Whiz Hacker at 12
By Bala Shah

Indian tech has a new feather in the cap with Mumbai-based teenager Shantanu Gawde making it to the record books as India’s Youngest Ethical Hacker.  Ethical Hackers are the good guys who protect us from the internet criminals who attack us over the net.  These attacks could range from annoying nuisances like worms to malicious viruses which can destroy our computer systems.  Ethical Hackers also work out strategies for preventing crimes like Phsing which can see your bank account compromised by someone sitting in another part of the world.

Shantanu has impeccable genius DNA with both his parents holding doctorates.  A meeting with ex-President Abdul Kalam inspired the Indian family to move back to India.  Mr. Kalam told young Shantanu that the “country needs people like you”.  What spark and inspiration the revered President Kalam gave the young computing whiz can never be quantified.   Quite often bright minds inspire one another if a way that can never be described in any language, however subtle.

Shantanu, at only 7, passed the MSCE exam.  Apart from every advanced Microsoft Certification he is also an Oracle Certified Professional and even a Sun Certified Java Programmer.   At only 6 years he mastered Linux Red Hat.

Shantanu joined respected Mumbai-based tech security firm OrchidSeven as a Research Fellow to be trained in all the subtleties and nuances of ethical hacking.  With the final training at OrchidSeven, Shantanu completed H3X Gold certification which makes him India’s Youngest Ethical Hacker at only 12 years of age.

As the Youngest Ethical Hacker, the accolades and invitations are flowing in.  The Prime Ministers Office invited OrchidSeven and young Shantanu for lunch and an award ceremony. 

So what are Shantanu’s hobbies when he is not working on his computer?  His resume given to techgoss says: “I am very fond of reading and enjoy reading books related to astronomy, science and autobiographies of leading personalities. I, enjoy writing poetries and watching TV.”