Nineteen-year-old Indian cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary has earned a place in the US Department of Justice’s Hall of Fame after reporting security vulnerabilities in government systems. The recognition highlights his contribution to responsible vulnerability disclosure, a process through which security researchers alert organizations to flaws so they can be addressed before they create larger risks.
Adhikary shared the achievement on X, posting a screenshot of the Justice Department’s acknowledgments page. The page recognizes researchers who have identified legitimate security weaknesses and reported them through the department’s responsible disclosure program.
His recognition follows cybersecurity research that included vulnerabilities discovered in the Central Board of Secondary Education’s On-Screen Marking, or OSM, portal. The platform is used by schools for uploading and managing examination marks. Identifying weaknesses in systems that handle sensitive educational information can help organizations strengthen their defenses and reduce potential exposure to unauthorized access.
Adhikary’s interest in cybersecurity began at an early age. He has described himself as being fascinated by computers while growing up and said he started exploring cybersecurity when he was around 13. What began as curiosity and experimentation gradually developed into a serious professional interest.
His early start in the field has since translated into opportunities within India’s cybersecurity ecosystem. In June, IIT Kanpur appointed Adhikary as an Open-Source Intelligence and Threat Intelligence Engineer at C3iHub, the institute’s cybersecurity-focused technology innovation hub.
The Justice Department recognition adds another milestone to his developing career. The Hall of Fame is designed to acknowledge researchers who responsibly report vulnerabilities, allowing organizations to investigate potential weaknesses and take steps to improve system security.
Adhikary’s journey also reflects how cybersecurity research can begin through independent learning and develop into professional work at a relatively young age. His experience spans vulnerability research, responsible disclosure and threat intelligence, bringing together several areas of modern cyber defense.
With his appointment at C3iHub and recognition from the US Justice Department, Adhikary is continuing to build experience in a field that increasingly depends on researchers who can identify weaknesses before they are exploited. His story underscores the role that responsible security research can play in helping organizations protect digital infrastructure.
