Digital Forensics CTF - Magnet Virtual Summit

• Ahnaf

• Google

• 2025

I recently had the exciting opportunity to participate in the Magnet Virtual Summit CTF—my first-ever competitive, borderless CTF! With 1,700+ participants from around the world, this was an incredible learning experience.

Given my strong interest in Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR), I was eager to test my skills. The challenge involved analyzing forensic evidence from iOS, 2 Android, Windows 11, and 2 Chromebook within a 3-hour window.

One of the most exciting parts? I finally got to try Magnet Forensics Magnet Axiom, a tool I’ve wanted to explore for a while. Using it in a hands-on, high-pressure environment gave me a newfound appreciation for its capabilities—it’s definitely becoming a go-to tool in my forensic workflow!

Currently, I’m at position 34, but the challenge is still open until the 28th, giving me time to refine my findings and push for a top 30 finish. While I couldn’t solve all the challenges, I’m happy with my performance and see this as a stepping stone for future CTFs.

Key Takeaways for me :

• Time Management is Key – Every second counts in a timed CTF. Optimizing workflows is crucial.

• Hands-on Experience Matters – Trying Magnet Axiom under real-world conditions gave me practical insights I wouldn’t have gained otherwise.

• CTFs Are a Powerful Learning Tool – They expose strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and reinforce critical thinking.

• Evidence is a Treasure Trove – The more I analyze, the more I discover. Every data fragment tells a story.

Never Stop Pushing Forward – While I didn’t make the top 10, I’m motivated to keep improving and aiming higher in future competitions.

This was just the beginning—more challenges, more learning, and more growth ahead!

Have you participated in a DFIR or cybersecurity CTF before? I’d love to hear your experiences!