At just 17, Md Shariar Shanaz Shuvon has already made his mark on the world stage, not with a diploma or a job title, but with a laptop and an insatiable curiosity.

“I don’t learn to hack, I hack to learn,” Shuvon declares, summing up the spirit that led him from self-taught beginnings in Bangladesh to official recognition from NASA for uncovering a critical security flaw.

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Shuvon’s journey into the world of ethical hacking began in his early teens, powered by YouTube tutorials, free online courses, and countless hours of self-directed study.

Now based in Malaysia and pursuing a Diploma in Information Technology at the University of Cyberjaya, Shuvon is determined to turn his passion into real-world impact.

“Malaysia feels like a hub that’s growing fast in tech and cybersecurity. It’s also close to home, and the community here is very supportive.

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I wanted to build something real in a place that’s full of opportunity,” he told The Peninsula in an exclusive online interview.

A Letter from NASA

Shuvon’s name recently hit headlines after he received an official letter of appreciation from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

His achievement? Discovering and responsibly reporting a serious privacy-related vulnerability in NASA’s systems.

On June 11, 2024, using a combination of Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) and Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) techniques, Shuvon accessed sensitive Earth data containing personal information. “If misused, this could have led to phishing attacks or data leaks,” he explained.

Instead of exploiting the flaw, Shuvon reported it through NASA’s official Vulnerability Disclosure Policy. In February 2025, NASA responded, formally recognising his ethical approach and technical skill.

“Honestly, I was surprised. I never expected NASA to notice someone like me. It was just me doing what I love—finding bugs.

That moment reminded me that even from a small place, you can make a global impact,” he reflected.

Global Recognition, Local Roots

Shuvon’s talents have not gone unnoticed in the wider tech world. He has uncovered vulnerabilities in major companies like Sony and Meta, earning admiration from the global cybersecurity community.

At Sony, he found a bug that allowed access to private data; at Meta, a privacy issue that exposed hidden reactions.

His expertise has also propelled him to the top global rank on TryHackMe, a cybersecurity training platform with over two million users.

Despite his international accolades, Shuvon remains committed to his roots. He hopes to raise cybersecurity awareness in Bangladesh, a country he feels is still unprepared for digital threats.

“Most organisations in Bangladesh don’t take security seriously. There’s no proper bug reporting system. I want to help change that,” he said.

A Message for the Next Generation

To Bangladeshi youth in Qatar and beyond, Shuvon offers a simple but powerful message: “Don’t wait for permission to chase your passion.

Learn skills that no one can take from you. You can change your life with just a laptop and mindset.”

Looking Ahead

What’s next for this rising star? Shuvon is currently working on building a cybersecurity company in Malaysia, mentoring young hackers, and continuing his relentless hunt for bugs.

“Right now, I’m helping businesses stay safe, mentoring young hackers, and continuing to hunt for bugs. What’s next? Going global!”

From a small town in Bangladesh to the attention of NASA, Shuvon’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, persistence, and the belief that anyone, anywhere, can make a difference in the digital age.

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