Sourabh Sharma used to spend hours on his computer. He was famous for his passion for technology and keen eye for hacking among his peer group. While the word hacking would surprise — or even shock — many, even Sourabh had never thought that he would be able to make a career out of his knowledge of hacking. Today, he works as a freelancer and earns a satisfying income.

“Things have changed in the last few years. People are realising the positive aspects of hacking and how it can help in cyber security. Many career opportunities for freelancers and permanent job seeking hackers are available in the market,” asserts Sourabh.
According to reports of national cyber security policy, India would need as many as 500,000 professionals in the field in five years. While jobs in government sector are yet to experience a boom, many hackers are opening their own agencies. Jobs as security analysts, professional trainers, corporate trainers and many other options are available for hackers, says Mohit Kumar. “Even college students are freelancing for companies like Google, Microsoft and Apple that pay two to three lakhs for reporting vulnerabilities (security loopholes). Some freelancers are earning as high as `10 lakh per month,” adds Mohit. No wonder more and more wiz kids are coming forward to show off their IT skills.
To highlight hacking skills and how it can be used for better purposes, Hackers Conference: 2nd Edition is being organised by some of the best of minds in the IT world. Leaders in the information security industry and cyber community along with policymakers and government representatives on cyber security will meet face-to-face to join their efforts to co-operate in addressing the most topical issues of Internet security space.
“The highlights of the conference includes special session against Internet Censorship in India, turning Android phones into undetectable spy phones, US hackers demonstrating breaching of SSL security layer in 30 sec, researcher from Singapore will showcase mobile security testing tools and lot more. We also have a website, the hackersconference.com, where IT leaders can meet online,” informs IT expert Jiten Jain.
For many it’s a dream come true that finally their talent of hacking is being recognised. And hackers conference will give them a platform to showcase their expertise, adds Jiten.
“Hackers have amazing abilities and talents that can be channelised in many ways. While everyone is using net banking, security-related issues are becoming a cause of concern. Cases like extortion, murder, attempt to murder, dowry, and fast increasing organised crime need hackers who are experts in investigations,” adds Prabhjot.
“Following the recent disconcerting reports that India was being spied upon by American intelligence agencies, it’s even more important for the country to buckle up its security system. We are also trying to create a cyber security net with South Asian countries and ways to counter snooping and cyber threats. The conference will be a great platform for the community to interact and exchange ideas where delegates from different countries from across the world will participate on August 25, India Habitat Centre,” wraps up Jiten.