NAG plans online hacking school

HYDERABAD: Ranchi-based National Anti-Hack Group (NAG), a security consultancy organization run by enthusiast ethical hackers, would launch its Linux-based security product -- Abhedya -- by August.

The group is planning the roll out to coincide with two other initiatives: Online Hacking School and an international seminar on cyber security.

A 15-member team of the group had been on job to shape Abhedya for the last seven months. “We have a research and development team working on it. We’ve been able to spot various vulnerabilities. Recently we had spotted vulnerabilities in msn.com. Abhedya would be ready in 2-3 months,’’ revealed 18-year-old Vineet Kumar, chief executive officer of the group.

Apparently, the company is mulling over to rename Abhedya. “Since it’s on Linux, we are thinking to rename it as SecurityLinux,’’ stated Kumar.

NAG, which provides certification programs, would also invite applications for its proposed online hacking school. “Whereas for others courses are being offered for a hefty amount, we would be charging Rs 1000,’’ said Kumar.

Kumar, however, reacted in negative when asked about the possibility to commercialize NAG. “We don’t believe in commercialization. Everything we do is on open source.’’

Since its inception in 2003, NAG has been running as a non-profitable organization. It has a total membership of about 11000. After its collaboration with Hacking Center, NAG’s total memberships would be more than the current figure.

Kumar, a standard XII student of Army School in Ranchi, is also working to set up a Cyber Forensic Lab in his hometown, but admits that his organization requires support from various quarters including the government.

“We had been talking to some companies regarding the setting up of the Cyber Forensic Lab but we haven’t approached the government yet,’’ said Kumar.

NAG has zeroed in on Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad to conduct its proposed international seminar on cyber security. “The basic idea is to educate on cyber security. We are also planning training sessions for the seminar,’’ said Kumar.