From Samastipur To NASA: 17-Year-Old Ethical Hacker From Bihar Enters US Space Agency’s Cyber Security Hall Of Fame

Samastipur, Bihar: A teenager from Samastipur, Bihar has stunned the global tech community by securing a place in NASA’s prestigious Cyber Security Hall of Fame. 17-year-old Ram Jee Raj, a self-taught ethical hacker uncovered a major vulnerability in the official website of the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Raj, the son of Rinkesh Kumar, reported the flaw to NASA via email in the early hours of May 14. Five days later, the agency confirmed the issue, resolved it, and officially acknowledged Raj’s contribution. “NASA accepted the flaw on May 19 and took corrective steps,” he told ETV Bharat.

Gaming Dreams That Sparked a Cyber Genius

Raj’s journey into the world of cyber security began with a childhood fascination for video games. “In my childhood, I was fascinated by how games were made. This curiosity led me to learn coding, game development, and web development. Later, I watched some hacking-related movies, which sparked my interest in hacking,” he told the publication.

By the age of 11, he was already immersed in coding. Calling himself a white-hat hacker, Raj focused on identifying and reporting vulnerabilities in digital systems for the greater good. He has since scanned hundreds of websites, contributing silently to the digital safety of multiple platforms.

AI Innovations Earned Him National Recognition

Beyond hacking, Raj has ventured into artificial intelligence with impactful projects such as MedVed AI, FarmEye, and YUVA Sathi, which aim to transform healthcare, education, and agriculture. His innovations have earned him recognition from the USA Book of World Records and multiple awards across the globe.

Currently, Raj is working on an AI-driven startup aimed at revolutionising farming. “My effort is to make a farmer who is taking care of five cows, take care of 500 cows with the help of technology,” he said.

Despite his accolades, Raj points out the lack of supportive ecosystems in small towns. “With little encouragement, many brilliant individuals seek opportunities elsewhere,” he added, calling for more infrastructure to retain young Indian talent.

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