New Delhi: Nisarga Adhikary, a teenager who gained attention after finding security flaws in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s Online Submission of Marks (OSM) portal, has been appointed as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur.
The appointment is a major milestone for Nisarga Adhikary, turning his responsible disclosure of CBSE OSM portal vulnerabilities into a professional role at C3iHub, IIT Kanpur. It shows that ethical, practical security work can lead to opportunities in academia and the wider cyber field.
Adhikary first gained attention after finding security flaws in the CBSE Online Submission of Marks portal, used by schools to upload marks of students. He reported the issues responsibly instead of exploiting them, prompting calls for stronger security. He later said he could play the viral “Bad Apple” animation on a CBSE portal while demonstrating alleged weaknesses, renewing concerns about public-facing systems, as reported by India Today.
From Lone Researcher To IIT Kanpur Appointment
IIT Kanpur, a top centre for research and innovation, will serve as the launchpad for Adhikary’s career. His role at C3iHub recognises his technical skills and ethical approach to security. OSINT and threat intelligence are vital to modern cyber defence, helping organisations spot threats, track malicious activity and respond quickly. The hire also shows a wider trend: hands-on experience and proven research are increasingly valued alongside formal qualifications.
Why Threat Intelligence Matters Now
As governments, schools and businesses move services online, cyber threats are increasing and getting more complex — from data breaches and ransomware to state-linked attacks. Threat intelligence teams collect and analyse information from open sources and threat actor activity to spot risks early and stop incidents. OSINT specialists provide early warnings and actionable insights that help organisations strengthen their defences.
Tips For Young People Interested In Cybersecurity
Adhikary’s story shows that age is no barrier in cybersecurity. Curiosity, practical skills and ethical conduct can lead to meaningful contributions and career opportunities. His move from reporting OSM portal flaws to joining IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub underscores growing opportunities in India’s cybersecurity sector and the value of responsible security research.
