Codebreakers Chronicles: Ethical Hacking Journey with Alla Krishna Vamsi Reddy

A Defining Moment: Times Square, NYC USA

One of the proudest moments in my journey was seeing my story displayed in the heart of Times Square, New York City. As a young cybersecurity professional from India, this was more than just a personal achievement—it was a symbol of representation and proof that passion, hard work, and perseverance can take you from a small dorm room in Hyderabad to the world stage. That moment was not just a milestone, but a reminder that anyone can make an impact with enough dedication.

Where My Success Story Began

My success story in ethical hacking began in my college dorm room, sparked by a simple yetpowerful question:“What if I could learn how hackers think—and use that knowledge for good?”

As a B.Tech CSE (Hons) student specialising in Cybersecurity and Blockchain at Lovely Professional University, I quickly realised that classroom learning alone wouldn’t satisfy my curiosity. I wanted to get my hands dirty with real-world challenges. This drive led me to explore Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, TryHackMe labs, malware analysis, digital forensics, and ethical hacking frameworks. Each new challenge fueled my desire to solve real problems and protect people in the digital world.

Building My Foundation: Skills and Certifications

I knew that credibility in cybersecurity comes from both knowledge and practical skills. To strengthen my foundation, I earned several industry-recognised certifications:

• CompTIA Security+, CySA+, Linux+, Network+

• Quick Heal Certified Malware Analyst

• Certified Linux Network Professional (CLNP)

• Certified Security Analytics Professional (CSAP)

• TryHackMe Security Analyst L1 ( SAL1), and more

  
  

Each certificate was not just a milestone, but a testament to my commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. More importantly, they gave me the confidence to take on bigger challenges.

Real-World Impact: Internships and Cybercrime Cases

A pivotal chapter in my success story was my internship at the SHE Cyber Lab, Telangana State Police’s Women Safety Wing CID. There, I had the unique opportunity to observe and assist with real digital crime investigations. I learned firsthand how cyber forensics plays a critical role in modern law enforcement and how emotionally and technically demanding cybercrime cases can be.

Working under the guidance of senior IPS officers, I contributed to building digital safety awareness tools and gained invaluable insights into the world of cybercrime prevention. Receiving a recommendation letter from Shikha Goel (IPS, DGP Telangana CID) was a proud validation of my work and impact.

Hacking for Good: Competitions and Bug Bounties

I believe that true growth happens outside of your comfort zone. Over the years, I have tested my skills in several high-stakes environments:

• The Great AppSec Hackathon 2024: Cracking JWTs, manipulating web application logic, and completing intense red team tasks.

• Beat the Kraken Hackathon by ICE and THUB: Designing a custom Python hash cracker to break over 45,000 hashes, standing out by building my own tools.

• Multiple bug bounty programs: Reporting vulnerabilities, earning rewards, and gaining recognition from leading organisations.

  
  

These experiences taught me the importance of teamwork, creativity, and resilience—qualities that are vital in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity.

Giving Back: Awareness, Education, and Community

For me, true success is not just about personal achievements. I am passionate about sharing knowledge and empowering others, especially young people, to stay safe online. I have conducted cybercrime awareness sessions at schools, including my alma mater, DAV Kukatpally, as a returning mentor. Through articles on LinkedIn and Medium, I strive to simplify complex topics like malware analysis, privacy, and data protection for a wider audience.

My posts have inspired thousands of readers across India and beyond, earning me recognition as a “Top Voice” in cybersecurity and computer networking. The support and feedback from the community motivate me to keep learning and giving back.

My Motivation: Why I Hack

My success story in ethical hacking is driven by curiosity, the thrill of solving complex problems, and a deep desire to make a positive impact. Every vulnerability I discover and report helps strengthen the security of digital systems, protecting sensitive information and preventing potential cyberattacks. The continuous learning and problem-solving aspects of ethical hacking keep me engaged and passionate about my work.

The ethical hacking community is incredibly supportive and collaborative. Sharing knowledge, learning from others, and contributing to the community’s growth are aspects I deeply value. The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among ethical hackers is truly inspiring.

Favikon Rankings and Global Impact

One highlight that keeps me grounded yet motivated is being featured on Favikon rankings among the top cybersecurity voices. This recognition isn't just a number—it’s a reflection of how far my story has reached and how much value the community finds in my content. Whether it's decoding vulnerabilities, writing impactful posts, or inspiring the next wave of ethical hackers, I’m proud of the ripple effect my journey has had.

Also, I was humbled when someone once reached out saying,“We would be honored to feature your story, focusing on your journey in ethical hacking, the challenges encountered, the victories celebrated, and what drives your passion in this dynamic field.”That hit deep. It reminded me how real and relatable our stories can be.

Conclusion

From pranking networks in my first year to being featured on Times Square, my success story is one of curiosity, hard work, and impact. I’m thankful for every lesson and opportunity that shaped me.

If my journey inspires even one person to start their own path in ethical hacking, that’s the real win.