APU’s Forensic & Cyber Security Research Center - Student Section (FSEC-SS) completely dominated the Netsa Skill Challenge CTF 2025 at UTeM, with teams Sudo rm -rf /, Anything, Squad Busters and C0UGH1NGB4BY proved APU’s strength in cyber security, showcasing their skills across various domains and affirming their reputation for producing future-ready professionals.

The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation’s (APU) Forensic & Cyber Security Research Center - Student Section (FSEC-SS) has once again proven its reputation as a powerhouse in cyber security education, with its students achieving a super hat-trick of wins by securing the top four positions at the Netsa Skill Challenge Capture the Flag 2025, held on 24th May 2025 at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM).

This highly anticipated competition brought together 20 elite teams from across the nation, challenging their wits and technical prowess across a diverse array of cyber security domains, including forensics, web exploitation, IoT, steganography, OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), and cryptography.

These dynamic challenges rigorously test participants’ technical skills and problem-solving abilities. 

Competing individually or in teams, participants tackle a variety of complex cyber security puzzles, aiming to retrieve hidden ‘flags’ — typically strings of code or secret files — as proof of successful completion. 

APU’s FSEC-SS dominance was absolute, with their teams Sudo rm -rf /, Anything, and Squad Busters clinching the Champion, 1st Runner-Up, and 2nd Runner-Up titles respectively.

Leading the charge and claiming the coveted Champion title was team Sudo rm -rf /, comprising cybersecurity prodigies Teh Yu Xuan, Lee Zhen Yong, and Jerrel Su Ming Jie. 

Their exceptional technical acumen and seamless collaborative problem-solving were evident as they topped the scoreboard with an impressive 7,062 points.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have secured the Champion title,” said Yu Xuan representing team Sudo rm -rf /, added “The Netsa Skill Challenge CTF 2025 truly pushed our limits across every domain, from forensics to cryptography.”

According to him, their team success is a testament to the countless hours they have spent honing their skills and the incredible support from their lecturers and the FSEC-SS. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to see our collaborative problem-solving pay off at this level, and we are immensely proud to represent APU.”

The 1st Runner-Up honours went to team Anything, a formidable trio consisting of Toh Jia Yu, Wong Wan Yin, and Chai Cheng Xun, who secured a solid 6,562 points.

Completing APU’s clean sweep, team Squad Busters made up of Shunsuke Tan Hei, Jeremy Phang Kah Chun, and Tan Nick Kean achieved a commendable 2nd Runner-Up position with 6,512 points.

Beyond the top three, other APU teams also showcased their capabilities, with team C0UGH1NGB4BY narrowly missing out on a podium finish, ranking 3rd Runner-up with a strong total of 5,886 points. 

Team NasiLemakSecured! also participated, adding to APU’s robust presence. All winning teams proudly comprise committee members of the FSEC-SS, who honed their skills under the guidance of advisors Ms Nor Azlina Abd Rahman and Ms Noris Ismail. 

These outstanding students represent the Network, Forensic, and Cyber Security team within the School of Technology (SoT), led by the Senior Head of SoT, Associate Professor Dr Thang Ka Fei.

A huge congratulations and well done to all the winning teams and participants for their remarkable performance. Their success is a clear indicator that APU is not just teaching cyber security, but actively shaping the future guardians of our digital world.