The 2^nd International Digital Forensics Challenge (IDFC 2025) was successfully held from July 16 to 17 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Hong Kong. Jointly organized by Dataport Technology Limited, the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, and the Hong Kong Information Security and Forensics Society (ISFS), the event aimed to strengthen global law enforcement capabilities in responding to digital forensics challenges. By simulating case scenarios, the competition provided a practical environment for participants to apply and exchange cutting-edge digital forensics technologies, tools, and methodologies—contributing to the advancement of digital forensics theory and practice. This year’s event attracted 27 registered teams from 20 countries and regions, with 22 teams from 15 countries and regions ultimately taking part. Participants included professionals from law enforcement, private enterprises, and academic institutions, with 10 teams representing Belt and Road countries and regions.

The competition featured a simulated cybercrime scenario developed by CSTCB experts. It involved a sophisticated attack on an investment firm’s system, in which criminals tampered with the company’s artificial intelligence model to generate fake investment plans, luring unsuspecting investors into purchasing fraudulent cryptocurrency. This scenario reflected the emerging challenges that AI-driven criminal activities pose to the field of digital forensics. Participants were tasked with solving a series of forensic problems using a variety of tools and methodologies, ultimately working to reconstruct the case and uncover the truth. The challenge tested not only technical expertise and real-world investigative skills but also the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking. Following intense competition, the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) claimed the championship in the Professional Law Enforcement Group, while the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) secured the top prize in the Non-Law Enforcement Group. The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, the Judiciary Police (PJ) of Macao, and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) of South Korea shared second place, with seven other teams earning third-place honors.

In parallel with the competition, the Digital Forensics Technology Seminar was held, bringing together experts from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, HKU, and Dataport Technology Limited. Discussions focused on the evolving role of digital forensics in combating cybercrime and the integration of AI technologies to strengthen investigative capabilities.

Dataport Technology Limited is committed to driving innovation in digital forensics and delivering advanced solutions to law enforcement worldwide. Looking ahead, the company will continue strengthening collaboration with law enforcement, industry, and academia—shaping IDFC into a premier global forum and technical arena for forensics professionals to explore emerging challenges, foster innovation, and promote international cooperation.