OffSec Celebrates 20 Years of Hands-On Cybersecurity Training
News related to:OffSec · 2 min read
NEW YORK, Nov. 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- OffSec, the world's leading provider of high-fidelity cybersecurity training and certifications, celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2026, marking a significant milestone in the cybersecurity training landscape. Founded in 2006 when cybercrime was on the rise, OffSec has consistently set the standard for hands-on cybersecurity education, from individual practitioners to entire enterprise security teams.
The company's journey began with the creation of BackTrack Linux, an open-source platform that brought together penetration testing tools. In 2013, OffSec transformed BackTrack into Kali Linux, a free environment for penetration testing, research, forensics, and reverse engineering. Kali Purple, launched in 2023, further extended Kali's capabilities to defenders, providing a comprehensive suite for cybersecurity professionals.
One of OffSec's flagship certifications, OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), has earned its reputation as the gold standard in penetration testing. Candidates must work through live systems, adapt their approach, and document their accomplishments, making OSCP a trusted credential for employers. In 2024, OffSec introduced OSCP+, a renewable credential that offers continuous learning and validation of skills.
OffSec's commitment to hands-on learning is evident in its diverse training offerings. In 2009, the company launched the Exploit Database, a non-profit, public-service archive of public exploits, proof-of-concept (PoC) code, shellcode, and security papers. Additionally, OffSec acquired the open-source training project VulnHub, offers free labs in Proving Grounds Play, and recently added HackTrack, which provides live weekly training over a 10-week stretch. The first round of HackTrack focused on OSCP and was offered free to those with a Learn One or Course and Certification Bundle subscription.
CEO Ning Wang emphasized the importance of persistence and dedication in a career in cybersecurity, using the phrase "Try Harder" as a rallying cry. During a keynote address at the Singapore International Cyber Week in October 2026, Wang urged the Women in Cyber audience to tackle challenging tasks early to build confidence and resilience.
The evolving landscape of cybersecurity presents new challenges, particularly with the rapid advancement of AI. According to the 2025 Cybersecurity Workforce Study by ISC2, 95% of organizations report at least one skills gap, with 59% describing those gaps as critical or significant, up from 44% in 2024. These findings underscore the need for continuous, hands-on skill development.
OffSec has expanded its offerings to meet these challenges. The company's Learn Enterprise platform now includes 14 certifications ranging from foundational to expert level, 125+ customizable learning paths, 750+ labs, and 8,000+ hours of content. Framework mapping to NICE, DCWF, SCyWF, ECSF, and more, along with flexible licenses and workforce leadership reporting, ensure that organizations can bring a rigorous, hands-on approach to every member of their security team.
In 2026, OffSec introduced Live Training, bringing its instructors on-site to work with security teams in realistic scenarios. This approach has been adopted by more than two dozen organizations and hundreds of learners, reinforcing OffSec's commitment to practical, real-world training.
As OffSec looks to the future, CEO Ning Wang highlighted AI training as a top priority. "To fight AI, you have to use AI," Wang stated.
OffSec continues to evolve, adapting to the changing cybersecurity landscape while maintaining its core mission of developing critical thinkers, cyber warriors, and problem solvers. As the company marks its 20th anniversary, it remains a cornerstone in the field of cybersecurity training and education.