Cybersecurity researcher Nisarga Adhikary has been appointed as an OSINT and Threat Intelligence Engineer at the C3iHub initiative of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. The development comes shortly after he raised concerns about alleged security vulnerabilities in the Central Board of Secondary Education On Screen Marking system.
According to available information, the 19 year old researcher gained attention in cybersecurity circles for identifying and reporting potential issues in digital examination infrastructure. His findings on the CBSE On Screen Marking platform sparked discussions around the importance of securing digital education systems and strengthening cyber resilience in examination processes.
The appointment at IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub is considered a notable achievement at an early stage in his career. C3iHub is a cybersecurity research and innovation center that focuses on developing advanced solutions in cyber threat intelligence, critical infrastructure protection, and digital security frameworks.
In his new role, Adhikary will reportedly work in areas related to open source intelligence and threat intelligence engineering. These domains involve analyzing publicly available data, identifying potential cyber threats, and supporting the development of systems designed to prevent cyber attacks and digital vulnerabilities.
Cybersecurity experts note that the demand for professionals in threat intelligence has increased significantly in recent years due to the rising complexity of cyber attacks and the expansion of digital infrastructure across sectors such as education, finance, and governance.
The case also highlights the growing role of young researchers in identifying security gaps in large scale digital systems. With increasing reliance on online platforms for examinations, administrative processes, and data management, cybersecurity has become a critical area of focus for institutions across India.
IIT Kanpur’s C3iHub initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen India’s cybersecurity ecosystem by supporting research, innovation, and collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies. The center works on developing advanced tools and frameworks to address emerging cyber threats and protect critical infrastructure.
The transition of young cybersecurity researchers into professional roles at premier institutions reflects the expanding opportunities in the field of information security. It also underscores the importance of early research contributions in shaping career paths within the technology sector.
While discussions around the CBSE On Screen Marking system continue in cybersecurity forums, the appointment of Adhikary at IIT Kanpur highlights a shift toward structured engagement in threat analysis and digital security research.
Experts emphasize that cybersecurity is becoming an essential component of modern education systems, especially as examination and evaluation processes move increasingly toward digital platforms. Ensuring the security and integrity of such systems is considered vital for maintaining trust in academic institutions.
The development is expected to encourage more students and young researchers to explore careers in cybersecurity, particularly in areas related to ethical hacking, threat intelligence, and digital risk assessment.