to build a skilled and diverse pipeline for the future. Workshops like this allow students to explore real investigative techniques, understand the responsibilities that come with working in this field and gain awareness of how their own digital behaviour can shape future opportunities," said Kassandra Bratt, Digital Forensics Analyst and Project Lead for the Futures For All initiative at SYTECH.

"We are proud to work with Futures For All to provide meaningful, accessible experiences that help the next generation take their first steps into a rapidly evolving industry," Bratt added.