IIT Kanpur hires Nisarga, the teen hacker who exposed flaws in CBSE's OSM portal

After identifying vulnerabilities in CBSE's OSM portal, 19-year-old cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary joins IIT Kanpur's C3iHub as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer, reflecting the growing recognition of responsible security research in India.

In Short

• IIT Kanpur's C3iHub hires teen hacker and cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary
• He joins as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer
• Adhikary's story inspires young Indians to pursue cybersecurity with ethics and skill

Nisarga Adhikary, the teenager who came into the spotlight after identifying vulnerabilities in the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) Online Submission of Marks (OSM) portal, has been hired as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur.

The appointment marks a significant milestone in the young cybersecurity researcher’s journey, transforming a responsible vulnerability disclosure into a professional role at one of India's leading cybersecurity and cyber defence research centres.

His story highlights the growing demand for cybersecurity talent and shows how responsible security research can open doors to opportunities in academia and the wider cyber ecosystem.

Adhikary first gained national attention after identifying security flaws in CBSE's OSM portal, a platform used by schools to upload student marks. Rather than exploiting the weaknesses, he responsibly reported them, drawing attention to the need for stronger cybersecurity practices.

Also, Adhikary recently drew attention to CBSE's digital infrastructure after claiming he was able to play the viral "Bad Apple" animation on a CBSE portal while demonstrating alleged security weaknesses, reigniting discussions around the security of public-facing systems.

FROM INDEPENDENT RESEARCHER TO IIT KANPUR

For many aspiring cybersecurity professionals, IIT Kanpur represents one of the country's foremost centres for research and technological innovation. For Adhikary, it now serves as the launchpad for the next phase of his career.

His appointment as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at C3iHub reflects recognition not only of his technical abilities but also of his understanding of ethical security practices.

Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and threat intelligence have become critical components of modern cybersecurity operations, helping organisations identify emerging threats, track cybercriminal activities and strengthen defensive capabilities.

The recruitment also signals a broader shift in the cybersecurity industry, where demonstrated skills, real-world research and hands-on expertise are increasingly valued alongside traditional academic credentials.

THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF THREAT INTELLIGENCE

As governments, educational institutions and businesses continue to digitise their operations, cyber threats are becoming more frequent and sophisticated. From data breaches and ransomware attacks to state-sponsored cyber campaigns, organisations today face an evolving threat landscape that requires constant monitoring and analysis.

This is where threat intelligence professionals play a crucial role. By collecting and analysing information from open sources, underground forums, threat actor activities and emerging attack trends, they help organisations anticipate risks before they materialise into serious security incidents.

Professionals working in OSINT and threat intelligence serve as the eyes and ears of modern cybersecurity teams, providing actionable insights that strengthen cyber defence strategies and improve incident response capabilities.

A MESSAGE FOR YOUNG CYBERSECURITY ENTHUSIASTS

For students and aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Adhikary's story offers a powerful lesson. Age is no barrier to making meaningful contributions to cybersecurity. In an industry where practical skills, curiosity and continuous learning are highly valued, young researchers can make a significant impact if they approach security research responsibly and ethically.

Adhikary's success reflects the growing opportunities in India's expanding cybersecurity sector, where demand for skilled professionals continues to rise.

His transition from uncovering vulnerabilities in CBSE's OSM portal to joining IIT Kanpur's C3iHub highlights the increasing importance of cybersecurity talent and the value of responsible security research.

His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring researchers, demonstrating how technical expertise, curiosity, and ethical conduct can lead to meaningful career opportunities.

- Ends