Digital Forensics Python Lab: Browser History Investigation | Cybersecurity Activity

Modular Python investigation workflow

Take your students deeper into cybersecurity with this hands-on Python digital forensics lab!

In this advanced computer science and cybersecurity activity, students analyze browser history data using Python to uncover suspicious behavior, reconstruct timelines, and identify evidence of potential data exfiltration.

This lab simulates a real-world forensic investigation, giving students experience with tools and workflows used in cybersecurity and data analysis careers.

What Makes This Unique:

• Real dataset + forensic scenario
• Multiple Python scripts (modular investigation)
• Data analysis using Pandas
• Timeline reconstruction + visualization
• Auto-grading compatible outputs

What’s Included:

• Full digital forensics lab (student handout)
• Browser history dataset (CSV)
• Python analysis scripts:
  • Data exploration
  • Suspicious activity detection
  • Domain analysis
  • Timeline reconstruction
  • Activity visualization
• Student worksheet
• Instructor notes + rubric
• Instructor Grading Script

Skills Covered:

• Python (Pandas, data analysis)
• Cybersecurity fundamentals
• Digital forensics techniques
• Data investigation workflows
• Critical thinking & evidence analysis

Perfect For:

• High school computer science (advanced)
• Cybersecurity / CTE pathways
• Intro to data science courses
• College-level intro CS or IT

Requirements:

• Basic Python knowledge
• Ability to run .py files or Jupyter notebooks

Extension Ready:

Students can:

• Automate investigations
• Visualize activity trends
• Detect behavioral patterns

Lab File Notes :

(All files need to have .txt changed to it's appropriate extension, either .csv or .py

· browser_history.csv

· python_analysis.py

· identify_suspicious_searches.py

· domain_analysis.py

· timeline_reconstruction.py

· activity_over_time.py

Grading File needed: GradingScriptLab2.py

Keywords

• digital forensics python
• cybersecurity python project
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• data analysis python activity
• browser history investigation
• pandas data analysis lesson
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• cybersecurity activity high school
• CTE cybersecurity lab
• STEM python activity
• Advanced
• Python Required
• Real-World Skills
• Career-ready cybersecurity lab
• Python-based forensic investigation
• Real-world data analysis project