Summary
I analysed forensic Excel files to extract hidden artefacts. The challenge was built around spreadsheets that were not what they appeared to be — the interesting data was concealed inside the file, and finding it meant treating the document as evidence rather than as a spreadsheet.
Tools
Add the exact tools you used (for example archive utilities, hex editors, or forensic scripting).
Steps
Write the walkthrough in order: how the files were examined, where the hidden data lived, and how it was extracted and verified.
- Examine the file structure before opening it — fill in
- Locate the hidden artefacts — fill in
- Extract and decode the data — fill in
- Verify the finding and recover the flag — fill in
Result
Add what artefacts you recovered and how the challenge was solved.
Lesson learned
Add the transferable lesson — for example a file-handling habit you would bring to a real forensic examination.
This is the work behind the “file and artefact forensics” field on the coverage map — one of six fields backed by hands-on experience.