Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Leicester student ‘hacks’ tech giants to keep them secure

by LAUREN CODLING

AN “ethical hacker” commended by tech giants Google and Apple has revealed the origins of his interest in cyber security, attributing it to his time growing up in India.


Prabhjot Dunglay, 22, is a recent computer science graduate from the University of Leicester. Originally from Delhi, the tech whiz has made a name for himself in cyber security after helping a number of technology companies such as Apple, Google, Dell and SurveyMonkey.

Known as a ‘bug bounty hunter’, Singh finds vulnerabilities in tech company’s infrastructures by ‘ethically hacking’ into their systems. When he reports back the vulnerabilities, it means the businesses can secure themselves from hackers.

“If hackers find some loopholes in companies, they usually target them and then they spread mischievous activities,” he told Eastern Eye. “So, my idea is to secure companies by finding bugs or vulnerabilities and to let them know that there are needs they need to improve on in that particular area.”

Recently, Dunglay was acknowledged by Apple in their ‘hall of fame’ when he discovered a leak in their system. Dunglay’s interest in computing began at an early age while growing up in India. His family invested in a computer when he was around 10 years old, and Dunglay discovered his passion. “I used to spend the whole day playing games and stuff,” he said. “I was always interested in how technology worked”

However, his father grew concerned that Dunglay was spending too much time on the computer and was ignoring his studies. In response, he set up a password system to discourage Dunglay from accessing the desktop. To his father’s bemusement, Dunglay would always find ways to bypass the restrictions. “I got past whatever password they were putting on the computer,” he laughed. “But I think that impressed my dad and he ended up buying me a new desktop.”

As a teenager, Dunglay became intrigued by cyber security and started pursuing online courses to widen his knowledge of the topic. He completed an ethical hacking course when he was 17, just before he took up his place at university in Leicester.

For the first two years in university, however, he was unable to focus on ethical hacking as there were so few module related to cyber security. “Even today, most universities don’t have cyber security modules,” he said. “Even though there is a boom for cyber-security, there are very limited universities which offer those courses.”

In 2018, Dunglay completed a placement in cyber security. It offered him the chance to recall his previous experience in ethical hacking – and he was hooked. He started reaching out to top tech companies and reported vulnerabilities to them. If the issues were valid, he would be paid for his work.

Following the Covid-19 outbreak in March, Dunglay lost his part time job. However, he was able to carry on as an ethical hacker as the work is remote. “With this, I can still support myself with some income,” he said. “That’s been pretty helpful.”

Dunglay is now looking for full-time work in cyber security. His family are keen for him to follow his dream. “They’re happy because they actually want me to pursue something which I’m passionate about,” he said. “I hope they are proud of me."

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less