CBSE Acknowledges Security Flaws After Teen Hacker Exposes Website Vulnerabilities

CBSE admitted to security vulnerabilities in its OnMark portal after 19-year-old ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary highlighted flaws. A cybersecurity team, including experts from government agencies and IITs, has been deployed to address the issues.

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CBSE admitted to security vulnerabilities in its OnMark portal after 19-year-old ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary highlighted flaws.

A cybersecurity team, including experts from government agencies and IITs, has been deployed to address the issues.

AI-generated illustration · NewsDarpan (GPT-Image-2)

AI-generated illustration · NewsDarpan (GPT-Image-2)

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has acknowledged significant security vulnerabilities in its OnMark portal following revelations by 19-year-old ethical hacker Nisarga Adhikary. The teenager identified and reported flaws in the digital evaluation ecosystem, prompting CBSE to take immediate action to address the concerns.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CBSE thanked ethical hackers for their assistance in identifying the weaknesses. The board emphasized its commitment to ensuring the security and integrity of its digital platforms. "We are grateful for the responsible disclosure of these vulnerabilities, which allows us to strengthen our systems," the statement read.

To address the issue, CBSE has deployed a dedicated cybersecurity team comprising experts from government agencies and premier institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). The team is tasked with conducting a comprehensive review of the portal and implementing robust measures to prevent future breaches.

The incident has raised questions about the preparedness of educational institutions in safeguarding sensitive data in an increasingly digital landscape. CBSE's swift response, however, has been seen as a positive step toward reinforcing trust in its digital infrastructure. The board reiterated its commitment to collaborating with cybersecurity professionals to ensure the safety of its platforms.

The OnMark portal is a critical component of CBSE's digital evaluation process, and the recent developments underscore the importance of proactive cybersecurity measures in the education sector.