Penta Security Donates WAPPLES to Hoseo University to Foster Practical Cybersecurity Talent

At the end of last year, Penta Security donated its web application firewall WAPPLES to Hoseo University‘s Information Security Research Lab and training facility. This initiative is part of a broader industry-academic collaboration aimed at nurturing skilled cybersecurity professionals. By providing access to enterprise-grade security solutions, the program helps students gain hands-on experience in real-world scenarios, preparing them to contribute immediately upon graduation.

WAPPLES: Korea’s No. 1 Web Application Firewall for 18 Consecutive Years

Since its launch in 2005, WAPPLES has been a market leader in Korea’s web application firewall (WAF) segment. Guided by its core brand values—safety, connectivity, and future—WAPPLES has continuously evolved through advanced technology development and strategic brand management. As of 2025, WAPPLES holds a commanding 56% market share, maintaining the No. 1 position in Korea’s public procurement WAF market for 18 straight years. With over 6,300 cumulative units sold, WAPPLES has become the go-to solution across key sectors such as government, finance, healthcare, education, telecommunications, and manufacturing. It serves as a critical defense system, protecting against data breaches, service disruptions, and other cyber threats. WAPPLES was recognized as the only cybersecurity brand among all winners at the Korea Brand Awards, further cementing its status as a representative brand in Korea’s cybersecurity industry.

Bridging Academia and Industry to Hoseo University Through Hands-On Cybersecurity Education 

The WAPPLES solution donated to Hoseo University will be used to support cybersecurity research and hands-on training in the Department of Information Security. Students will have the opportunity to detect and block real-world web attacks such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). By analyzing security policies and simulating attack scenarios, they will gain practical skills that are essential for operating cybersecurity solutions in enterprise environments.

Unlike traditional theory-based education, this training emphasizes realistic threat response and event analysis. By working directly with WAPPLES’ detection rules and settings, students will develop critical problem-solving abilities and adaptability, making them job-ready from day one.

Building a Sustainable Cybersecurity Talent Pipeline

This donation goes beyond simple product support. It reflects Penta Security’s long-term commitment to building a sustainable ecosystem for cybersecurity talent through academic partnerships. The cybersecurity industry continues to face a shortage of skilled professionals, especially those with practical experience. In response, Penta Security is actively collaborating with educational institutions to help students build a deep understanding of enterprise-grade security solutions like WAPPLES and develop the competencies needed in the field.

This collaboration with Hoseo University marks the beginning of a broader initiative. Penta Security plans to expand its partnerships with universities, offering more students the chance to develop their practical skills. Feedback gathered from these educational programs will be used to further improve its products, creating a virtuous cycle between industry and academia. The company believes that attracting and developing top talent is vital to the future of the global cybersecurity industry.

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