White Hat Conference Cybercrime Investigation Competition

Cybercrime Investigation Challenge

June 1, 2026

The White Hat Cybercrime Investigation Challenge provides a unique opportunity for participants to integrate digital forensics, cybercrime investigation, blockchain tracing, AI-enabled threat analysis, and courtroom presentation skills within a realistic investigative environment.

The Cybercrime Investigation Challenge is designed to identify and advance the common goals, investigative competencies, technical skills, and legal expertise required for a comprehensive, high-level cybercrime investigation curriculum. Developed by Boston University’s Metropolitan College and the Center for Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity, the challenge utilizes an evidence-based digital case scenario modeled after real-world cybercrime investigations.

This year’s challenge will focus on three rapidly evolving areas of cybercrime investigation:

• Deepfake and AI-Enabled Crime Investigations
• Internet of Things (IoT) Forensics and Cybersecurity
• Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Investigations

The 2026 Cybercrime Investigation Challenge will be conducted in both virtual and in-person formats, providing participants with an immersive and realistic investigative experience. Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Engage in advanced cyber-investigation and digital forensic training
• Apply investigative and evidentiary best practices aligned with the operational needs of local, state, federal, and international agencies
• Strengthen analytical, legal, and expert-witness presentation skills
• Contribute to the development of future training standards for digital evidence and cybercrime investigations

Who Can Participate

Participants must compete in teams of three members. The Challenge is open to:

• College and graduate students
• Cybersecurity, digital forensics, intelligence, and law enforcement practitioners

Challenge Structure

Teams will work through a complex digital case scenario involving deepfake-enabled deception, IoT-related evidence, and cryptocurrency transaction tracing. Participants will conduct forensic analysis, develop investigative findings, prepare evidentiary documentation, and present expert testimony based on their conclusions.

Schedule

Monday, June 1, 2026 (Argentina Standard Time)

• The challenge will conclude at midnight on June 1, 2026 (approximately 10 hours total investigative exercise time).

Final Presentation Round

• The top three teams will present their investigative findings in a live mock-trial setting and provide expert testimony before a judging panel.

Awards

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500
• Third Place: $300