In a remarkable story that highlights talent, perseverance, and passion beyond age or background, 16-year-old Yuvraj Gupta, a student from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has made the nation proud by identifying a serious security flaw on NASA’s website. His discovery was so significant that NASA not only acknowledged his efforts but also included him in their prestigious Hall of Fame—an achievement few can boast of globally, let alone a teenager from a modest Indian family.
The Flaw That Shocked NASA
Yuvraj, a Class 11 student at Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, Damodar Nagar, was participating in NASA’s bug bounty programme, an initiative where tech experts and cybersecurity enthusiasts from around the world attempt to identify vulnerabilities in the systems of the world’s most respected space agency.
While many experts missed it, Yuvraj found a critical flaw in a subdomain of NASA’s website that could have allowed cybercriminals to send fake emails from NASA’s official domain. Such a breach could have led to massive misinformation, global scams, and tarnished the credibility of one of the most powerful space research organizations in the world.
“I was about to give up after two weeks of continuous effort,” said Yuvraj, recalling the moment. “But one night, I noticed something unusual on a subdomain. I immediately documented the issue and shared a detailed report with a proof-of-concept video with NASA.”
NASA’s Recognition
NASA took note of his discovery, thanked him with a formal letter of appreciation, and most notably, added his name to their Hall of Fame, a digital board that recognizes contributors who help safeguard their systems. This recognition is rare, especially for someone so young and self-taught.
A Self-Taught Cybersecurity Prodigy
Yuvraj’s journey began at the age of 11 when, out of sheer curiosity, he attempted to hack a Wi-Fi password. That moment sparked a deep interest in ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Despite coming from a financially limited background, he continued to learn through free YouTube tutorials, online courses, and borrowed books.
His talent didn’t go unnoticed. Last year, the founder of a prominent cybersecurity firm spotted his skills on social media and offered him an opportunity to train police officers across India in cybercrime prevention.
No Support From Indian Authorities
Despite his incredible accomplishments, Yuvraj has not received any recognition or encouragement from the Indian government. He has found and reported flaws in several Indian government websites, including those of Odisha and Maharashtra, but was met with silence. No appreciation, no acknowledgment.
However, Yuvraj remains undeterred. “I don’t work for awards. I work to learn and help. I want to keep growing in the cybersecurity field and one day build something impactful for India,” he says.
A Role Model for Young Innovators
Yuvraj’s story is a testament to how determination, passion, and self-learning can lead to extraordinary achievements, even in the absence of institutional support. He continues to inspire thousands of young students across the country who dream of making a difference through technology.