The National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) has formed a strategic partnership with OffSec, a renowned U.S.-based cybersecurity company, to implement the OffSec platform and introduce a range of advanced, hands-on cybersecurity courses. Notably, this collaboration includes the full suite of OffSec’s Red Team and Blue Team certification training programs. Through NTUST’s long-term cybersecurity talent development initiative, students will undergo rigorous and comprehensive practical training, progressively building both offensive and defensive expertise, laying a solid foundation for careers in the cybersecurity industry.

The MOU signing ceremony was witnessed by Professor Wei-Chung Teng (left), former Vice Dean of the College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at NTUST; Professor Shih-Chao Cha (center), Chair of the Department of Information Management and Director of the Cybersecurity Research and Teaching Center at NTUST; and Mr. David Zhao (right), Head of OffSec Asia-Pacific.

As part of the collaboration, NTUST will provide systematic courses in penetration testing, threat hunting, and Security Operations Center (SOC) operations. By integrating with OffSec’s practical training platform, students will not only learn how to perform attacks but also understand the underlying mechanisms. Through learning offensive techniques, students will explore how organizations manage and mitigate cyber threats in real-world scenarios and develop structured threat-hunting strategies to enhance defense planning. This holistic approach aims to foster students with full-spectrum, real-world “offense-defense integrated” cybersecurity capabilities.

Group photo at the MOU signing ceremony.

The MOU signing marks the official launch of this cross-border cooperation. The event was witnessed by NTUST’s former Vice Dean Professor Wei-Chung Teng, Professor Shih-Chao Cha, and OffSec APAC Head David Zhao. This partnership strengthens Taiwan’s links to global education technology and demonstrates NTUST’s commitment to adopting advanced international training platforms.

Opening remarks by Professor Wei-Chung Teng, former Vice Dean of NTUST’s College of EECS

Professor Shih-Chao Cha of NTUST’s Department of Information Management and Cybersecurity Research and Teaching Center noted that, based on years of experience in cybersecurity talent cultivation, students entering the field need not only theoretical knowledge but also practical, real-world training environments to effectively tackle cybersecurity challenges. This collaboration goes beyond simple course adoption—it deepens educational goals and integrates teaching resources strategically.

Remarks by Professor Shih-Chao Cha, Director of NTUST’s Cybersecurity Research and Teaching Center

He cited the example of the OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), a highly regarded Red Team certification for offensive security assessments, which is included in the partnership. NTUST will not only teach offensive techniques but also cover defensive certifications such as OSDA and OSTH. “More importantly,” he added, “we are moving from just providing knowledge to linking it with technical skills and real-world practice. With OffSec’s hands-on labs, we aim to create a model for cybersecurity education and offer a reference for other institutions.”

Additionally, to promote Blue Team skills focused on systematic penetration defense and operations, NTUST plans to integrate Blue Team knowledge—such as SOC operations and threat hunting—into existing cybersecurity courses within its Graduate Institute of Cybersecurity Technology and Management. The university will continue expanding its efforts to train top-tier cybersecurity professionals.

Remarks by OffSec APAC Head, David Zhao

OffSec is dedicated to cybersecurity, penetration testing, and digital forensics. NTUST has long focused on cybersecurity research and talent cultivation, and is one of the first universities in Taiwan to establish a dedicated cybersecurity research and teaching center. In recent years, NTUST has also supported the Ministry of Education’s “Cybersecurity Talent Development Program” and, in 2022, established a master’s program in Cybersecurity Technology and Management. Amid growing global cybersecurity challenges, NTUST will continue to deepen collaboration with international cybersecurity organizations, broaden faculty and student perspectives, and cultivate cybersecurity professionals equipped with practical skills and international competitiveness.