NIT Srinagar's young hackers uncover vulnerabilities in Bug Hunt 2026

Organised by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Student Chapter of the Departments of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT), the initiative featured expert interactions, awareness sessions and a hands-on bug hunt competition. Director, NIT Srinagar Prof. Anurag Misra highlighted the growing importance of cybersecurity and encouraged students to strengthen their technical capabilities and contribute towards building a secure digital environment.

Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman and Dean Research and Consultancy Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir also emphasised the importance of technological innovation, research and practical learning.

Jyoti Kushwaha, Scientist-D and Joint Director, Electronics and IT Department, Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), attended the programme as Chief Guest. She stressed the need for digital awareness, safe online practices and greater vigilance against emerging cyber threats. During the Bug Hunt competition, Team 404 Found, comprising B.Tech students Piyush Dhakad, Vansh Saini and Prince, secured first position and received a cash prize of ₹10,000.

Team Pasikdar, comprising M.Tech students Younis Ayoub Parray, Malik Tafheem and Iram Naseer, secured second position with a cash prize of ₹7,500, while Karuturi Gowri Shankar secured third position and received ₹5,000. Three participants, Pranjul Khankriyal, Veer Rastogi and Mohsin Wani, received consolation prizes. Team CodeSaga, comprising Ritik Bhardwaj, Mohammed Anas and Dashmesh Deep Singh, was given special recognition for identifying and reporting a security vulnerability.

Dr. Ahsan Chishti, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Dr. Iqra Altaf Gillani, Nodal Officer, BIS, and Dr.

Sparsh Sharma, Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (DCISO), guided the initiative, which was led by Disha Mehra, a fourth-year CSE student. The programme also featured interactive activities and cybersecurity-based quizzes to familiarise students with responsible digital practices and emerging security challenges. The organisers said the initiative aimed to promote ethical hacking, practical cybersecurity skills and responsible vulnerability reporting among students.