Malayali ethical hacker enters NASA Hall of Fame after exposing security flaws

Malappuram: A cybersecurity engineer from Kerala has been recognised by the US space agency NASA after responsibly identifying security vulnerabilities in its systems, prompting corrective action.

Pranav P Ramesh, a cybersecurity engineer from Vairankode in Malappuram, has been inducted into NASA's Hall of Fame for responsibly disclosing flaws that could have allowed skilled hackers to access sensitive information.

According to Pranav, the vulnerabilities showed that experienced hackers could have exploited weaknesses in NASA's systems. Following his disclosure, NASA began taking steps to strengthen its security measures. 

Ethical hacking led to recognition

Pranav, son of Ramesh Babu and Preetha from Vairankode, said he examined NASA's website out of professional curiosity.

A licensed and certified ethical hacker, he carried out the security assessment in compliance with established rules. Instead of exploiting the vulnerabilities, he immediately reported them to NASA without misusing any information.

He said sensitive information falling into the hands of malicious hackers who ignore ethical standards could be sold on the dark web for significant sums.

Pranav has previously identified similar security vulnerabilities in the systems of Google and Lenovo, earning recognition and cash rewards from the companies.

Previously employed in Chennai and at Technopark, he now runs his own cybersecurity service under the name Purpossible. Alongside his professional work, he also trains students in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.