New Delhi [India], September 12:In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, one name stands out as a beacon of defence and innovation in India's digital realm: Khushhal Kaushik. As the founder and CEO of Lisianthus Tech, Kaushik has not only fortified organizations against sophisticated hacks but has also elevated India's profile on the global cybersecurity stage. Ranked as the top ethical hacker in India by Silicon India, his journey from a cybersecurity enthusiast to an internationally acclaimed expert underscores why he is hailed as one of the nation's finest in the field in the Ethical hacking and Cyber Security.
Born on April 4, 1988, in Gurgaon, Kaushik's passion for cyber protection ignited early in his career. He founded Lisianthus Tech Pvt. Ltd., a Gurgaon-based firm specializing in security audits, vulnerability assessments, ethical hacking training, and certifications. Declining lucrative offers from multinational corporations, Kaushik chose to build a self-reliant cybersecurity ecosystem in India, focusing on blending cutting-edge research with practical service delivery. His company collaborates with governments, corporations, and private entities to combat cyber threats, embodying his vision of a "Cyber Shikshit Bharat" – a secure digital India.
Kaushik's breakthroughs began making waves in 2018 when he became the first Indian cybersecurity expert to have his article featured in UNESCO's annual magazine, following a rigorous seven-month evaluation process. This milestone was followed by a second research paper published by UNESCO in February 2021, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader. His work caught the eye of global institutions; Northwestern University in Chicago invited him to enhance their Ethical Hacking and Cyberspace Security curriculum, further boosting India's standing in international cybersecurity education.
In 2019, Kaushik's expertise earned him an appointment as the Global Cybersecurity Advisor for the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BRICS CCI). Through a global Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), he has conducted awareness programs, training workshops, and consulting assignments across BRICS nations, promoting cybersecurity best practices worldwide. His collaborations extend to setting up R&D labs with international governments, including discussions with figures like ZoriKor, former National Security Advisor of Israel.
Kaushik's practical contributions are equally impressive. He has resolved numerous high-profile hacking cases, including an email breach in the Republic of Panama and incidents involving senior IAS officers, judges, and corporate executives in India. His hands-on approach to ethical hacking – identifying vulnerabilities before malicious actors exploit them – has saved organizations from potential disasters. A former US Department of Défense veteran with over 30 years of experience once described him as "India’s future of cybersecurity," a testament to his strategic foresight and technical prowess.
Awards and recognitions have followed his achievements. In 2020, Kaushik received the prestigious Glory of India Award from the Indian Achievers’ Forum for his outstanding contributions to cybersecurity. The Andhra Pradesh government honored him for his UNESCO feats, and he has been featured in prominent publications like Forbes India, Hindustan Times, and Money Control. His lectures at esteemed institutions such as IIT Madras, Punjab University, Amity University, Manipal Institute of Technology, SRM and etc, and government bodies like DRDO, CISF, CRPF, Net grid, and more and Haryana Police and Delhi have educated thousands on ethical hacking and threat mitigation.
Beyond individual accolades, Kaushik is a driving force for systemic change. He organized the "Cyber Surakshit Bharat" event on June 11, 2024, featuring luminaries like Amitabh Kant and Kailash Vijayvargiya, to foster public-private partnerships in cybersecurity. Advocating for cybersecurity integration into school curricula from primary to senior secondary levels, he envisions regular nationwide events and even invites from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to amplify the cause. His goal? To cultivate local expertise, spur innovation, and achieve cybersecurity independence for India, transforming it into a global superpower in the domain.
What sets Kaushik apart as one of India's best ethical hackers is his holistic approach: combining technical mastery with advocacy, education, and policy influence. In a country facing escalating cyber risks – from data breaches to state-sponsored attacks – his work ensures that India not only defends itself but leads the charge. As cyber threats evolve, Kaushik's unwavering commitment reminds us that ethical hacking isn't just about finding flaws; it's about building a resilient future.
