Overview - SleuthCPS 2025

Background Checks: VCU policy requires comprehensive security checks, including sex offender checks, for all program staff and personnel who will interact with students.
Safety Training: All individuals involved in the program must complete mandatory Safety and Protection of Minors Policy training.
Emergency & Dietary Needs: Students must provide emergency contacts, dietary restrictions, and other special needs during registration to ensure their well-being throughout the camp.

Program Overview

SleuthCPS is an intensive, week-long program designed to introduce Virginia’s University students to the exciting world of digital forensics for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). Participants will dive into hands-on labs and real-world scenarios, learning how to investigate cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure like power grids, smart buildings, and automated systems.

Key Details

Purpose: A hands-on introduction to digital forensics for Industrial Control Systems (ICS).
Target Students: University students, primarily from universities in Virginia.
Location: Online.
Duration: 5 Days.
Dates: Oct 20-24, 2025.
Time: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM each day.
Cost to Students: Free.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in ICS security and forensics through a series of lectures and hands-on activities:

Day 1: Intro to ICS/SCADA: Understand what PLCs are and how they control physical processes.
Day 2: ICS Protocols & Attacks: Learn how control systems communicate and the common ways they are attacked.
Day 3: Network Traffic Analysis: Use tools like Wireshark to analyze industrial network traffic for signs of an intrusion.
Day 4: Memory Forensics: Dive deep into a PLC's memory to find hidden artifacts and evidence of tampering.
Day 5: The Final Challenge: The final challenge will be unveiled on Day 5 and the participants will have one week to submit their responses online on the submission portal (will be shared on Day 5)